On April 16, 1689, John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, raises James' standard on the hilltop of Dundee Law with fewer than 50 men in support.

Although Presbyterian historians will later label him "Bluidy Clavers" for his vicious persecution of Covenanters, he is also known today as "Bonnie Dundee", after a song written by Sir Walter Scott in 1830.

James has already arrived in Ireland and his letter is on the way promising Irish troops to assist the rising in Scotland.

At first Viscount Dundee has difficulty in raising many supporters, but that changes after the Williamite commander Major-General Hugh Mackay of Scourie proves ineffective in chasing after Dundee around the north, and 200 Irish troops successfully land at Kintyre.

Dundee receives support in the western Scottish Highlands from Roman Catholic and Episcopalian clans.