Programme of events to mark the of Battle of Prestonpans and its legacy

This year sees a programme of activity marking the historic and cultural legacy of one of the UK’s most significant Jacobite battles, the Battle of Prestonpans.

Article Source: The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust
Last Updated: 29 July 2021 14:54

From a largescale re-enactment to unique exhibitions and workshops, this year sees a programme of activity marking the historic and cultural legacy of one of the UK’s most significant Jacobite battles, the Battle of Prestonpans.

The events, which are supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, start with an exhibition revealing the many ways the battle has influenced art, music, literature and film over the years. September then sees a two-day living history event with re-enactors travelling from across the world to take part.

Events included in the programme include:

“Hey Johnnie Cope!” Exhibition, John Gray Exhibition Centre, Haddington 7 August - 30 October (Open Tues-Sat, 10am-1pm and 2-4pm), entry free
An exhibition at the John Gray Centre in Haddington will take place from 7 August - 30 October, marking the cultural legacy of the Battle of Prestonpans. This will include 21st century paintings, Victorian engravings, 18th century artifacts, and even a copy of the script of the 1948 film, Bonnie Prince Charlie, starring David Niven. Two separate remnants of the famous thorn tree under which British army officer and local resident Colonel James Gardiner was mortally wounded during the battle, will be reunited and displayed together for the first time. Two supporting Gaelic cultural workshops with poetry and song will be convened by singer, actress, writer, broadcaster and campaigner, Dolina Maclennan.

The Prestonpans Re-enactment Weekend, Greenhills, Prestonpans, 18 -19 September (11-5pm: adults £5, children £3)
This large-scale living history event will bring the past to life as visitors get the chance to meet re-enactors in full period dress and witness history being made. This year sees participation from re-enactors from across the world and a new cannon demonstration showing the impact of such artillery on charging clansmen.

The battle re-enactment will be complemented by a series of arena displays and living history cameos in the encampment, including the Prince’s review of the Jacobite army; a cavalry display as the horsemen test their skills; Redcoat manoeuvres as General Cope puts his soldiers through their paces; and the two commanders holding their War Councils.

Amidst the military action, visitors will be able to explore the two immersive military camps and speak to the re-enactors to find out more about life in 1745. They can even approach the royal pavilion in the hopes of meeting Bonnie Prince Charlie himself! Young visitors can also try their hand at children’s crafts, and even train as Junior Jacobites and try out a Highland Charge.

Anniversary commemoration, Prestonpans Battlefield, 21 September, 12pm
Wreaths will be laid at the Memorial Tables on the battlefield to remember those who fell in battle on both sides during the conflict. Featuring a display of replica banners, the commemoration will be live-streamed on the Trust’s facebook page (@Prestonpans1745).

With support from EventScotland’s Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund, the programme of events has been organised by the Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust, a registered charity promoting the Battle of Prestonpans, its rich associated heritage and its context in the larger Jacobite story for the benefit of both local and visiting audiences, school groups and the communities surrounding the battlefield.

Dr. Arran Johnston of the Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust said:
“We’re looking forward to bringing this living history event and series of activities and exhibitions back to Prestonpans this year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reveal to local people and visitors alike the significance of this major battle and the way it continues to influence culture to this day. These events are stand-outs for everyone from history lovers to children of all ages.”

In October, the Trust is joining forces with military history publisher Helion & Company to host a Jacobite history conference. The event will be held at Prestonpans Town Hall, which the Trust is currently transforming into a museum and heritage space interpreting the battle. Guided battlefield tours will also return in the autumn, along with a series of online talks which follow the success of the Trust’s lockdown initiatives.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said:
“EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Battle of Prestonpans through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund. The programme of activity offers audiences an authentic and engaging experience while marking the historic and cultural legacy of one of the UK’s most significant Jacobite battles.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and supporting events, including the Battle of Prestonpans, is crucial in our recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”

All events marking the Battle of Prestonpans and its legacy will be delivered in line with Scottish Government Covid-19 mitigation measures in place at the time.

