Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

Article Source: The National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 15 April 2025 11:12

In a unique link-up, both conservation charities are dedicating an episode of their popular podcasts to explore two of the key figures of the battle which ended the Jacobite claim on the British throne.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Love Scotland episode, hosted by Jackie Bird, explores the fascinating story of Lord George Murray with guest, historian and National Trust for Scotland Trustee, Professor Murray Pittock.

Meanwhile the National Trust will focus on the story of James Wolfe, whose childhood home Quebec House in Kent is in its care, and who was a critical player in the Government army at the battle.

The episodes are released around the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. The battle took place on 16 April 1746 and was part of a civil war that would decide the ruler of Great Britain and ultimately have a global impact. It saw over 1,500 lives lost in the space of an hour.

Annually more than 250,000 visitors come to the battlefield, which is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, the conservation charity that cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s heritage.

National Trust for Scotland President and Love Scotland Presenter Jackie Bird said: “The Battle of Culloden is one of the most enduring events in Scottish history, and all these years later there is still so much to learn. Professor Pittock’s insights into the role of Lord George Murray and his difficult relationship with Charles Edward Stuart give us a sense of these historical figures as real people, with complex motivations. I hope this pair of podcasts will help listeners appreciate the personalities involved and their importance alongside the politics, tactics and legacy of the battle.”

Michelle Douglass, Senior Podcast Producer, National Trust said: "People love history podcasts because these are stories that tell us something bigger about the human condition. There are all sorts of points of views and angles to how we tell our histories. Working with the National Trust for Scotland is the first time we’ve explored this kind of story-telling opportunity: to bring listeners history from two different perspectives. They’ll get a deep dive into the Battle of Culloden – the people involved; the build up, what happened at battle and what it meant for Britain. It’s a unique treatment of a pivotal moment of our past."

The National Trust for Scotland’s Love Scotland episode on Lord George Murray will be released on Friday 18 April.

The National Trust’s episode on James Wolfe is released on Monday 30 April.
Listen and subscribe to Love Scotland from the National Trust for Scotland and Back When from the National Trust on Apple & Spotify.

2025 marks the 279th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden and the 100th year that the Gaelic Society of Inverness have been commemorating the event. The commemoration service will take place on Saturday 19 April. The event begins at 10.30am with a procession starting at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre and ending at the memorial cairn where the service takes place from 11am until 12 noon.

Inside the visitor centre, costumed presentations will take place over the weekend including Clach An Airm, the story of a Clan as they prepared for battle, and Fight like a Highlander, where visitors can discover what it was like to fight with a basket-hilted broadsword on the field at Culloden. As part of the Christopher Duffy Memorial Lecture series on Saturday 19 April at 1:30pm, Dr Darren Scott Layne and Dr Arran Johnston will share insights into the Jacobite uprising using data and eyewitness testimony.

Tickets are available via www.nts.org.uk/culloden

Image: Murray Pittock and Jackie Bird

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

Latest Edinburgh News

The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn

As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.

First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week

A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.

Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December

Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.

Vue Ocean Terminal set to welcome luxurious new seating option

Film fans in Edinburgh will soon be able to enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.

Decade of teaching Scotland to swim capped In Edinburgh

A PROGRAMME that has created a legacy of confident swimmers across Scotland has reached a major milestone, celebrating ten years of transforming lives through the power of swimming.

Call for homeowners in Edinburgh and Lothians to check eligibility for Energy Saving Home Improvements

With energy bills remaining high and winter approaching, thousands of families in Edinburgh and the Lothians could be missing out on free home energy improvements worth £10,000 or more.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.

Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience

FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.

Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas

This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.

First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.

Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide

Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

Make a difference to East Lothian during Trustees Week

Volunteer Centre East Lothian urges people to lend their support to local charities by becoming a trustee.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Customers queue for 18 hours at Popeyes Fort Kinnaird

Today, Popeyes® UK, home of the famous Louisiana Chicken, opened its Fort Kinnaird restaurant in Newcraighall, with over 100 people in the queue for launch day.

Midlothian primary school set to celebrate centenary with a week of music and memories

Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style.

National Roadshow to Shine a Spotlight on Edinburgh Small Businesses

Edinburgh’s small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town on Wednesday, 5th November.

St Andrews Day ticket offer for Castle of Light

Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer.

Shuttle Bus Route Launched at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Lost Shore Surf Resort is teaming up with Scottish sustainable travel pioneer Ember to launch a new all-electric shuttle bus service from Edinburgh City Centre to the resort.

Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh

Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.

Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round

Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.

National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead

This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.

Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox

Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.

Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge

THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.

Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal

Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.