The Covenanters, so called as they subscribed, in various forms between
1556 and 1689, to the Solemn League and National Covenant

This Covenant was first accepted in 1651 by Charles II, but later
declared illegal after his restoration in 1660. It was then required of all
persons in civil and ecclesiastical office to publicly acknowledge the
King and denounce the Covenant.<P>

Those who objected to taking the Test Oath
as it was known had
some harsh treatment under this persecution. Some of these
unfortunates, totaling 122 men and 45 women were taken from Edinburgh
prisons and arrived, on foot, at Dunnottar Castle on Sunday May 24th 1685.
Here they were confined to a low, narrow, mud floored chamber called
the "Whigs Vault". Then subjected to the most cruel torture and
mistreatment in order that they should renounce the Covenant, and "Take
the Test Oath", swearing loyalty to the king.<P>

Twenty five did attempt an escape from a window. Two died by way of
falling while attempting the 160 ft. descent of the rock face, 15 were
recaptured. Those recaptured were again tortured with the result that
a further number expired and others never recovering fully from their
wounds.<P>

Given time many did take the test Oath, but those who refused were
taken in August 1685 to Leith Docks (Edinburgh), for
transportation and banishment in slavery to America, under pain of
death to return. However many never reached those shores. Seventy are
reported to have died of the fever soon after embarkation. But those
who did survive the journey were heartened to find that the New Jersey
Governor, Robert Barclay from Stonehaven,
would not recognise any ownership over them, and set them free. Having
triumphed over the privations of exile, some later returned to Scotland
after the Revolution in 1688 and Accession of William of Orange,
the threat of punishment lifted.