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

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.