CONCERNS have been raised around a display in a Scottish museum which seems to describe the Jacobite movement led by Bonnie Prince Charlie as a “cult” that was "promoting rebellion".
A National reader who had visited Inverness Museum said that an “otherwise very enjoyable visit” had been “marred” by a plaque next to an exhibit about the Jacobite leader.
On display is a selection of trinkets, such as shortbread tins, with the image of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The accompanying plaque reads: "The Jacobites used many symbols to demonstrate covert support for their cause. From miniature portraits to personal items given by ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’, these became valuable heirlooms.
READ MORE: How Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to France after Culloden
"As the dangers passed and the politics were forgotten, Charles was reinvented as a romantic hero. Victorian interest in the Jacobites led to a proliferation of relics and memorabilia.
"The cult continues, but today Bonnie Prince Charlie is selling shortbread rather than promoting rebellion."
After the concerns about the use of the word “cult” were raised to the National, the University of Dundee’s Dr Allan Kennedy said he agreed that the wording was “clumsy”.
The lecturer in Scottish history said: “My view on this is that the wording is clumsy – I would not have used the word 'cult' since it has a lot of unfortunate connotations that do not fit the Jacobite movement.”
He went on: “The word 'rebellion', while strictly accurate, tends to provoke a particular response when used in connection with Jacobitism – but the essential issue being highlighted is important.
“Jacobite iconography used to be seditious, and now it is a core, uncontroversial part of Scotland's 'brand'. The museum is right to make this point, even if they could have expressed it a bit more elegantly.”
The collection and facilities are managed by High Life Highland on behalf of Highland Council.
A spokesperson for High Life Highland said: “The displays throughout our museums are constantly under review to meet the needs and interests of our visitors. We welcome feedback from everyone, and we will always consider people’s comments when undertaking any changes.
"Our team members are always happy to chat about the various displays located throughout the museum and art gallery.”
Bonnie Prince Charlie – whose real name was Charles Edward Stuart – led the Jacobite rising in 1745 in an effort to restore a James VII of Scotland to the British throne.
His efforts were ultimately defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel