On this day in 1719 a force of Spanish marines and Jacobites landed in Loch Alsh and set up base in Eiliean Donnan Castle as part of the 1719 Jacobite rising.. they were commanded by George Keith ,pictured above.
The Scottish landing left Pasajes on 8 March, accompanied by 300 Spanish marines aboard two frigates. They landed at Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis, where they were joined by a group of exiles from France
Some wanted to wait until they heard from troops that were to invade England. Which failed to happen. while Keith urged capturing Inverness before the garrison was warned. His view prevailed; on 13 April, they landed at Loch Alsh
Left with few options, the Jacobites marched on Inverness, with around 1,000 men, including 400 Mackenzies, 150 Camerons, the Spaniards and other small groups. Having brought arms and ammunition for 2,000, the excess was stored at Eilean Donan, guarded by 40 Spanish marines. The rising of course ended in Failure sterling the battle of Glen Shiel on the way to Inverness.
