WHEN I drew up my original list of ancient towns of Scotland there were clearly a few places I should have included but for whatever reason I left…
WHEN I drew up my original list of ancient towns of Scotland there were clearly a few places I should have included but for whatever reason I left out. One such was Dunkeld, so I am putting that right today.
As with so many of our ancient towns, the origins of Dunkeld are lost to prehistory. There is a dispute about the derivation of the name. Some say it comes from Dun Chailleann, the Gaelic for “fort of the Caledonians”, while others favour Dun-eldean, the fort of the Keledei or Culdees.I think the latter version makes more sense because there is little doubt that the Culdees, or servants of God, had a settlement at Dunkeld in the ninth century, which may have had a royal founder.
The “Apostles Stone”, a much-eroded cross slab in the cathedral museum, probably dates from that era. That the church at Dunkeld was dedicated to St Columba is proof to me of the Iona relics being moved to Dunkeld, though many of them were sent to Ireland for safekeeping. “Work on the present cathedral was not begun until the 13th century; the choir was completed in the 14th century and work extended to the nave in the 15th century. Between 1450-75, the west tower, the south porch and the chapter-house were all added. The see was declared void in 1571 and the roof was removed from the church, but in 1691 the choir was renovated for use as the parish church.
Led by John Graham – better known as Bonnie Dundee – an army of Highland clansmen and Irish troopers took up arms for James VII & II after the usurpation of his throne by William II and Mary II in 1688. Just one regiment stood in their way. The Privy Council had ordered the Earl of Angus’s regiment, the Cameronians, to occupy Dunkeld. They had 800 mainly raw recruits against a Jacobite force numbering perhaps 4000; all battle-hardened troops including cavalry.
At about 7am, Cannon ordered a single charge by all his men at once, the tactic that had worked so well at Killiecrankie. The Cameronians held at first, as the front row of clansmen could not swing their swords or axes, so great was the pressure from their own men behind them. Wholesale battle commenced and soon flames and smoke could be seen billowing up from the thatch of a house right at the edge of the town.
Not a single house except the Atholl House, the cathedral lodge and the minister’s manse still remained intact. Dunkeld had effectively ceased to exist. Around 40 Cameronian officers and men were dead, but the Jacobite army had lost an estimated 300 men with many more wounded. Dunkeld soon gained the reputation of being a “model town” and it became a “gateway to the Highlands” when tourism began in the late 18th century. One of those original “tourists” was Robert Burns who visited to meet the country’s most famous fiddler, Niel Gow.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Scottish Professional Football League - News, views, pictures, videoFormed in June 2013 following a merger of the Scottish Premier League and the 123-year-old Scottish Football League, the SPFL is Scottish football's new unified governing body.
Read more »
Dundee vs Rangers postponed: Scottish Premiership clash called off due to heavy rain around Dens ParkRangers have hit out at the manner of the late decision to call off their game at Dundee on Sunday, saying they were left 'angered' by a lack of communication.
Read more »
Five Asylum Seekers Attempt Suicide in Scottish HotelsFive asylum seekers in Scotland have attempted suicide, raising concerns about their mental health and the conditions they are living in. The incidents occurred at hotels provided by the Home Office contractor Mears Group, with one man attempting suicide at Erskine's Mutha Glasgow River hotel. Charities are calling on the Home Office to urgently end the use of hotel rooms and provide alternative housing in communities.
Read more »
Runaway Porcupines Found Roaming Scottish Housing EstateA pair of porcupines escaped from their farm home and were found exploring gardens in a housing estate in Scotland. Locals were surprised and workers from a nearby farm had to collect the adventurous duo.
Read more »
Scottish unions call for Government to permanently scrap peak train faresThe Scottish Government announced last year that all train fares on publicly-owned ScotRail will be the same regardless of the time of day, with a trial starting in October.
Read more »
Scottish... 'Separated'? The term 'widows’ is triggering, says bank that owns Scottish WidowsThe bank that owns Scottish Widows has urged staff not to use the word ‘widows’ because it might upset people.
Read more »