1666 – Pentland Rising

The covenanting ministers who rejected the Restoration settlement with Charles II’s additions, found themselves replaced by curates and without a living.

The congregations had their own opinions, of course, and some, who became known as ‘Conventiclers’, regrouped to practice the Covenant with their ministers. Such meetings were outlawed, with fines and imprisonment enforced by the military.

Following a scuffle at St John’s Town of Dalry, the Conventiclers moved into active resistance on 13 November 1666.

In Dumfries they captured the military commander, Sir James Turner. Asserting they were still loyal to the King as well as their Covenant, they headed for Edinburgh. At Rullion Green in the Pentland Hills, Sir Thomas Dalyell’s soldiers ended the rising.

Thirty six Conventiclers were later executed.