Flora's Voice

A new musical brings Scotland's most famous heroine back into the spotlight for a new generation

- by DANIELLA THEIS

FLORA MacDONALD is a renowned character in Scotland's history - a Jacobite heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape government troops after the Battle of Culloden back in 1746.

However, outside of this story and the many myths and legends created around it, little is known about the woman, who lived until she was 68.

Like many other women throughout history, her story - especially in her own words - was not recorded.

Now, a new musical written by Scottish actor and writer Belle Jones, who grew up in Inverness, is hoping to give Flora a voice through a new play that will debut in the city this month.

"In Inverness, there is a big statue of Flora MacDonald outside the castle," Belle says. "Growing up there, I was always aware of who she was and of her existence. I knew that she had helped Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape over the sea to Skye.

"It must have been in 2018 that I finally looked up Flora MacDonald's life," she adds. "If I'm honest, I think I probably was inspired by Hamilton the musical and how it connected with people across the globe. Alexander Hamilton was this person that I doubt anybody outside the US knew, and I remember wondering who the equivalent person might be in Scotland."