In exile in Holland, Hugh Herriot recalls the exploits of his youth as a follower of Bonnie Dundee who tried to win back Scotland for the Catholic King James and whose death during a victorious battle proved to be a final blow for the Jacobite cause.

This is a wonderful story of the first Jacobite rising of 1689 against William of Orange, newly crowned King of England. John of Claverhouse (Bonnie Dundee) was a staunch supporter of King James, who was deposed in favor of William by parliament. The story is told from the perspective of Hugh Harriot, a young lad who soon becomes a devoted follower of Dundee. This is a rich and fascinating look at late 17th century Scotland and the origins of the Jackobite movement which would later see full fruition in the disasterous rising of 1745 under Bonnie Prince Charlie.

John of Claverhouse who became Viscount Dundee by order of King James for his service against the disruptive religous group known as the Covenenters, is an inspiring Scottish hero. Dundee was an aristocrat who championed the cause of the Stewarts, and this may account for his being less known than either William Wallace or the rogue Rob Roy. His career was also tragically cut short at the famous battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 where Bonnie Dundee and his Highland army routed the government forces, but sacrificed his life in the process.

With his death the Stewart cause was doomed in Scotland, and the rebellion was over almost as soon as it started. The reader will learn about these inspiring events through the eyes of the protagonist, Hugh, who is portrayed as one of Bonnie Dundees devoted followers. Sutcliff's research and skill of telling a story long forgotten are to be commended. The reader can see where the old famous Scots tune "Bonnie Dundee" came from by reading this fine work.

Lyrics to Scottish Folk Song:

Tae the lairds i' convention t'was Claverhouse spoke
E'er the Kings crown go down, there are crowns to be broke
Then each cavalier who loves honour and me
Let him follow the bonnet o' bonnie Dundee.

Chorus:
Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can
Come saddle my horses and call out my men
Unhook the west port and let us gae free,
For it's up wi' the bonnets o' bonnie Dundee!

Dundee he is mounted, he rides doon the street,
The bells they ring backwards, the drums they are beat,
But the Provost, douce man, says "Just e'en let it be
For the toun is well rid of that de'il o' Dundee."

Chorus

There are hills beyond Pentland and lands beyond Forth,
Be there lords i' the south, there are chiefs i' the north!
There are brave Duinnewassels, three thousand times three
Will cry "Hey!" for the bonnets o' bonnie Dundee.

Chorus

Then awa' to the hills, to the lea, to the rocks
Ere I own a usurper, I'll crouch with the fox
And tremble, false whigs, in the midst of your glee
Ye hae no seen the last o' my bonnets and me!