Cluny MacPherson

I'm hoping this post provides background from whence my dog gets his name. And no, he isn't named for the movie actor ...

"Cluny Macpherson" - Ewen MacPherson of Cluny, Chief of Clan Chattan, joined the Stewart army with about six hundred men but missed Culloden as they had been sent to guard the passes in the Badenoch. After the failed Jacobite rebellion of '45, the British Redcoats searched the highlands for leaders and members of the Jacobite army. 

Cluny's house was burnt to the ground and all his possessions looted so it became necessary for him to scatter his men and seek refuge.  Cluny, with a small party of men, headed towards Loch Ericht. On the sides of Creag Dubh, he took refuge is a small cave, now known as Cluny's cave. The cave wasn't much more than a hole in the ground with a fallen tree forming the roof, but it was large enough to accommodate two men resonably comfortably.

Cluny MacPherson was joined by Bonnie Prince Charlie, who remained there in hiding for about 5 months. It is said that the Prince asked for Cluny 's plaid because it was thicker than his own. Cluny refused to give it up but offered to share; thus Cluny and the Prince slept under the same plaid.

Cluny remained in hiding for nine years. Many people knew of his whereabouts, but despite enormous rewards no tongue betrayed him. 

There are many stories about his protection, one of which tells of the the little "Drummer Boy". The little drummer boy, who was aged about 10, who was captured by British Army. He had been suspected of supplying food to Cluny. Having been forced to lead them to where Cluny was in hiding, he was desperate to raise the alarm. On the way up the mountain, the boy began to talk to the drummer about his drum and how he wanted to become a drummer. Eventually, the drummer allowed the boy to take a look at the drum. Seizing his opportunity, the little boy beat on the drum as loud as he could. By the time the British reached the cave, Cluny had fled.

In 1765, he escaped to France and died soon afterwards of a broken heart said to have been caused by his longing for his homeland of Speyside.

Cluny MacPherson was mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Kidnapped'. Cluny Macpherson is portrayed by Stevenson as a powerful man who spends his time listening to the grievances of the people and entertaining guests. Although he is in hiding, Cluny still emerges as a strong character with his sense of dignity and pride intact.