The Battle of Dunkeld took place on 21 August 1689. This event must be understood in the context of rising tensions in the late 17th century, which also led to the Glencoe Massacre and three other battles.
The main trigger for these conflicts was the British establishment’s rejection of King James VII, who was replaced by his daughter and son-in-law due to political and religious conflicts at the time. Despite this, James maintained a loyal following, especially in the Highlands, known as Jacobites (from the Latin for James).
On 27 July 1689, the Battle of Killiecrankie (the first battle of the Jacobite uprising) took place. The Jacobites defeated government forces. However, this victory came at the cost of losing their charismatic leader, John Graham, Viscount Dundee who became known as Bonnie Dundee. Colonel Cannon commanded the Jacobites, while Lieutenant Colonel Cleland led the government forces.
The government troops, known as the Cameronians, of which there were around 1,200, were attacked in the early hours of 21 August by 5,000 Jacobite clansmen. The fighting was intense, with the Cameronians burning local homes as they were pushed back. Their last stand was at the cathedral and Dunkeld House (now the Hilton Hotel).
In a surprising turn, the Cameronians emerged victorious, with 300 Jacobite casualties compared to 45 Cameronians, including Lieutenant Colonel Cleland, who is buried at the cathedral.
The centre of Dunkeld we see today largely stems from the town’s rebuilding following its destruction in the battle.
