Portait of John, the Earl of Mar.
View zoomable image in 'Jacobite prints and broadsides'
The Earl of Mar, who led Jacobite forces at Sheriffmuir, initially supported the 1707 Act of Union.
In a letter of December 1714 to his brother, Mar discusses his opinion of the Act of Union, revealing how his politics have changed.
He wrote there 'was none more heartie for making it' but that 'All agree 'tis better to be disunited than continue under the hardships they have put us'.
Jacobite leader
In 1715, Mar was ready to march south in James VIII's cause, gathering more forces as he went.
History has not been kind to Mar's military leadership of the Jacobites. However, he was an excellent organiser.
Sheriffmuir
In November 1715, at Sheriffmuir Mar's Jacobite army engaged with government troops under the command of the Duke of Argyll. There was no outright winner, and both sides were forced to retreat. Argyll led his men to Stirling, while Mar's forces retreated to Perth.
After the 1715 rising had failed, Mar fled to the continent. he never returned to Scotland, and died in exile.