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

Edinburgh welcomes the European Arts Festivals Summit 2025

This April, Edinburgh - the world’s foremost festival city, will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.

Edinburgh blockbuster burger joint back for another bite at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards

Foodie favourite, Luxford Burgers, has made the shortlist in the Best Burger and American category at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards and hopes to be crowned culinary champions for a second year.

Rosas Thai and Uber Eats team up to launch Songkran Supper Clubs in Edinburgh

Rosa's Thai and Uber Eats have launched the Songkran Supper Club – a limited-edition food experience inspired by Thai New Year, designed to spark meaningful conversations across generations.

Number One Restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with world renowned Maison Trimbach

On 16th June, Chef de Cuisine Mathew Sherry and the team at Number One in The Balmoral, Edinburgh will welcome Jean Trimbach, of world-renowned Maison Trimbach winery for an exclusive dinner.

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.

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

Scottish Surfing Prodigy Ben Larg Joins Lost Shore Surf Resort as Ambassador

April 2025 - Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surfing destination, has announced Scotland’s first professional surfer, Ben Larg (20 years) as its official ambassador.

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

Hop Into an EGGceptional Easter at Gravity Active

This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.

Fort Kinnaird announces Easter weekend opening hours and holiday fun for families

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening hours for the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend and is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of fun, food and entertainment!

Edinburgh Whisky Club joins forces with Indian Consulate to host Whisky Tasting Takeover

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has teamed up with the Consulate General of India in Edinburgh to offer a night of fine Indian single malt whisky tasting.

Bikepacking book launch comes to Edinburgh

One of mountaineering’s leading figures, Mike Raine, is launching his new book at Alpkit Edinburgh on 17th April to share his best ‘tales from the trails’.

Edinburgh launches new accessibility guide for the city

Forever Edinburgh has launched a brand-new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide in partnership with award-winning Edinburgh-based disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide.

Three performing arts organisations launch unique opportunity to support Scottish theatre sector

Capital Theatres, Aberdeen Performing Arts and Eden Court Highlands have launched a unique opportunity to support Scottish theatremakers and create accessible new work for young audiences.

BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

Ben & Jerrys Free Cone Day Returns in Edinburgh

On 8th April, Ben & Jerry’s is throwing its annual Free Cone Day celebration at participating scoop shops in Edinburgh!

Morningside venue serves up eggsciting family events for Easter Sunday

A community restaurant and bar in Edinburgh’s Morningside will be staging an eggs-citing line-up of free family-friendly events this Easter Sunday (20th April).

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes famous new arrival, Rodney the capybara

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed a new resident, 11-month-old Rodney, the capybara. The male joins his new Edinburgh Zoo roommates Luna and Cali, who arrived in February.

Bassoonist Emily Crump will represent Edinburgh at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year

Bassoonist Emily Crump was named the overall winner of the Edinburgh Scottish Young Musicians final and will represent Edinburgh at Solo Performer of the Year 2025.

The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!

Nitten residents encouraged to dig for victory

Residents of a Midlothian village are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and start sowing and growing ahead of the return of a historic garden competition this summer.

Cold Town Beer named sponsor of Neighbourgood outdoor summer food and drink market

Edinburgh craft brewer Cold Town Beer has been selected to be official sponsor of Neighbourgood, the open air artisan food and drink market that returns to the city’s Stockbridge area this summer.

Leith restaurant campaign is a Shore thing for Edinburgh waterfront

Some of the biggest names in Scottish hospitality have come together for the first time to showcase Edinburgh’s waterfront in Leith as Scotland’s premier dining destination.

Pantry opens its doors in Bruntsfield with 50 free breakfasts

Edinburgh’s iconic brunch destination, Pantry, is opening its second location in Bruntsfield and to celebrate it is offering 50 free breakfasts split between Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd April.

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

Theatre production brings Burns to life

The National Trust for Scotland and theatremaker James Clements are collaborating on the Burns Project, a new theatrical production inspired by the life and works of Robert Burns.

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

Forever Edinburgh offers mums the chance to win fantastic Mothers Day treats

Forever Edinburgh is giving Edinburgh mums (and their children) the tools to create the perfect Mother's Day through fantastic rewards and a competition with unforgettable Mother's Day presents.