The secret dawn march of 21st September, 1745, allowed the Jacobite army to form up on favourable ground to the east of the Government position. But their manoeuvres had been detected and Sir John Cope managed to realign his soldiers prior to the highlander’s attack. As the sky brightened, the left wing of the Jacobite army began the charge. The Camerons, with their striped flag, braved the fire of Cope’s canons before overwhelming the guns and the artillery guard. The Stewarts of Appin, with their yellow Saltire, charged Lee’s Regiment. The most exposed units on the Government right began to break first, whilst the centre held their ground. But, despite their deadly musket volleys, they could not hold back the attack. John Cope rode backwards and forwards along the rear, exhorting his men to stand firm. Further back stands the solitary thorn tree where Colonel Gardiner was yet to make his last stand, and the estate walls which would block the redcoats’ retreat.