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The units and Clan organizations that
participate at the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion 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 five years of
Jacobite Rebellion events, 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. At this
point we have enough information to support a high standard for participants.
This 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
1745 Jacobite Rebellion weekend. If you are doing a character that
doesn’t fit this event, please contact us and we will work with you to adapt
your character and accouterments. Within the 1745 framework, we are
always looking for new ideas and characters. The roles of many actual
participants have yet to be filled, including some not Scottish or Highland.
This is a 24 hour event; you should 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 camp, the ranks or in public areas. This situation
always draws a lot of comment each year at event reviews. Of special
concern are public discussions about: current Scottish/UK politics, addle
minded would-be descendants of Bonnie Prince Charlie, gun control/laws, and
what is or isn’t politically correct. If it came after 1746, it
is not germane to the event’s public activities. 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. A 24
hour event also means your participation may be necessary at ANY time during
that period. We remain at the call of our superiors.
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, provides as words of experience and a list of
pitfalls to avoid. Please remember the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion event is
not like a “rendezvous” weekend. All those who attend are, within
the framework of their character and abilities, expected to participate
fully in the event. Please do not come if you plan a weekend sitting in
camp.
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