Faces & Places: Bonnie Prince Charlie
Three years ago, when we first put our heads together to think up some digital ideas for the opening of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, I’m pretty sure interviewing Bonnie Prince Charlie wasn’t one of them … yet here we are.
The photos show ‘living history’ re-enactor Arran Johnston being filmed by the wonderful Dougie and Shu from Rapid Visual Media. Arran is dressed in full Prince Charles Edward Stuart costume (complete with tartan trews and basket-hilt broadsword) as I talk to him about the finer details of the 1745 uprising, Culloden and his escape with Flora MacDonald. It really did help this complex piece of history – and the character at the centre of it – become clear to me, so I hope it works for our visitors too.
The final video will be available on Faces & Places, our touchscreen gallery which is being developed by top digital agency Lightmaker UK (their other clients include JK Rowling and Manchester United). Faces & Places will allow visitors to explore the portraits of Scotland by finding connections, watching videos and playing games.
