MacDonald of Clanranald vs. Fraser of Lovat

In 1530 the chief of clan MacDonald of Clanranald, Allaster MacRuari, died leaving two claimants to the role of chief of the clan. The first claimant was the chief’s illegitimate son, John Moidartach.  The second was his cousin Ranald Gallda.  John Moidartach was very popular among the clan members and he unanimously won a vote in 1530, by the clan leaders, to take over the clan.  Ranald Gallda’s claim was supported by his uncle Lord Lovat of Fraser, the chief of a powerful neighboring clan.

In 1540, James V of Scotland was touring the western islands, during his journey he was arresting clan chiefs and leaders in the area.  John Moidartach was captured by the King’s men and was sent to prison.  Ranald Gallda with the support of Lord Lovat seized the opportunity to have Modiartach’s lands and titles revoked and granted to Gallda along with the chiefdomship of the clan.  During Gallda’s time as chief he became very unpopular among the clan members due to his unwillingness to spend money or share resources throughout the clan.  Upon the release of Modiartach from prison the majority of clan members rallied and had him redeclared chief and had his lands returned.  Ranald Gallda, fearing for his safety fled to the protection of his uncle Lord Lovat.

The MacDonald’s of Clanranald, fearing and attack by the Lovat’s, decided to go on the offensive. With the help of the MacDonald’s of Keppoch and the Cameron clan they raided the Fraser’s lands and lands owned by the Grant Clan.  Eventually they were forced to relinquished the lands when the Frasers and Grants supported by the Earl of Huntley, chief of Clan Gordon sent troops to the area.  According to accounts the whole occupied area was plundered by the MacDonalds.

The MacDonalds retreated into their lands and hid from the invading men.  The Fraser’s, Grants and Gordons were able to retake MacDonald lands for Ranald Gallad with little to no opposition from the Macdonald’s.  According to accounts of the feud, the MacDonalds were stalking the movements of the invading clans but were holding back due to inferior numbers.

The Earl of Huntly decided to split his forces off from the Fraser’s main troops and head home.  Once the forces were split the MacDonalds decided to take the advantage and attack the Frasers near a marshland just north of Loch Lochy.  On July 15, 1544, the Frasers were caught by surprise and outnumbered by the advancing MacDonalds.  Instead of retreating Lord Lovat decided to make a stand and fight.  During the battle Lord Lovat, his son master of Lovat and Ranald Gallad were killed along with the majority of their fighting men .  The skirmish has been known as the Battle of the Shirts due to the fact that it was so hot on the battleground that the men had to remove their armor and fight in their shirts. Due to this victory John Moidartach was able to retain the chiefdomship of the clan until his death in 1584.