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Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we turn our attention to April 3, 1746, marking the conclusion of the Siege of Fort William—a pivotal yet often overlooked episode in the Jacobite Rising of 1745–46. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events that happened on this day in history, be sure to check out my blog at bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!

By early 1746, the Jacobite forces, led by Prince Charles Edward Stuart, had experienced a series of victories and setbacks in their quest to restore the Stuart monarchy. Following their retreat from England and the hard-fought Battle of Falkirk in January, the Jacobites aimed to consolidate their control over the Scottish Highlands by capturing key government strongholds. Fort William, strategically located at the southwestern end of the Great Glen, became a prime target.

Fort William was more than just a military installation; it was a symbol of Hanoverian authority in the Highlands. Constructed after the 1715 Jacobite uprising, the fort was designed to suppress further rebellions and control the local clans. Its position along Loch Linnhe allowed for naval resupply, making it a formidable obstacle to any attacking force.

In March 1746, Jacobite forces under the command of Donald Cameron of Lochiel and Alexander MacDonald of Keppoch, bolstered by French artillerymen led by Colonel Stapleton, laid siege to Fort William. The garrison, commanded by Captain Caroline Frederick Scott, consisted of approximately 400 men, including regular troops from Guise's Regiment and local militia from Clan Campbell. The fort's defenses were robust, featuring thick stone walls and a complement of artillery, including 12-pounder and 6-pounder cannons.

The Jacobites faced significant challenges from the outset. Transporting heavy artillery through the rugged Highland terrain was arduous, and their siege equipment was limited. Despite these obstacles, they commenced their assault on March 20, employing cannons and mortars to bombard the fort. However, the well-supplied garrison, supported by naval vessels like the sloop Baltimore and the bomb vessel Serpent, effectively repelled the attacks. The ships not only provided additional firepower but also ensured a steady stream of supplies via Loch Linnhe, undermining the siege's effectiveness.

Internal divisions further hampered the Jacobite efforts. Coordination between the Highland clans and the French engineers was less than optimal, leading to strategic missteps. Moreover, the Jacobites' inability to fully cut off the fort's supply lines allowed the garrison to withstand the siege with relative ease.

After two weeks of continuous but ineffective bombardment, the Jacobite commanders recognized the futility of their efforts. On April 3, 1746, they lifted the siege and withdrew their forces. This retreat allowed them to regroup and join the main Jacobite army in Inverness, setting the stage for the fateful Battle of Culloden just days later.

The failure to capture Fort William had significant implications. It remained a steadfast symbol of government control in the Highlands and served as a secure base for British forces. The unsuccessful siege demonstrated the limitations of the Jacobite military strategy, particularly in siege warfare, and foreshadowed the challenges they would face at Culloden.

In the aftermath of the Jacobite defeat at Culloden on April 16, 1746, the British government intensified its efforts to pacify the Highlands. Fort William played a central role in these operations, facilitating the suppression of the clans and the dismantling of the traditional Highland way of life.

Today, the site of Fort William offers a glimpse into this turbulent period of Scottish history. While much of the original fort has been lost to time, the town of Fort William stands as a testament to the events that unfolded there. Visitors can explore the area's rich history and reflect on the enduring legacy of the Jacobite risings.

Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you've gained insight into the complexities and challenges faced during the Siege of Fort William. Don't forget to check out my blog for more historical events at bagtownclans.com/thisday. Tune in tomorrow for another journey through Scotland’s remarkable past. I'm Colin MacDonald—Haste Ye Back!

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