After attending the University of St Andrews, John Graham of Claverhouse, became a career soldier. He fought abroad before serving Charles II and then James VII and II. He used force to suppress the Covenanters, who were resisting Royal attempts to reintroduce Bishops to the Scottish church. He earned the nickname ‘bluidy Clavers’ for his ruthlessness, but was rewarded with the titles of Lord Claverhouse and Viscount Dundee.

When James was forced from his throne by William of Orange in 1688, Dundee remained loyal. He fled to the Highlands and raised the clans, winning a brilliant victory over William’s forces at Killiekrankie. However, Dundee was killed in the later stages of the action and, without his leadership, support for James soon ebbed away.