While the main army invaded England, he remained in Scotland to recruit additional troops and was replaced by Lord John Drummond in late November 1745.

Over the next few years many exiles, including Lord George Murray, accepted pardons and returned home, while the construction of military roads gave the government greater control over the Highlands.

He also brought 36 troopers and their servants, titled the Perthshire or Strathallan's Horse; the only Jacobite cavalry unit present at Prestonpans in September, it did not take part in the battle which lasted less than 20 minutes.

[9] In early January, the Jacobites besieged Stirling Castle and on 13th, Henry Hawley, government commander in Scotland, marched north from Edinburgh to its relief.

About 1:00 pm, the Jacobites began to advance; this initiated the Battle of Falkirk Muir, which took place in failing light and heavy snow and was marked by confusion on both sides.

By spring, the Jacobites were short of food, money and weapons and when Cumberland left Aberdeen on 8 April, the leadership agreed giving battle was their best option.

Their resistance allowed Charles and his aides to escape but Strathallan's horse was killed beneath him and according to tradition, he was then run through by Colonel George Howard of the 3rd Foot.

His eldest son James escaped to France, losing his title and lands; he received a commission in the Royal Ecossais, a regiment of Scots exiles serving in the French army.