Proud Scottish history commands Meteor stage

The story of the Battle of Culloden and Bonnie Prince Charlie is to be retold in fine style at the Meteor Theatre today and Sunday (6pm both nights) by members of Hamilton's Celtic Community.

The performances, part of the Fringe Festival, follow on from two plays staged by the organisation in the past two years which took a close look at aspects of Scottish history. They will be staged in the Meteor Theatre.

Last year's play focused on the Massacre of Glen Coe, and was sold out for all three performances.

"This year's play, Bonnie Prince Charlie - The Story of the 45, leads on from last year's story, and we hope it will prove just as popular with the public," says producer David McLachlan.

"It is directed by Cecilia Mooney.

"It tells the story of how Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Stuart flag in Scotland and hoped the highland clans would join him. Some did, and some didn't," he says.

"It ended with the Battle of Culloden. The prince and his men, mostly just crofters, were short of weapons and fighters, and they lost about 1200 highlanders in an hour. Then all the land was confiscated and they had the highland clearances. "It's a good story to get across to people, and this play tells it properly."

Mr McLachlan says the play has 12 scenes, involves almost 40 actors aged from four years to 70, and is narrated by Ian Bisset in a genuine Scots accent.

"There are also 12 songs of the period, including The Skye Boat Song and Loch Lomond. We've been rehearsing the songs for four months and the play for three.

"Several of us wrote it - Alec Caulder, Ian, and myself."

Mr McLachlan says he's a fifth-generation New Zealander, his forebears migrating from Scotland in 1860. He has always taken a keen interest in Scottish and his family's history.

"And I've always had a kilt," he adds.

Entry fee to the performances is by way of a gold coin donation.