In the 45 uprising, the aspiring king sailed from France into Loch nan Uamh Loch, near Arisaig on 25th July, having first landed on Eriskay. He initially stayed at the farm of Clanranald of Borrodale, but later joined his company and the clansman at Kinlochmoidart on 18th August; from there he went to the head of Loch Shiel to Glenfinnan, where he raised his standard on 19th August4. His company consisted of about 400 men, mainly from the MacDonald’s of Clanranalds and Morar, and the seven loyal companions who arrived with the Young Pretender by boat from France. These were joined by 800 men from Clan Cameron. The ill-fated campaign came to an end in Derby, from where the pursued Charles returned to the Highlands. His forces were later defeated at Culloden by the forces of Duke of Cumberland5. The Gaelic bard, Alasdair mac Mhaighstir Alasdair6, born in Dalilea, held a commission in Prince Charles’ army and led 50 men to this last stand at Culloden. He also documented the uprising in his Journall and Memoirs7, and earlier had written rousing poetry and songs in support of the Young Pretender. His cousin, Flora MacDonald helped the disguised Charles escape to Skye, whence he returned back to the MacDonald household at Borrodale and then onto France3.
The Glenfinnan monument bears tribute to the brave and loyal clansmen who lost their life in the forty-five, and its associated Visitor Centre recounts the story of the uprising and the defeat at Culloden8. The seven companions of Charles were also commemorated by the planting of seven beech trees at Kinlochmoidart known as the Seven Men of Moidart.