Review of Efforts to Date
Historical Accuracy and Portrayals
Historical Preservation

GETTING STARTED:
Culloden has become the premier Scottish Living History event in North America, and participation is limited to pre-registered, organized units. If you have not joined a participating Clan or unit, please pick one that suits your interests and join up. Unaffiliated individuals desiring to participate will be approved on a case by case basis. ALL portrayals by groups and individuals must be related to the known participants in Jacobite Rebellion of 1745-1746 (see HISTORICAL ACCURACY AND PORTRAYALS section).

This information site includes a list of the basic equipment and clothing you are likely to need or should know about. Work within your Clan or unit to find out more about how and where you can join in. We encourage participation by all those interested in Scottish Living History. (back to top)

REVIEW OF EFFORTS TO DATE:
We now have three years of experience and learning available to us, derived from the previous Culloden Living History events. After Longwoods, at Milford and Caesar's Creek, we were able to make some incremental changes and adaptations. This event has come a long way in three years, especially with no umbrella organization or similar events to draw upon. We should look to the future of the event in the light of what we have accomplished and what we have yet to do.

In three years we have developed strong Clan structures and come a long way in recreating the bonds which held Clans together. The great increase in Clan banners and flags at Caesar's Creek was a inspiring sight. These banners have increased in number as the pride and recognition of Clans has increased. The flags are also a very historically accurate touch, as research shows that there were a large number of Clan and unit banners on the field. There is a wealth of information about what they looked like, how they were made, and what happened to them.

The clothing and dress of the Highland re-enactors is another area where there has been significant change. Supported by historical documentation, three distinct classes of people are emerging in the Clans, each with different clothing and equipment requirements. It was quite impressive when all those Highland jackets appeared at Caesar's Creek.

After the first event at Longwoods, more and more people began doing portrayals of actual participants in the '45. As more re-enactors do the extensive research required to present real people, the entire event benefits from their efforts. Actual meetings and conversations are now able to be re-created. This addition has had a very positive impact on the event.

Each year has seen a marked increase in side activities during the weekend. Clans and individuals have taken on the responsibility to research and develop new ideas for camp life, social functions, fictional characters, Clan activities, historical scenarios, and Highland life. Two new fall events have spun off from the success of Culloden. The characters and ideas developed for Culloden have been presented at numerous other sites and established events. There is much to be proud of.

As the Culloden event has grown, new groups have lined up to participate on the Jacobite side, so many in fact, that they cannot all be accommodated in the current format. This is quite a compliment to us all. This fact reminds us all of the amount of interest the event generates, and of the event's potential. A strong pool of reserve talent can also serve to spur on the efforts of the veteran participants.

Culloden 2001 will be whatever we make it. The event has a long history and a recent past. We cannot rest upon our laurels any more then those we honor could have rested upon theirs. Three years worth of your comments, praise, concerns, and suggestions, have been taken into consideration for 2001. The material in this document specifically addresses the issues and ideas you provided.

It is a credit to us all that such a high level of event stewardship exists within our ranks.
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HISTORICAL ACCURACY AND PORTRAYALS:
The units and Clan organizations that participate at Culloden are organized around the basic principle that people doing living history can do a credible job, maintain an acceptable level of authenticity, AND have a very good time while they do it.

We have discovered, as many others have, that it is no tougher to make a credible presentation then it is to make a bad one. After three years of the Culloden Living History weekends, and all the effort that went into them, another discovery has been made. Most of the faux pas which plague living history events are little things which keep the event from having the look and feel intended. The good news is that these little things are usually the result of a misunderstanding or a lack of information. We have included in this document some dos and some don'ts. It is our hope that we have helped to create understanding and provide information.

The event tries to recreate not only a specific period in time, but the look, feel, and accurate portrayal of the people in that period. All of us who participate have an obligation to present ourselves with as much historical accuracy as possible. Many fine 18th Century Living History portrayals are being done which, good as they are, do not fit the Culloden Weekend. If you are doing a character that doesn't fit this event (like F&I Colonials or Rangers, US Rev. War Americans, Navy, traveling performers, gypsies, Spanish Colonial, or 1812), please contact us and we will work with you to adapt your character and accouterments.

This is a 24 hour event; please go into character on Friday night and come out on Sunday night. Remember that it is a 24 hour event when you are conversing in the ranks or in public areas. Consider what Highland troops would have talked about as they stood awaiting review by their Sovereign Lord. Think about their conversations as they waited to go into battle, or what women said as they met on the village green. This situation always draws a lot of comment each year at event reviews. If it came after 1746, it is probably not germane to the event's public activities.

All participants are encouraged to develop their characters on an individual basis. Explore all aspects of 18th Century Scotland and present yourself in a way unique to your interests. Consider the guidelines this document and your unit provide as words of experience, and a list of pitfalls to avoid. Please remember, the Culloden Living History event is nothing like a rendezvous weekend. All those who attend are expected to participate fully in the event. Why else are you there? (back to top)

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION:
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we need to remember the heritage and history which we will gather to preserve, promote and present. The relationship which has been established between this event's participants and the National Trust for Scotland is an outstanding honor for us all.

The funds raised at Culloden 2000, combined with donations by living historians throughout the year, have done much to preserve the sites of the '45. Turf wall and plant restoration (by the grazing of purchased sheep) have taken place at the Culloden Battlefield. Repairs and new plantings are in progress at the Glenfinnan Monument. An upcoming aerial survey of Culloden Moor will help with new research. All these activities and many more are part of what we are helping to accomplish through the National Trust for Scotland and its North American partner, Scottish Heritage USA.

We encourage all participants: Jacobite, Hanoverian, French, Irish, Lowland Scot, Vendors and Merchants, to help in making this an event which is a credit to us all. We hope all of you will take part in the fund raising which goes on for The National Trust for Scotland/Scottish Heritage USA. Donations to this project are tax deductible, and will be accepted throughout the weekend and all year round by the Life Guards. (back to top)

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