The Prince remembered at the Sheep Heid in Duddingston

The Prince certainly stayed in Duddingston before the Battle in 1745 ...

So it is not surprising to find a painting there recalling the history. The artist who painted the scene below is not known locally but the view is from Birsley Brae/ Tranent down to the Forth. Of course history tells us that the Prince was not at that spot on the morning of 21st September. He'd left at 4 am to walk through the Riggonhead Defile on the advice of Robert Anderson with his 2500 Highland Clansmen.

But in several ways it's a very helpful and accurate representation - the walls of Preston House are clearly shown, and the Tower, along with the sea shore dwellings and industries of Salt Preston and Cuthill.

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For a yet larger image click HERE

The Trust staged re-enactments in Duddingston in 2008 at The Prince's Cottage and the Sheep Heid

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The Much Honoured Baron of Easter and Wester Duddingston was on hand to host The Prince

Michael MacKenzie, infeft as Baron at Duddingston, was on hand to host the Prince's visit and after the War Council those attending dined at the Sheep Heid in very considerable style. The two Jenkinson sisters joined the Prince for luncheon having already been declared the two most beautiful women he had met since coming to Scotland and given gifts of a ring and a snuff box - as history tells. The two sisters subsequently nursed the mortally wounded Colonel Gardiner on September 21st/ 22nd back at the Tranent Manse where they were staying with their father, the Minister from Athelstaneford, at the time of the battle. That cameo was re-enacted in 2007.

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