The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Culloden gun is staying put
A HISTORIC blunderbuss used at the Battle of Culloden has been saved for the nation.
The deadly firearm has been on loan to the battlefield’s visitor centre since 1996 and is regarded as one of the most significant artefacts in the collection.
The weapon is now up for sale and the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which owns the Culloden centre, was given first refusal.
A public appeal for donations has now raised more than £ 45,000 towards the purchase, with a total of £85,000 required.
The NTS is also applying to grantawarding bodies to secure some of the balance.
The blunderbuss was made around 1670 by John Finch, a leading London firearms maker and is a rare survivor of its type.
It is inscribed: “Taken at the Battle of Culloden 16 April 1746 by Captain John Goodenough with 18 balls in it.”
The weapon is likely to have made a good battle trophy for Captain Goodenough, who is known to have fought with the government forces at Culloden in Blakeney’s 27th Foot Regiment.
If the charity had been unable to secure funds, the gun would have been returned to the owner for sale.
An NTS spokeswoman said: “The strength of support means NTS has now committed to purchasing the blunderbuss.
“It is fantastic that we’ve been able to ensure this iconic item stays where it belongs.
“However, fundraising efforts continue.”