Ranald Shepherd - The Battle of Sheriffmuir.

THE BATTLE OF SHERRIFMUIR

As Thursday 12^th November was the eve of the 300^th anniversary of the Battle of Sherrifmuir (our local battle of significance), it was not surprising that the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club called on the services of one of its members to recount and explain the events of the day.  Ranald Shepherd is renowned for his vivid accounts of various military encounters. He is a registered battlefield guide with experience of leading expeditions to European and famous local sites. In addition, he has presented vivid reconstructions to the Club of the battles of Gettysburg, Waterloo, the Falklands and others, and recently led a visit to the Stirling Memorial. So expectations were high for an illuminating talk. Also present for the evening, and welcomed by President Mary Fraser, was honorary member of the Club Ed Campbell, himself an historian of note, well-known for his book on the backgrounds of those named on the Dunblane War Memorial.

Ranald reflected on the unusual outcome of the battle where each side judged that it had won, but (more or less simultaneously) recognized that it may also have lost.  How could that be?  Ranald set the context of the battle, with, on the Jacobite side, John Erskine, Earl of Mar (often referred to as “Bobbing John” because of his reputation of changing sides) with an army of some 9,000 men, largely irregulars.  On the Royalist side was John Campbell, Duke of Argyll, with a regular army of some 3,000 men.

Initially, there was something of a stand-off on both sides, with Mar, in Perth, hoping for the appearance of James III from France with reinforcements.  Argyll meantime was in Stirling.  However, Mar having decided to move south, Argyll responded by moving to Dunblane.  Subsequently, with Mar seeking to establish a position on high ground, and Argyll seeking to head him off, the two sides came into conflict.  Ranald cleverly illustrated the subsequent confusion. The Jacobite right wing initially had success against the Royalist troops.  On the other hand, he described how, on the Jacobite left wing, the Royalist troops were able to overcome the Jacobites.  In consequence, both armies looking at both success and failure, decided to withdraw.  Subsequently, Mar moved north towards Perth and, after a belated arrival by James – without any reinforcements – and his subsequent return to France, the army dispersed.  Argyll, recognizing the dispersal of the Jacobite forces, then returned south.

Overall, Ranald reflected that the outcome of Sheriffmuir itself was inconclusive, in essence, a draw; but the subsequent lack of progress on the Jacobite side to consolidate its position led to the end of the 1715 uprising.  In response to questions, Ranald estimated that each side had probably lost some 500 men.  He concluded his presentation by proposing, on this 300^th commemoration, a toast to those who had fought in this important local battle.

It was clear that Ranald’s comprehensive and lucid account of the battle, and the events leading up to and from it, was greatly appreciated.  Thanked by Speaker’s Host, Graham Russell, there was very warm approval from members.

The next meeting of the Rotary Club will be held at the Westlands Hotel, Doune Road, Dunblane on Thursday 26 November. The speaker will be George Matthews from Dunblane in Bloom, who will speak about the work of volunteers in ensuring a high standard of floral displays in Dunblane, as well working to  maintain the general landscape.  Anyone interested in attending should contact the Club Secretary, Iain Fraser at secretary@dunblanerotary.org.  Tel: 01786 822751.