Leaping from the saddle to take the fight to enemies with sword and firearm, the dragoons of The Scots Greys were some of the nation’s most dashing fighting men.
The mounted infantrymen saw service in theatres of war across Europe during the 17th century, specialising in tackling irregular and guerrilla forces in often rough terrain.
Hundreds of years after their fame was at its height, The Scots Greys will make a stunning return to service at this month’s Soldiers of Killiecrankie event.
The Battle of Killiecrankie took place in 1689 between Highland Scottish clans supporting King James VII of Scotland and the protestant King William of Orange. It was won by the Jacobites.
This year’s commemorations will feature a wealth of re-enactments over two days of family fun on the site of the clash.
Each year, the Soldiers of Killiecrankie committee has worked hard to add new attractions to the event, which has continued to grow in popularity.
The Scots Greys are the latest addition, with Alan Larsen – one of the inspirations for the event – bringing his group of re-enactors back to Killiecrankie.
He has specialised in recreating historical cavalry displays for the past 20 years, performing in the Crimea, Africa and across Europe, as well as in the UK.
Andy Dewar McCabe owns and runs Rannoch Equestrian and specialises in all aspects of horseman ship and will be part of the troop that recreates the regiment.
He is also a former equestrian instructor at the Royal Military College at Sandhurst.
Andy said: “Recreating the Scots Greys, arguably Scotland’s most prestigious cavalry regiment, is very special indeed for me.
“It has really opened my eyes as to how cavalry were used over Scotland’s rough terrain, three hundred years ago.”
The Soldiers of Killiecrankie event begins on Friday, July 29, with a skirmish along Pitlochry’s High Street.
It will then continue over the weekend of July 29 and 30, running from 11am to 5pm each day, at the battlefield.
In addition to the mock conflicts, there will also be a range of period sensitive stalls, food stalls and activities.
There will also be a living history camp, with visitors encouraged to walk among the tents, meet the soldiers and their wives and girlfriends and lean how they lived, over 300 years ago.
For more information, including ticket prices, visit www.soldiersofkilliecrankie.co.uk.
