Highland Dress Court Warrant, 1750.
This is a warrant of commitment and sentence issued against Archibald Chisolm, Glencanich for wearing Highland Dress, contrary to the Act of Parliament passed in 1746. The passing of the Act followed the defeat of the Jacobite armies at Culloden and served as a way of suppressing Highland culture after the rebellion. The standard sentence for this crime was 6 months imprisonment.
Writing Ideas
After the Battle of Culloden people weren’t allowed to wear tartan. How would you feel if something which defined your identity was taken away from you? Write a story in which this happens to the main character and describe how he/she feels.
Who do you think Archbald Chisolm was? Why was he doing something that was against the law?
Download a typed copy of the document.
Document Ref: GB0232/L/INV/SC/6A/1
