Re-enactment of rebel Jacobite council in Aberdeen

26 May 2015

A re-enactment looking at the role of the Jacobite rebel council in Aberdeen in 1715 is going to be held in the Tolbooth Museum on Saturday 6 June. 

Aberdeen and the North-east of Scotland were central to the story of the Jacobite cause and rebellions. At the start of the 1715 rebellion, a new and enthusiastic rebel Jacobite council elected itself in Aberdeen and tried to further the cause as far as they could. This special Tolbooth re-enactment event highlights how the rebel council in Aberdeen tried to further the Jacobite cause.

This re-enactment coincides with an exhibition marking the 300th anniversary of the 1715 Jacobite uprising and its connection to Aberdeen. The exhibition seeks to tell the exciting and dramatic story of what happened in Aberdeen during those tumultuous days through significant objects and documents.

There will also be a targe or shield on display, along with documents, coins and medals from both the government and the Jacobite sides.

Aberdeen City Council Deputy Leader Marie Boulton said: "In 1715, Aberdeen came out in support of the Jacobite cause and it's important to mark this anniversary here in the city.

"This re-enactment is a chance to step back in time and learn the who, what, where and why of the rebel Jacobite council.
"There is great interest in this period of Scottish history just now with the 300th anniversary of the 1715 and events such as the re-enactment show the part played by our city at the time."

For more details of the re-enactment event, visit www.aagm.co.uk or telephone 01224 621167. Advance booking is not required for this free event. The exhibition will run until 24 October 2015.

The opening hours for the Tollbooth Museum are Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm, and on Sunday from 12noon-3pm. Admission is free.

The Tolbooth Museum is one of Aberdeen's oldest buildings and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland. It features displays on local history and the development of crime and punishment through the centuries. Its 17th and 18th century cells, original doors and barred windows provide a unique and atmospheric experience. Displays include the Maiden and the blade of Aberdeen's 17th century guillotine.