October 25th 1739

The Black Watch are tricked

In 1725, four so-called Independent Companies were formed for the preservation of order in the Highlands. They consisted of Highlanders of good family, many accompanied by their own ghillies. They proved to be a very efficient force and in 1739 were formed into a regiment which became known as the Black Watch. They first mustered at Aberfeldy in 1740, close to Wade’s Bridge. It was always understood that the regiment would only be used for service within Scotland so that there was consternation when they were told that they were to march down to London.

The reason given was that King George 2nd, who had never seen Highland soldiers, was keen to meet them and hold a review. Three privates were chosen to go ahead of the main body of men. Unfortunately one of them fell ill and died at Aberfeldy but the other two continued to London and were presented to the King. According to the Westminster Journal “They displayed so much dexterity and skill in the management of their weapons as to give perfect satisfaction to his Majesty. Each got a gratuity of one guinea which they gave to the porter at the Palace gate as they passed.” As they said later, the King was unaware that he was entertaining gentlemen.

The main body of men marched down to London and were reviewed, not by the King, but by Marshall Wade, who having been Commander in Chief in Scotland, knew them well. But then things started to go wrong. There were new rumours that they were to be sent abroad or even transported for life to the American plantations. Also they discovered that King George had left London to join his army in Flanders.

Believing that they had been tricked the men decided to return on their own to Scotland. They set out, avoiding the main roads and keeping among the woods as far as possible. However, they only reached Northamptonshire before they were discovered and eventually agreed to surrender and return to London.

They were court-martialled, found guilty and condemned to be shot. All were reprieved except the brothers Corporals Malcolm and Samual McPherson and Private Farquhar Shaw who were shot with the rest of the prisoners being paraded to watch the execution. It was ten years before any of the rest of the men were allowed to return to Scotland. With such treatment and such evidence of bad faith from the authorities it is not surprising that many of their kinsfolk in the Highlands joined the rebellion of 1745 with such enthusiasm.

The memorial at Aberfeldy, very fittingly, is a representation of Private Farquhar Shaw.