Ruthven Barracks (Scotland)
An infantry barracks erected in 1719 following the Jacobite rising of 1715.
Introduction
Ruthven Barracks near Ruthven, in the Highlands of Scotland, are the smallest but best preserved of the four barracks built in 1719 after the 1715 Jacobite rising, set on an old castle mound. It comprises two large three-storey blocks occupying two sides of the enclosure each with two rooms per floor. The barracks and enclosing walls were loopholed for musket firing, and bastion towers were built at opposite corners.
The building now lies as a ruin after the roof was burned when the barracks were captured by the Jacobean army in 1746, although the main areas used as stables as a residential block are still in tact.
Walk round the barracks, and soak up the atmosphere of many battles.
The Barrarcks are open at all reasonable times, throughout the year.
History to the present day
The barracks was designed to house 120 troops, split between two barrack blocks. The officers lived separately to the troops. The stables which stood slightly to the west of the barracks were built in 1734 to house 28 horses for dragoons. By this time the strategic importance had been enhanced by the building of military roads from Perth, Fort Augustus and Inverness that came together at Fort Ruthven.
In August 1745 some 200 Jacobites tried to capture Ruthven Barracks. A force of just 12 British redcoats, commanded by a Sergeant Molloy, fought them off with the loss of just one man. By February 1746 Sergeant Molloy had been promoted to Lieutenant. He was still in charge when a larger force of Jacobites arrived, this time equipped with artillery. As a result the government garrison surrendered.
On the day after the Battle of Culloden as many as 3000 Jacobites assembled at Fort Ruthven with the intention of fighting on. However awaiting them was a message from their leader Prince Charles Edward Stuart saying that each man should save himself as best he could.
