The Prince's Cairn
Sightseeing attraction | Lochailort | Scotland | United Kingdom
"The Prince’s Cairn" in Lochailort, Scotland, is a historically significant landmark located at a picturesque spot on the coast of Loch nan Uamh. This unassuming, beehive-shaped pile of stones marks the traditional site where Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, departed Scotland for the last time on September 20, 1746. His farewell came after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1745, which culminated in the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Culloden in April of the same year. The Cairn was erected in 1956 by the 1745 Association, a historical society dedicated to the research and preservation of Jacobite heritage, and serves as a quiet memorial for a pivotal chapter in Scottish history.
The significance of the Prince’s Cairn extends beyond that moment, as Loch nan Uamh is not only the site of Charles' final departure, but also the point where he first landed on Scottish mainland on July 25, 1745. Arriving aboard the French ship *Du Teillay*, he hoped to restore the Stuart dynasty to the throne of Britain. After raising his standard at Glenfinnan and garnering support among the Highland clans, he led a remarkably successful campaign that took him as far as Derby in England. However, the defeat at Culloden forced him to flee, and after months of hiding – including in the Hebrides and in a hideout called "Cluny’s Cage" on Ben Alder – he returned to Loch nan Uamh to board the French frigate *L’Heureux* and flee into exile in France. He never returned to Scotland and died in Rome in 1788.
The Cairn itself is a simple, traditional Highland pile of stones perched on a small promontory at the shore of the loch. A plaque on the memorial stone bears an inscription in Gaelic and English: “A reir beul-aithris is ann bho 'n tràigh so an sheòl Am Prionnsa Tearlach air ais do 'n Fhraing” or “This cairn marks the traditional site from which Prince Charles Edward Stuart departed for France”. The unveiling ceremony on October 4, 1956 was a solemn occasion, attended by prominent figures such as Diana Hay, the 23rd Countess of Erroll, and Sir Donald Hamish Cameron of Lochiel, the 26th Chief of Clan Cameron. Bagpipe music, including a traditional lament, accompanied the ceremony, capturing the melancholic mood of this historic farewell.
The surroundings of the Prince’s Cairn also contribute to the atmosphere. Loch nan Uamh, meaning “Lake of the Caves”, is characterized by rugged natural beauty, with views of the vast water and the hills of the Scottish Highlands beyond. Located on the so-called “Road to the Isles”, a scenic route between Fort William and Mallaig, the Cairn is a stop for travelers interested in Jacobite history or looking to enjoy the spectacular landscape. Access to the Cairn is via a short, unassuming path branching off from the road, and visitors can take in the peaceful silence of the site to reflect on the dramatic events that began and ended here.
Compared to other Jacobite sites like the Glenfinnan Monument, which commemorates Charles' uprising with greater grandeur, the Prince’s Cairn is more modest and introspective. It tells a story not of triumph, but of loss and exile, representing the tragic end of the Jacobite dream. Yet its historical significance is undeniable, as the events of 1745/46 had far-reaching consequences for Scotland: the defeat at Culloden marked the beginning of the end for traditional Highland culture, followed by brutal repression and profound social changes.
For visitors, the Prince’s Cairn offers a chance to experience history up close, away from the hustle and bustle of larger tourist attractions. It is particularly appealing to those interested in the Jacobite period, Bonnie Prince Charlie, or the wild beauty of the Highlands. The view of the loch and the surrounding coast invites contemplation, and the seclusion of the site enhances the feeling of standing at a turning point in history. The Cairn is a quiet yet powerful monument that captures Scotland's tumultuous past while celebrating its timeless landscape.
