WOULD-BE Jacobite soldiers keen to get involved in Battle of Prestonpans re-enactments are being taught how to insult their enemies. . . in Gaelic!

A short video on the Battle of Prestonpans website teaches re-enactors a selection of choice Gaelic phrases to shout out during battle skirmishes including the terms “bloody hell”, “she’s a witch,” and “a pox on Hanover”.

The language app has been added to the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust website as part of a range of different education topics and informative pages introduced with the help of funding, which is understood to have come from Bord na Gaidhlig, the body which works to promote Gaelic.

Previous projects supported by the Gaelic board in and around Prestonpans include the introduction of the dual language signs and interpretation boards at the battle site.

The three-minute-long audio video on the site has been helping members of the Alan Breck’s Regiment – who annually re-enact Bonnie Prince Charlie’s famous September 21, 1745 victory over the Government’s army – brush up on their battle cries.

Other phrases to learn are “down with the elector [King George I]”, “flee you rascal” and “do your worst”.

This year, the East Lothian Triennial Battle Re-enactment cycle turns its focus to the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, by Musselburgh, in September as its main event.

However, the Battle of Prestonpans commemorations will still be held on the weekend of Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24, with a gathering of the clans and regiments planned.

The triennial re-enactment then returns to Prestonpans next summer when the regiment is expected to be fully versed in its new phrases to curse its ancient enemies.