The 1715 Jacobite Rising: Scotland's forgotten rebellion

In the annals of Scottish history, the Jacobite Risings are most often associated with the decisive and tragic events of 1745-1746, culminating in the bloody fields of Culloden. Yet, thirty years prior, another rebellion had shaken the Highlands and beyond: the 1715 Jacobite Rising, often overshadowed but no less significant. Known as "The Fifteen," this uprising sought to restore James Francis Edward Stuart - known by his supporters as James VIII of Scotland and III of England, and by his detractors as the Old Pretender - to the throne. It was a rebellion marked by early promise, large-scale mobilisation, and an air of hopefulness, ultimately undone by poor leadership and missed opportunities. Today, the remnants of this rebellion linger in Scotland’s landscapes, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the ambition and sacrifice of those who fought for a cause they believed just.

History & Significance

The 1715 Jacobite Rising was born in the wake of the Glorious Revolution of 1688, when James II of England and VII of Scotland was deposed in favour of his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange. The Catholic Stuarts, however, retained many loyal followers who yearned for their restoration. The ascension of the Hanoverian King George I in 1714, a German prince with tenuous ties to Britain, created a wave of unrest among Tory dissidents, disaffected Highland clans, and Catholics who viewed the new monarch as a foreign interloper.

It was John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, who ignited the spark of rebellion. Once a stalwart supporter of George I, Mar had fallen out of favour and, seeking to restore his political fortunes, turned to the Jacobite cause. On 6 September 1715, Mar raised the Stuart standard at Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire. The site, still standing today, marks the symbolic beginning of the uprising. Under the pretext of a "grand hunting-match," Mar had gathered clan leaders and rallied initial support, amassing 600 men in a matter of days. From here, the rebellion gained momentum, and Mar's forces grew to an estimated 8,000 to 20,000 men as they seized key strongholds, including Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Dundee.

Despite this promising start, the rebellion’s fate was sealed by indecision and disorganisation. The pivotal moment came on 13 November 1715 at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, near Dunblane. Mar’s Jacobite army, numbering around 12,000, clashed with a much smaller government force under John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll. Though Mar’s men outnumbered their opponents nearly four to one, his hesitance to press the advantage resulted in a battle with no clear victor. While Argyll's forces managed to retreat in good order, the Jacobite morale was deeply shaken. The rebellion’s southern support also faltered, with English Jacobites surrendering at the Battle of Preston the same weekend.

The arrival of James Francis Edward Stuart in Scotland on 22 December 1715 should have been a rallying moment, but his presence came too late. The tide had turned against the Jacobites, and by February 1716, the uprising had collapsed. James fled back to France, accompanied by Mar, leaving behind a movement that would not regain momentum until the ill-fated rebellion of 1745.

Visiting Today

For those wishing to explore the legacy of the 1715 Jacobite Rising, Scotland offers a number of historically significant sites tied to this forgotten rebellion. Each location invites a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded and honours the men and women who took part in the uprising. Here are the key sites to visit:

Braemar Castle, Aberdeenshire

The rebellion began here, at Braemar Castle, where Mar raised the Stuart standard on 6 September 1715. Today, the castle is open to visitors and serves as a powerful reminder of the movement’s hopeful beginnings. Guided tours provide insights into the Jacobite era, including the hunting-match that served as cover for Mar’s gathering of clan leaders. The castle is open daily from April to October, with limited winter access on weekends. For details, see our Braemar Castle Jacobite stronghold guide.

Sheriffmuir Battlefield, Stirling

The site of the inconclusive Battle of Sheriffmuir is a must-visit for those wanting to walk in the footsteps of history. Located near Dunblane, the battlefield is marked by a monument erected in 1915. Visitors can access the area via trails that begin at the nearby Sheriffmuir Inn. The open landscape and quiet surroundings provide a poignant setting to reflect on the events of 1715. The best time to visit is in November, when annual commemorations honour the fallen.

Perth Museum & Art Gallery

Perth, captured early by Jacobite forces, played a central role in the rebellion. The Perth Museum & Art Gallery houses artefacts and exhibits related to the city’s occupation during the uprising. Entry is free, and the museum is open daily, making it an accessible stop for history enthusiasts.

Blair Castle, Atholl

Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl, played a significant role in Jacobite history. The Seaforth Highlanders, key to Mar’s plans, were delayed by loyalist attacks in this region. The castle is open from April to October, with guided tours offering insights into its Jacobite connections.

Preston, Lancashire (England)

Though outside Scotland, the Battle of Preston was a critical moment in the 1715 Rising. The town features a commemorative plaque and offers heritage walks that recount the grim events of the battle. A visit here provides perspective on the wider scope of the uprising.

Key Takeaways

• The 1715 Jacobite Rising marked the first large-scale attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy after the Glorious Revolution.
• John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, played a pivotal role but is often criticised for his indecisive leadership.
• The Battle of Sheriffmuir was a turning point, ending in a stalemate that sapped Jacobite momentum.
• The rebellion ultimately failed due to poor coordination, delayed reinforcements, and government preemption of English risings.
• Key sites like Braemar Castle, Sheriffmuir Battlefield, and Perth Museum & Art Gallery keep the memory of The Fifteen alive today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the 1715 Jacobite Rising?

The 1715 Jacobite Rising, also known as "The Fifteen," was an attempt to restore James Francis Edward Stuart to the British throne. It began in September 1715 when John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, raised the Stuart standard at Braemar Castle. Despite initial successes, the rebellion faltered due to poor leadership, culminating in the inconclusive Battle of Sheriffmuir and eventual collapse in early 1716.

How was the 1715 Rising different from 1745?

The 1715 Rising was broader in scale, involving up to 20,000 men and strong initial support across Scotland and northern England. However, it was poorly led and disorganised. In contrast, the 1745 Rising under Bonnie Prince Charlie was smaller and more focused but advanced deeper into England. The 1745 ended definitively with the devastating Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Where did the 1715 Rising start?

The 1715 Rising began at Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire on 6 September 1715, when John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, raised the Stuart standard. This act marked the formal start of the Jacobite campaign to restore James Francis Edward Stuart to the throne.

For a deeper exploration of Jacobite history, follow the Jacobite trail and uncover the stories of those who fought and fell for the Stuart cause.