Highland Clansman 1689–1746For nearly 60 years, the clans of Highland Scotland proved to be an almost constant thorn in the side of a series of British monarchs. Fiercely independent, the clans comprised an agricultural peasantry dominated by a warrior aristocracy. They held most forms of authority in contempt and did not submit to London meekly. Their first loyalty was to the exiled house of Stuart, and in a series of rebellions, the Highland clans rose against the ruling