5 top moments from Men in Kilts Season 1, Episode 8

Men in Kilts Season 1, Episode 8 is probably the most important episode of the series. Here are the top five moments from the episode.

The season finale of Men in Kilts Season 1, “Culloden: Scotland’s Most Infamous Battle,” was an important episode to highlight. I’m sure Culloden Moor was one of the first places on Sam’s list when he thought about starting the show.

Of course, Outlander fans are very familiar with the Battle of Culloden, the repercussions it had on some of our favorite characters, and the 20-year separation it caused Jamie and Claire.

But more importantly, it was a battle that real people went through. Though it happened in 1746, Scots still remember it today.

The battle changed the history, shape, and culture of Scotland because of the loss of Highland culture. We get a quick but thorough history lesson of what happened. Here are the five best moments from Men in Kilts Season 1, Episode 8.

Men in Kilts Season 1, Episode 8 best moments

A walk through the battle

Historian Alistair Moffat talks us through the Battle of Culloden and what it was like for the Jacobites. On the battlefield, the British thought they were singing psalms but they were actually reciting their genealogies and calling on the “army of the dead.” They would get into a rage fit to get ready to face their enemies.

The British also learned a new tactic to take them down. When a Highlander lifted their sword arm, they left themselves exposed. That way the British soldier could easily stab the person right behind the Highlander. It was interesting to hear how the Scots got themselves ready for battle.

Battle drills

I just love it when we get to meet people who worked on Outlander, especially the awesome people behind the scenes. We met Charles Allan who is Outlander‘s combat expert. Sam and Graham go through some drills to get a Highlander’s point of view of the battle.

I think Sam and Graham both did great (Graham may have been a bit better)! I wonder if their muscle memory kicked in from when they did this in Outlander season 2.

It’s all about the weapons

We meet two other gentlemen from Outlander in this episode. Jim Elliot, who is the show’s chief armorer, and Iain Bowden who makes a lot of the weapons used on the show. For the Jacobites, they had swords with a grip made out of ray skin. Supposedly your hand won’t slip even if it’s soaked in blood. What a lovely thought.

For the British, they had to reload their muskets after every shot. But they must’ve done a lot of practice because they could do three rounds a minute. Something that was repeated in the episode is the fact that in those days when you were fighting, you got right in the face of your opponent. I can’t even imagine how these men fought.

One of Graham’s favorite weapons made an appearance – Jamie’s dirk. Just a little weapon that may have been used to kill his character, Dougal. Seems like Graham still isn’t over it.

Culloden Moor

We make it to the actual grounds of Culloden Moor where the Battle of Culloden took place. The historian who meets up with Sam and Graham explains there were five and a half thousand Jacobites and the battle took 60 minutes. And yes, there were five James Frasers as well.

Sam and Graham were right on the Jacobite frontlines. They do the Highland charge, 300 yards between where the Jacobites and British were stationed, as bagpipes are playing. A highlight for me was piper Iain, who was in Men in Kilts Episode 3, playing “Lochaber No More.” Visiting Culloden Moor was solemn, but a very important part of the episode and the series as a whole.

Graham gets his whisky

We end Men in Kilts Season 1, Episode 8 on a lighter note. Graham finally gets a bottle of Sam’s Sassenach Whisky. The poor guy has been waiting to get one since the start of the show. There’s some flashbacks to some of the show’s best moments. And at the end, Graham finally takes the wheel. A fitting way to end a wonderful season of one my new favorite shows!

Who’s ready for a rewatch? I sure am! I loved Men in Kilts and desperately hope the show gets another season.

What were your favorite moments from the season finale? Will you be rewatching Men in Kilts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Men in Kilts is available to stream in full on STARZ.