Andrew Hillhouse

To the north of the Prestonpans battlefield stands Cockenzie House where Sir John Cope had deposited the military baggage train protected by around 300 highlanders loyal to the Government, including companies of Loudoun’s and the Black Watch. With the battle won, the Camerons, with their striped flag, were ordered up to secure the site for the Jacobites. Lt-Col Halkett, a Government officer who had been taken prisoner whilst fighting on the right wing, agreed to parley with the defenders and succeeded in negotiating a bloodless surrender. The capture of the baggage train was a major coup for the financially struggling Jacobite army as it included Cope’s military treasure.