A PROGRAMME of activities marking the historical and cultural legacies of one of the UK’s most significant Jacobite battles has been revealed.

From a large scale re-enactment to unique exhibitions and workshops, the newly released programme of events commemorating the Battle of Prestonpans is jam-packed.

The events by the Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust, which are supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s events directorate, will start with an exhibition revealing the way the battle has influenced art, music, literature and film over the years.

In September, a two-day living history event, with re-enactors travelling from across the world, will take place.

Events include the Hey Johnnie Cope exhibition at the John Gray Centre in Haddington, which runs from Saturday to October 30, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am-1pm and 2-4pm – entries are free.

The exhibition will include 21st-century paintings, Victorian engravings, 18th-century artefacts, and even a copy of the script of the 1948 film Bonnie Prince Charlie, starring David Niven.

Two separate remnants of the famous thorn tree under which British army officer and local resident Colonel James Gardiner was mortally wounded during the battle will be reunited and displayed together for the first time.

Two supporting Gaelic cultural workshops with poetry and song will be convened by singer, actress, writer, broadcaster and campaigner Dolina Maclennan.

The Prestonpans Re-enactment Weekend takes place on September 18 and 19 at the Greenhills from 11am until 5pm, with adult entry costing £5 and children costing £3.

The two-day large-scale living history event will allow visitors to meet re-enactors in full period dress.

Re-enactors from across the world will travel to take part and a new cannon demonstration showing the impact of artillery of the time on charging clansman will take place.

A series of arena displays and living history cameos in the encampment will complement the re-enacted battle itself.

Visitors will also be able to explore two immersive military camps and speak with re-enactors to discover more about life in 1745.

Young visitors can train as junior Jacobites and try out a Highland charge.

An anniversary commemoration at Prestonpans Battlefield will follow on September 21 at noon.

Wreaths will be laid at the memorial tables on the battlefield to remember those who fell in battle on both sides during the conflict. The commemoration will be live-streamed @Preston pans1745 on Facebook.

Dr Arran Johnston of the Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust said: “We’re looking forward to bringing this living history event and series of activities and exhibitions back to Prestonpans this year.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to reveal to local people and visitors alike the significance of this major battle and the way it continues to influence culture to this day.

“These events are stand-outs for everyone from history lovers to children of all ages.”

In October, the trust will join forces with military history publisher Helion & Company to host a Jacobite history conference at Prestonpans Town Hall.

Guided battlefield tours will also return in the autumn, along with a series of online talks which follow the success of the trust’s lockdown initiatives.

Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Battle of Prestonpans through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund.

“The programme offers audiences an authentic and engaging experience while marking the historic and cultural legacy of one of the UK’s most significant Jacobite battles.”

All events marking the Battle of Prestonpans and its legacy will be delivered in line with Scottish Government Covid-19 mitigation measures in place at the time.

To find out more, visit www.battleofprestonpans1745.org