Culloden

when i was a senior in high school i took a class called "War & Peace" from a teacher with the last name of Campbell. years later i would find this point ironic.

at the time i really had no understanding of the termultuous history of the wee isle across the ocean but it was in that class with that teacher that i fell in love with Scotland.

as part of the class he showed an old BBC film* made in the 1960s directed by Peter Watkins that depicted the brutal battle of Culloden (fought on April 16, 1746 on the highland moors of Culloden east of Inverness). Scottish highland clans led by Bonnie Prince Charlie (the said rightful heir to the Scottish throne) for their freedom against the English army standing for their then reigning King George II (and a few Scottish clans that they had in their pockets, like the Campbells).

i had always been intrigued with the country of Scotland. i liked the 80s pop music that came out of it, and found the Scottish brogue of "Scotty" on Star Trek rather fun to imitate. but for some reason, watching that old black and white film took me beyond the parodies and glam of Hollywood and the music industry and gave me a deeper understanding of the Scottish people. it would be 13 years till i actually stepped foot on Scottish soil, but that film of the battle of Culloden broke my heart and pulled me across the sea to Scotland's shores.

later i was able to find out that i have Scottish blood in my family...and that i have heritage with the Scottish Clan MacLeod (a highland clan mostly settled west in the isles of the Hebrides). i read books about the battle and what events led up to it. and in 2005 i was able to actually visit the battle site of Culloden in the highlands of Scotland. it was an extremely profound and moving experience for me. to actually stand where that film depicted, to actually stand where my ancestors fought on the side of the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie. where freedom was fought for...and lost. it brought tears to my eyes.

recently i found that someone has put the Peter Watkins 1960s film on YouTube. i have provided the links to part 1, part 2, and part 3 for you on the sidebar of this blog.

thank you Mr. Campbell (my history teacher from high school) for helping to awaken my love for the Scottish people and opening my eyes to realize that much of what happens in this world, though it may all be much bigger than me, though i am small...i can help to make a difference.