The weekend of 31st July and 1st August sees the return of Hugh Fraser’s regiment to Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Clan Maclean and a popular visitor attraction on the Isle of Mull. The ladies and gentlemen of Fraser’s are making their sixth visit to Duart Castle in 2010 and will bring to life the troops, the weapons, the drill and tell the story of the Maclean’s role in the wars of the 17th century.

1653 saw the final instalment in a long saga of warfare across the British Isles in the mid 17th century. The Maclean’s of Duart played a prominent part in the Scottish episodes of the war and hence the visit of the English New Model army to Mull. This turbulent period of our history saw Scots armies invade England four times in a decade and the English under Cromwell invading Scotland in 1650 to suppress the Scots Royalists who were fighting for Charles II. This invasion of Scotland took three years to finally subdue the Scots. The 1653 invasion of Mull was actually beaten back by the weather rather than the action of Scots soldiers. A severe storm hit the English fleet anchored of Duart Point sinking three ships, the most famous of which The Swan has been the subject of archaeological investigations.

The action starts at 11am and runs to 4pm each day with drills, musketry, swordplay and skirmishes with the English troops trying to take the castle.

11am Opening of the Event - Sword Display
12pm Parade of the troops
1pm Introduction to the troops and Musket Display
2pm Musket Display and opening Skirmish
3pm Skirmish with the English invaders
4pm Closing Display

Visitors are welcome to walk round the soldier’s camp outside the castle and meet the soldiers and camp-followers as they prepare to defend the castle against the attacking redcoats.

The event, which takes place outdoors in the magnificent grounds at the castle, is free. Prices apply for admission into the castle and exhibition.

For more information please telephone 01680 812 309 or visit www.duartcastle.com

Photo by John Cable.