Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on the life of Flora MacDonald (1722-1790). Flora is a romantic figure from the Jacobite era who is forever associated with ‘Bonnie’ Prince Charlie.

A summary of the life of Flora MacDonald

• Although long associated with the Isle of Skye, Flora was actually born on South Uist, Outer Hebrides.
• She achieved fame by assisting ‘Bonnie’ Prince Charlie to escape after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The Prince was disguised as Flora’s maid. As punishment Flora was held in Dunstaffnage Castle, near Oban and then the Tower of London in England. However, she was released in 1747 and returned to Scotland.
• Flora married Allan MacDonald in 1750. The image below is of Flodigarry Cottage Isle of Skye. The original core of this cottage was the marital home of Flora and Allan between 1751 and 1764. The building is largely from the 19th century as refurbished in the late 20th century.

• Flora emigrated to North Carolina with husband and eldest children in 1774. Allan sided with British loyalists during independence struggle and was captured at Battle of Moore’s Creek. The MacDonalds’ plantation was destroyed by revolutionaries.
• Flora returned to Scotland and Dunvegan Castle, Skye in 1779.
• Husband, Allan returned to Scotland in 1783.
• Flora died March 5th 1790 and was buried at Kilmuir.The burial site faces seawards, towards Flora’s home of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The Kilmuir graveyard is located on the northern tip of the Isle of Skye, (Trotternish) between Uig and Duntulm. It is accessed along the same track as the outdoor, Skye Museum of Island Life.

More information for the visitor

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains sections on Skye, Battle of Culloden and the Outer Hebrides. The ISBN of this heavily illustrated book is 978-3-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.