Tag Archives: Scottish independence

The 1745 Rebellion: Jacobites and Scotland

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What is it about Scotland that has stirred the imagination for centuries? Aside from spectacular geography, one word answers this question, “heritage.” The struggles of Scotland may be largely understood as an endeavor to preserve a culture and people that resonate with valiant and independent principles. In this sense, Scotland embodies the highest ideals of conservative thought; preserving the true, good, and beautiful. Although misplaced, the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 was certainly the last national moment of Scottish independent fervor, and marks the grave of Scottish autonomy and tradition. Any rebirths of Scottish culture since 1745 have been reenactments of earlier glory, such as the Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott craze of the 19th century and the Celtic music fad of our own day. With the last battle at Culloden, the English banned the kilts along with all Highland dress, destroyed the clan system, illegalized the carrying of all weapons in Scotland, and sealed the power of the English monarch over all Scottish subjects. The end of a civilization had come. Read more on Landmarks of Liberty…

E. Wesley – Mackinac Center Intern

The Battle of Carbisdale: April 27, 1650

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The Marquis of Montrose has landed,

An English invader unfounded

By law or decree has he banded

To render Scotland’s north hounded.

Negotiation was a precarious thing in the 17th century, but for Scotland, foreign treachery and coerced invasion was not to be tolerated.  Charles II needed the Scottish Covenanters’ support in order to win Scotland.  The ambitious Marquis of Montrose was sent north to the Orkney Islands to threaten the Covenanters into terms with Charles.  The Battle of Carbisdale remains a testimony to the Presbyterian, freedom-loving spirit of the Covenanters, and Scotland’s ever ill taste for sudden and immediate subjugation of their country.  Read more on Landmarks of Liberty…

E. Wesley – Mackinac Center Intern

Declaration of Arbroath: Drafted April 6, 1320

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Ye knights of Arthur’s table round,

Hear now the northern war pipe sound,

The restless, marshal pleas abound,

From loch to hill of liberty’s ground.

Land of mythic golden Camelot,

With fabled knights like Lancelot,

Hark now to minstrelsy dearly bought

With the fallen, kilted warriors’ lot,

Recalled in Arbroath.

“From countless evils, English foes,

God saved us by Robert’s toiling woes.

Yet if he betrays; from the cause repose,

We shall surely force him to depose.

For as yet as one hundred live,

We’ll never English fealty give,

Not for riches, honor do we rive,

But for our freedom have we striv’”

Declared the Arbroath.

Arbroath mustered more than Scots.

Including Brederode’s April plots;*

Covenanters signing blood inked dots;

And Americans loading Watts.*

From Wellington’s great victory;

To Blue’s emancipating dignity,

And Churchill’s symbolic “V.”

Worthy men give life for liberty,

Thus said the Arbroath.

Read a translation of the Declaration of Arbroath here.

E. Wesley – Mackinac Center Intern

Image of William Wallace from Wikipedia

The Coronation of Robert the Bruce: March 25, 1306

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The Stone of Scone imprisoned lay,

Trapped in Westminster’s chair tray,

Scotland sparked not liberty’s ray,

When Bruce was crowned at Scone.

After the death of William Wallace in 1305, the cause for Scottish independence seemed all but lost. Claim to the Scottish thrown was divided between Robert the Bruce and John Comyn (who naturally despised each other). Ironically, it would be the division in the Scottish throne that would later unite Scotland for its final push to independence. Read more on Landmarks of Liberty…

E. Wesley – Mackinac Center Intern

Liberating Scottish language and national identity

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During the early 17th century, when King James VI ascended to the English thrown, the Scottish Parliament and Old Scottish Court used “Scots” as their official language. The mark of Scotland seemed enduring and profound. However, after the union of the English and Scottish parliaments in 1707, England began imposing its language through the Scottish educational system on the Scottish Lowlanders. Scottish nobles began recasting their speech in English in order to identify with society in London, and Scottish Enlightenment philosophers took on the mantle of their English conquers. England was imposing a universal standard that threatened Scotland’s national identity of independence and bravery: “for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule.” Robert Burns took the stage during the most critical moment and revived Scotland’s heritage of liberty for all time.

Jennifer R. McDermott’s treatment of Burns is the finest I have yet seen (read here). It is a “must read” for all liberty lovers!

E. Wesley – Mackinac Center Intern

A Knight for Liberty Is Condemned

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William_Wallace_Statue_,_Aberdeen2

August 5th, 1305: A hero of his country is betrayed, and marches to his execution.  His last defense is simple and true: “I can not be a traitor…”  Grieved beyond words, a whole nation rises up for its independence and a declaration of grievances is published.  Read more on Landmarks of Liberty.

E. Wesley- Mackinac Center Intern