| Where: | Re-enactment at Greenhills, Prestonpans &Dunbar, Prestonspans & Pinkie monuments for wreath laying |
| When: | 3rd Weekend in September |
| Time: | 10 am - 5 pm |
The Scottish Battlefields Trust host a trio of commemorations of Lowlands battles, always held on the third weekend in September but moving venue around the relevant sites in turn. Expect historically accurate large battle re-enactments along with talks, displays and living history. The Battle of Prestonpans was the first significant battle in the Jacobite rising, in which Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops were victorious over those of King George II; it took place on September 21st 1745. The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh was fought on 10th September 1547 and was part of the “Rough Wooing” campaign where the English were trying to have Mary Queen of Scots married off to Henry VIII’s young son Edward; the day ended in victory for the English and was the last pitched battle between the two nations. The Battle of Dunbar took place on September 3rd 1650 as part of the Civil Wars; the forces of newly crowned Charles II took on those of the Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell; Cromwell’s troops were victorious and Charles fled into exile. As each of these battles took place in September in locations relatively close to each other, it makes sense that each one takes a turn centre stage so that the different stories and backgrounds can be presented to the public in detail.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 the re-enactment weekend was on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September making a welcome return after a break due to funding problems when there was no event in 2022 or 2023. Tickets are only £5 (which is actually less than a few years ago!). 2025 details are yet to be confirmed but likely to be on 20th & 21st.
Each battle has its own smaller commemoration on its anniversary date when it isn’t the featured site for the spectacular and these events should still be taking place (see Battlefields Trust link below for details).
Admission to the re-enactment in 2018 was £6 and it was a very good value day out especially if you took advantage of the early bird 1/2 price discount for turning up before noon. Refreshments and parking were on site and it was enjoyed by all ages.
Click here for more: https://www.battleofprestonpans1745.org/reenactment/#:~:text=On%2021%2D22%20September%202024,biggest%20Jacobite%20re%2Denactment%20weekend.
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/scottishbattlefieldstrust
Click here for the Scottish Battlefields Trust : http://www.scottishbattlefields.org
Click here for the event website: http://www.battleofprestonpans1745.org
Typo in text. Next Dunbar is 2019 after the pans in 2018!
Thanks Gordon – have put it right which will hopefully save future confusion!
Best wishes,
Averil
Happy days! Pinkie Cleugh re-enactment is shaping up very well now .. with the March from Eyemouth … to Pinkie in time as well as the traditional Flag Memorial at the Commemoration tone.
Excellent!
Can confirm that the dates for the Dunbar 2019 event is 14-15 September (I think the short first weekend has caused the confusion there).
Dear Arran,
Many thanks – I’ve put the dates right . We’ve really enjoyed seeing some of the re-enactments- saw you all in action at Swarkestone, Prestonpans and Killiecrankie in 2018. Keep up the good work 😃
Best wishes
Averil
are the dates known yet for the battle reenactment in 2024. We want to attend as we had relatives in that fight. If anyone knows can you please email me. Trying to make airline reservations from the States!
Hi Ann,
I’m not confident that the reenactment will be going ahead in 2024- I tried making contact about it this year but had no response from the organisers, and it hasn’t happened for some time now. If I find anything out I’ll put it on the site straightaway, but if it doesn’t happen this coming year |’ll consider it a lapsed ex-custom rather than a current one…here’s hoping!
Best wishes,
Averil