MONTROSE Ornate Jacobite pistols on display Two rare Jacobite era pistols are to be reunited for the first time in more than 30 years in a new exhibition in Montrose Museum from 17 July to 23 November. Dating to the late 17th century, the weapons are rare surviving examples of work by the gunmaker and goldsmith William Lyndsay the Elder of Montrose in Angus. Experts said they are likely to have belonged to a wealthy and influential local family at a time when the town was renowned as a place where “men of the highest wisdom in Scotland” could be found. It was a Jacobite stronghold, known to England's naval chiefs as “that most rebellious town” given local efforts to provide military and logistical support to the cause. It is believed the pistols were taken to France following the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715 and remained there for more than 200 years. They came to light in France in 1993, when up for sale and were acquired by National Museums Scotland (NMS) and Montrose Museum. They are now being reunited for the first time in more than 30 years in 'Tartan & Turmoil': The Angus Jacobite Story where the pistol on loan from NMS will be displayed alongside its pair. Ella Paul, curator, Renaissance and Early Modern History at NMS, said: “These finely crafted pistols are extremely rare and I’m delighted we have the opportunity to reunite them. “They represent a tumultuous period of Scottish history and the experiences of the Jacobite families forced into exile across Europe. The steel heart butt pistols are richly decorated with intricate floral engravings and silver mounts, and are stamped with Lyndsay’s mark. The exhibition, 'Tartan & Turmoil', will explore the pivotal role Angus played in Jacobite efforts to restore the Stuart dynasty to the throne”. The pistols go on show alongside items such as treasures once owned by Stuart kings, intimate letters and everyday objects that illustrate stories of the Jacobite rebellion throughout Angus. Emma Gilliland, Museums and Galleries Collections, said, “Everyone has heard about the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie, but the vital role that Angus played in the risings is not known. “Some Jacobite objects from our collection are being exhibited for the very first time, and we will also be showcasing significant objects on loan from leading national institutions. Professor Chris Duffy, the late scholar and author of The ‘45, The Untold Story of The Jacobite Rising, wrote: “Montrose was of the first importance to the cause of the Prince, for he had a large and active following there and it was the main port of ingress for supplies and reinforcements from France.” As the rising unfolded, men and supplies arrived in Montrose from France at rapid pace, with 800 men from the Ecossais Royal, Lord John Drummond’s own French regiment, and piquets from six French Irish regiments. Many local soldiers served with the Forfarshire regiment, led by 20-year-old David, Lord Ogilvy, heir to the House of Airlie, which still holds Cortachy Castle and Airlie Castle in the Angus Glens in its fold. Those who signed up came from Ogilvy lands across Angus and the glens, with the muster roll of more than 800 men loaded with journeymen , weavers, ploughmen and workmen who signed up to their laird’s call.