The Alan Breck Prestonpans Volunteer Regiment

The Alan Breck Volunteer Regiment is a living history and battle re-enactment society.

The “Regiment” which was originally raised by The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust to support its activities, and provide opportunities for volunteers to get involved in bringing the history of 1745 to life. The society was formally established in a speech given at a special event at Holyroodhouse on 21st September 2007. It is named after Alan Breck Stewart (of Kidnapped fame), who changed sides following his capture at Prestonpans in 1745. The name emphasises the society’s most important characteristic: members are prepared to fight for either side, without prejudice or politics, according to the needs of the occasion.

Today the society has grown into one of the leading 1745 period re-enactment groups in Scotland. With members right across the country (and even a few beyond), the Regiment undertakes living history and re-enactment events throughout the year.

The society is an independent non-profit making group. We retain close links with The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust, taking a leading role in its re-enactments and regularly supporting smaller events at their museum.

If you are interested in joining us, or in holding a re-enactment event you would like us to be involved with, please contact: ajohnston@battleofprestonpans1745.org

Our members portray a mix of Jacobites, Redcoats (Edinburgh City Guard), and civilians. We pride ourselves on providing engaging events on a range of scales – from small show-and-tell displays for museums to exciting skirmishes and immersive encampments.

You can keep up to date with the latest events and activities of the regiment by following us on Facebook.

We also have a branch – the Lothian Levy – which goes further back in history, portraying Scottish soldiers in the 1540s and in 1650.