Jacobite pistols reunited at new Montrose exhibition
National Museums Scotland / PATwo Jacobite-era pistols representing a "tumultuous" period of Scottish history will be reunited for the first time in decades at a new exhibition in Montrose.
The late 17th Century weapons are rare surviving examples of work by the gunmaker and goldsmith William Lyndsay the Elder of Montrose.
The pistols came to light in France in 1993, when they came up for sale and were acquired separately by National Museums Scotland (NMS) and Montrose Museum.
They will now feature in Tartan & Turmoil: The Angus Jacobite Story where the pistol on loan from NMS will be displayed alongside its counterpart.
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 Jacobite stronghold.
It is believed they were taken to France following the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715 and remained there for more than 200 years.
National Museums Scotland / PAElla Paul, NMS curator of Renaissance and early modern history, said she was "delighted" that the pistols will be reunited.
She said: "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 will explore the pivotal role Angus played in Jacobite efforts to restore the Stuart dynasty to the throne, with the port of Montrose once described as "the most disloyal and disaffected town in Scotland".
The pistols will go on show alongside items including treasures once owned by Stuart kings, intimate letters and everyday objects that illustrate stories of the Jacobite rebellion throughout Angus.
Tartan & Turmoil: The Angus Jacobite Story is open now and runs until 23 November.
