We embarked on a journey through time to uncover the fascinating story of the Sobieski Stuart brothers, whose legacy resonates deeply within the heart of Inverness and its surrounding landscapes.
The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery have been incredible hosts to the Inverness Outlanders over the years, providing us with many memorable tours.
During one such tour, we had the privilege of delving into the pages of the Costumes Of The Clans, a remarkable testament to the audacious journey of the Sobieski Stuart brothers into the world of clan tartans.
This 19th-century masterpiece, meticulously crafted by John Sobieski Stuart and his brother Charles Edward Stuart, served as a cornerstone in the development of modern tartan designs.
Featuring no less than 70 color plates of clan tartans, the book inspired the idea of embracing clan tartans within Scottish culture.
The arrival of the Sobieski Stuart brothers in Scotland during the 1820s was shrouded in tales and they claimed descent from Bonnie Prince Charlie himself, their father purportedly being the hidden son of the Prince, kept safe from harm’s way by the British Admiral John Carter Allen. Their regal bearing and audacious claims captured the imagination of figures like Lord Lovat. who generously gifted the brothers a house on the island of Eilean Aigas, 8 miles from Inverness.
Lord Lovat’s connection to Outlander runs deep, as fans of the book & TV series may recall Jamie Fraser was the grandson of the 11th Lord Lovat.
On the tranquil banks of the Beauly River near Inverness lies the final resting place of the Sobieski Stuart brothers.
In the graveyard at Eskadale, their tombstone stands as a silent testament to their legacy.
Behind Eskadale Church, you’ll find the Frasers private graveyard, where subsequent generations of Lord Lovat are laid to rest, following the era of the Old Fox.
Though the brothers claims were ultimately debunked and their legacy tarnished, the Sobieski Stuart brothers left an indelible mark on Inverness. Their tale serves as a reminder of the power of myth and the enduring allure of Scotland’s rich history.
Inverness Outlanders 