The Civil War is over. King Charles I has been executed at Whitehall. England becomes a republic. Scotland does not…

Scotland’s decision to proclaim Charles II to be King of Great Britain began the crisis which would lead to Oliver Cromwell’s invasion the following year, the crushing defeats of Dunbar, Inverkeithing and Worcester, and a military occupation of Scotland on a scale not seen since the days of Longshanks.

To commemorate this significant moment, 370 years on, witness the proclamation of King Charles II from the Mercat Cross of Edinburgh on Saturday 2nd February 2019. A special team of re-enactors will gather to read the historic text of the proclamation on the Royal Mile. All are welcome to gather about to hear it, and to discuss with our 17th century characters the possible implications the move might have.

After the proclamation (which takes place at 11am), the re-enactors will adjourn to Gladstone’s Land - an historic property dating to this very time - where the National Trust for Scotland are opening their doors to the past. Entry is just £5, to visit the property as it becomes a recruiting station for the new Scottish army which will be needed ahead of the coming campaign…

With thanks to the National Trust for Scotland, the Lord Provost’s Office, and the Alan Breck’s Regiment.