West Highland Museum adds to important Bonnie Prince Charlie and Jacobite collection

The West Highland Museum has added to its already renowned collection relating to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. A collection of rare Jacobite relics has been given on long term loan to the Museum by a Scottish distiller. The Drambuie Collection was accumulated by the McKinnon family, who owned Drambuie for 100 years. Drambuie is a liqueur made from Scotch whisky, honey, herbs and spices. The link with Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) came after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The Prince fled to the isle of Skye and was given sanctuary by Captain John MacKinnon of Clan MacKinnon. According to family legend, after staying with the captain, the Prince rewarded him with the drink recipe for Drambuie. The name "Drambuie" is thought to derive from the Scottish Gaelic phrase an dram buidheach, "the drink that satisfies". The brand was bought by William Grant & Sons in 2014.

Several items of Jacobite glassware are among the new exhibits. Glassware was said to be particularly important to Jacobite supporters. While some was overt in its message of support, other pieces were engraved with secret symbols and mottos to indicate their loyalties. A notable secret toast to Bonnie Prince Charlie was when his supporters toasted the “King over the water” by holding a glass of wine over a bowl of water. West Highland Museum is situated in the High Street of the town of Fort William (Scottish Gaelic: An Gearasdan) in the Scottish Highlands. Details of the Museum and collections can be found on their website.