On 17th January 1746 at Falkirk Muir the Jacobites had inflicted a crushing blow on the Government Forces in Central Scotland. In a surprise attack the Jacobites had routed General Henry Hawley's army which was threatening Bonnie Prince Charlie's army which was besieging Stirling Castle.
Once again the highlanders' charge had delivered a victory, but it would be the last time a full blooded highland charge with broadswords and dirks would clear a battlefield. Even while they celebrated their victory and Prince Charles pressed for a march south, the Duke of Cumberland was advancing north with more government soldiers determined to crush the rebellion.
With Scotland in the grip of Winter, and desertions depleting their army, the Jacobite command realised they could not take Stirling Castle before Cumberland arrived. They decided to march to Inverness where they could regroup. With the decision made the Jacobite Army struck camp and continued its long retreat north on this day in 1746.
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