The cairn at Highbridge

Highbridge was the site of the first open conflict of the 1745 Jacobite uprising when, on the 16th August, a group of MacDonnell of Keppoch’s clansmen ambushed a company of government soldiers travelling along the military road to join the garrison at Fort William. In a state of tumult and confusion, the Jacobites, a small group of twelve men, created the illusion of a larger force by shouting and discharging their weapons.

With two dead, the government soldiers retreated but were pursued; by this time the Jacobites had reinforcements. During the ensuing battle six more were killed and dozens injured, and the commanding officer Captain Scott eventually surrendered. The prisoners were taken to Glenfinnan and witnessed the Jacobite Standard being raised a few days later, signifying the formal start of the conflict, before being released. Captain Scott’s horse was given to Prince Charles Edward Stuart.

Today a cairn marks the site where the first skirmish took place.

The full story is told in this blog by West Highland Museum.

More information on visiting the area can be found here.