Skye sees return of Jacobites

Visitors to Armadale Castle will be transported to the days of Bonnie Prince Charlie on Saturday July 28, when costumed re-enactors take up residence on the castle lawn.

Using an impressive arsenal of rapiers, broadswords, claymores and other weaponry, members of the Renaissance Scots Living History Association (RenScots) will recreate scenes of combat from the Jacobite era and before.

Visitors will also have the chance to handle real swords, meet the performers, and have a go using realistic practice weapons.

Entitled Tartan and Targe, the event complements the extensive Jacobite collections on show at Armadale Castle’s Museum of the Isles.

The museum owns a number of items reputed to have been used by Bonnie Prince Charlie, including shoe buckles, wine glasses and a walking stick. Also on display are a number of imposing weapons, including a large targe (Highland shield),

axes, basket-hilted swords and dirks (daggers).

Firearms in the collection include the valuable Gunna Brec (speckled gun) which dates from 1690.

Museum manager Sue Geale said: ‘I was very impressed by RenScots’ performance at last year’s Arisaig Games and was delighted when they accepted our invitation to visit us at Armadale.

‘Live performance is not only hugely entertaining but also a great way to bring to life the stories we tell in the museum and the artefacts we hold in our collection.

‘We are all looking forward to getting up close to history with a thrilling show.’

Jim Craig from RenScots said: ‘We’re excited to be starting our 2018 Highland Challenge tour with a visit to the spiritual home of Clan Donald.

‘We are looking forward to adding our own special contribution to this historically significant site.

‘We hope visitors will come and enjoy the performances, say hello and perhaps challenge us to a fight!’

RenScots will be in residence at Armadale Castle between 11.30am and 4pm, with live demonstrations at approximately 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

The event is suitable for all the family and is free with castle entrance.

Ticket prices are available on the Armadale Castle website and include special family rates and discount for local residents.