Jacobites

The Jacobites were strong in the North East of Scotland during Bonnie Prince Charlie's attempt to reclaim the throne.  However, in Aberdeen, though there were pockets of support for the Young Pretender, the City was, in the mid-1740s, under the control of the Duke of Cumberland.  Once the Jacobites were defeated at Culloden on 16 April 1746 some supporters were arrested in Aberdeen and imprisoned at the Tolbooth.

Confession of Alexander Annand

Alexander Annand was one.  He says in his statement that though he may have been with the Jacobite army, it was only because he had been 'trapanned' into it, or in other words, tricked or trapped.  He says he managed to escape after the Battle of Falkirk, which took place on 17 January 1746 but that the rebels found him hiding in Aberdeen and once again forced him to go with them. 

Though he does not seem to have been directly involved in fighting at the Battle of Culloden as he seems to have been instructed to look after bags instead, he does say that he fled the area once it became clear the Jacobites were not going to win.  He went to Ruthven, and says that on his way there the Young Pretender passed by him with around 100 horse, and that Lord Ogilvie and Gordon of Halhead were also in the party.

By mentioning Lord Ogilvie and Gordon of Halhead, Alexander Annand was naming two men who were known Jacobite supporters.  Lord Ogilvie was Alexander Ogilvie of Auchiries in the parish of Cruden, and he, along with his brothers, fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie.  George Gordon of Halhead and was described in Lord Rosebery's list of rebels as having 'carried arms the whole Rebellion and was Secretary to Lord Pitsligo', who Alexander Annand later sees at the Bridge of Garden.

Bridge of Garden is presumed to be Bridge of Gairn, just north of Ballater, with Tullich a couple of miles east.  Alexander Annand was arrested on his return to Aberdeen and imprisoned in the Tolbooth. 

More information about Alexander Annand can be found by visiting the Tolbooth Museum.

Transcription of Alexander Annand's Confession;

22 April 1746 In presence of the Governors

Compeared Alexander Annand Butcher in Aberdeen who

was Apprehended by the Guard as a Rebel And

being Examined Acknowledges that about the first

of January last he inlisted himself with the Rebels

under the Command of Stonniewood but alleadges that

he was trapanned by one of their Sergeants So to doe

& marched with the Rebels to Stirling and was at

the Battle of Falkirk But upon the Rebels Retreat

from Stirling he deserted from them and came

privately to Aberdeen, Where he keept himself as

privately as he could but was found out by the Rebels

and keept prisoner for the Space of Six days Untill they

Marched from Aberdeen to the North, and afterwards

was keeped prisoner untill they came to Elgin & was

then liberat & joyned his Corps, Declares that he

Continued with the Rebels till the late Battel near

Colloden where he was appointed to take care

of the Baggage, That upon the Rebels beginning to fly

he fleeld likeways & came next morning about Eight

Acloak to Ruthven in Badenoch Where he was told the young

Pretender was with about One hundred horse who had

been in Ruthven all the former night, Declares that he

Saw Lord Ogilvie & Mr Gordon of Halhead among them

Declares that the Young Pretender & the above Horse

passed by the Declarant when on his way to Ruthven

And upon the Seventeenth in the morning he saw a great

Many horses standing at the House Doors in Ruthven

& was told the Pretender & his Company were there

Declares that on the Eighteenth instant at night the

Declarant came to the Bridge of Garden upon the North

Side of Dee thirty Miles West from Aberdeen, Where he

Saw Lord Pitsligo & three Horsemen with him seeking

Quarters but not finding accommodation they went

forward to the village of Tullich Two Miles to the East

of the Bridge of Garden and came to this Town yesterday

and was Secured in the Guard

Will: Chalmers          Alex Annand's

                                                AA

                                                mark

[This article was originally our Document of the Month in March 2009]