To find out more visit www.battleofprestonpans1745.org

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Peppa Pig Casting Announced

Fierylight, in collaboration with Hasbro, are thrilled to announce the cast for the upcoming ‘oinktastic’ UK tour of Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March.

Edinburgh Christmas Parties & Activities 2025

With Christmas just around the corner, there's never been a better time to start thinking about your Edinburgh festive celebrations.

Bongos Bingo Christmas Cracker and Big Fat Bingo of the Year

This festive season at The O2 Academy, Bongo’s Bingo is transporting everyone back to the time when coloured tree lights and flammable tinsel ruled supreme.

Casting for MAMMA MIA! Announced

Full casting is announced for the sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! which comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season playing from Tue 9 Dec 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026.

Women lead the way in the National Galleries of Scotland 2026 programme

National Galleries of Scotland announces an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2026.

Flight Club is giving out hundreds of prizes on the streets of Edinburgh in October

The team behind the home of Social Darts is embarking on a nationwide charity tour in celebration of its 10th birthday and dishing out treats to its fans along the way!

Scottish Building Society brings communities together for largest walking rugby event in Scotland

Scottish Building Society hosted Scotland’s largest walking rugby festival last month, bringing together players of all abilities for a celebration of sport, community, and accessible active living.

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined Sir Tom Hunter to lead out Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to lead out 8,500 Kiltwalkers at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk (Sunday September 14) raising £1.5 million for 800 charities.

Edinburgh school kids team up with Kabin Crew to create a new rap song in Irish and Scottish Gaelic

Young musicians from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration led by Cork’s Kabin Crew.

Capitals Bartenders Cast Their Vote As Edinburgh Bar Awards Reveal Finalists

Edinburgh’s top bartenders have had their say, as the Edinburgh Bar Awards today (Thursday, 11th September) reveal the 2025 finalists across 11 categories.

Take to the skies with Daredevil Photographer Alfred Buckham at the National Galleries of Scotland

This autumn at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival Programme Announced

With support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 36th festival programme.

Mindroom Fundraising Heroes Drive Charity Support Forward

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by charity co-founder 81-year-old Robin Dow, living with stage 4 cancer, as his 25-mile walk raised a huge £70,000.

Fresh deals for freshers

Calling all students in Edinburgh! Britain’s biggest craft brewer, BrewDog, has announced some fresh new deals for freshers and returning students to toast the new academic year.

Carol Main MBE FRC appointed Chair of National Centre for Music

The development of a new National Centre for Music has reached another key milestone, with the appointment of Carol Main MBE FRC as Chair.

Eat Spain Drink Spain returns for a Culinary Fiesta across Edinburgh

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as the "Eat Spain Drink Spain" campaign makes its much-anticipated return to Edinburgh.

Haggis the pygmy hippo to say goodbye to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo has announced that Haggis the pygmy hippo will be moving to another zoo as part of the breeding programme for the Endangered species.

Spooky Season Arrives at Dynamic Earth this October

This October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

Edinburgh bridal expert shares her top trend prediction for Taylor Swift wedding

Now is the time to shop for that perfect dress, as Rachel Scott Couture has announced it will be hosting a one-off, three-week long sample sale at its Queensferry Street boutique.

Marcos unveils first of its kind interactive karaoke room

Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco's is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression.

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Divino Enoteca launches September tasting menu and free wine tastings

This September, Edinburgh’s Italian wine bar Divino Enoteca, is offering plenty for food and wine lovers to explore.

September offers for Freshers Week at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is giving students an extra reason to head out this semester with 20% off food, non-alcoholic drinks and merchandise when they show a valid student ID.

Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie

Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.

Dynamic Earth partners with Scottish Water to deliver Water Cycle Workshops

Dynamic Earth is to join Science Centres across Scotland to deliver Water Cycle Workshops as part of Scottish Water's Generation H2O education programme.