Highlanders - their way of life - weapons

The main weapon of the Highlander was the basket-hilted broadsword the most popular of which carried the mark of renowned swordsmith Andrew Ferrara. By the time of Culloden the double-edged broadsword was gradually being replaced by the single-edged backsword. Balhaldie had been sent from Paris to Holland to buy blades which would then have hilts fitted in Scotland.

The Wolf Mark (gave rise to the nickname of Fox) was from Solingen. The King's Head, originally a mark of Johannes Wundes, now belongs to WKC of Solingen who also took over the tooling of Wilkinson Sword in 2005 and now manufactures the Highland Regiment Swords seen below.

This picture is from the magnificent McIan's Costumes of the Clans of Scotland. This map shows how the clans were distributed in Scotland.

The Highlander's use of the basket-hilted broadsword along with his targe or target is covered in Page's Use of the Broadsword.

There is a very curious fence in the grounds of Twickenham House formed of sword-blades, which tradition affirms to have been collected after the battle from the field of Culloden. It was at the back surrounded by a small garden of flower beds owned by Dr. Diamond who said they were originally owned by Lord Tweedale.