I won't be writing about every one of the Western Isles, as in most instances I know little more than the island's name. However, this is an exception. In 1745, the "Young Pretender" (better known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie") was defeated at the Battle of Culloden, near Inverness by the Duke of Cumberland. The prince fled to Skye, an off the west coast of Scotland. This incident is forever remembered by the plaintiff song "Speed, Bonnie Boat." The chorus is "speed bonnie boat, like a bird on the wind/ over the sea to Skye." One of the verses tells the sad story: Many is the lad, fought on that day Well the Claymore could wield When the night came, silently lay Dead on Colloden's field