In February 1746 Prince William, Duke of Cumberland arrived at Perth, in command of the king’s army. The Duke sent two detachments from several regiments of infantry to secure the area of Atholl. One detachment of 200 men, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Webster was sent to occupy Castle Menzies, home of the chief of the Clan Menzies, Sir Robert Menzies of Weem. This was in order to secure passage of the Tay bridge. A second detachment of 300 men commanded by Sir Andrew Agnew, 5th Baronet who was Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Scots Fusiliers (and chief of Clan Agnew) was sent to take up post at Blair Castle.