VII: Let the Redcoats run ...

Same Battle outcome every year, so how does the Battle Trust keep the occasion fresh and educational and exciting to behold?

Indeed, the authentic outcome of the Battle of Prestonpans re-enactments is always going to be an extraordinary victory for the Highlanders - against the odds of cannon fire and dragoons. So the Battle Trust has charged its Alan Breck Regiment, its own Prestonpans Volunteers, who nowadays have a small company of Edinburgh Town Guard in their midst, to take the lead. Led by Arran Johnston and Adam Watters they are 'professionally admired' volunteer re-enactors as all who see them at work readily admit.

Each year fresh cameos from the battle are taken on board. 2013 saw the first appearance of redcoat dragoons, the first clamorous arrival at Pinkie House demanding B&B after Victory, and the first meeting of Cope's Council of War in the Burgh Room at Dunbar's Town House. And as well as these intriguing first-time detailed insights, away from The Pans on Wednesday and Thursday respectively the Prince Regent once again Proclaimed his father King James VIII from Edinburgh's Mercat Cross and Cope came ashore from his barges at Dunbar.

The main re-enactment events, repeated throughout Saturday and Sunday, were launched with the traditional Occupation of Prestonpans and The Prestoungrange Gothenburg on the Friday evening accompanied by the Alan Breck's Pipes and Drums [aka Prestonpans British Legion Pipes and Drums.]

Here are some press cuttings from The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News, East Lothian Courier & East Lothian News ...





One of the most enjoyable features of the re-enactments are the encampment areas which this year were bigger than ever.

More details appear elsewhere but this snapshot of Cope playing cards whilst the Prince earnestly debates the forthcoming battle with his officers was not to be missed!




... these are the centre spreads from the East Lothian county papers ...