MacDonell of Glengarry vs. MacKenzie

A feud between the Macdonell’s of Glengarry and Clan Mackenzie began in the late 16th century due to several land disputes that arose after the chief of Macdonell inherited properties in Wester Ross. these properties bordered lands already occupied by the clansmen of Mackenzie. To maintain his dominance in the region the MacKenzie Chief relocated along with a small garrison of men to the property boarder.  The feud ignighted when two members of the Glengarry clan sought revenge on the man who had murdered their father, they burned this mans house down killing him and his family.  Unbeknownst to the Macdonell’s, Donald Mackenzie, a member of the Mackenzie Clan was staying in the house and was also killed with the murderer. The MacKenzie chief, Kenneth Mackenzie went to the Privy Council in Edinburgh to present his complaints against the Macdonell’s, as evidence he provided Donald’s charred shirt covered in blood. The Macdonell chief realizing he was going to face penalties, fled Edinburgh, further escalating the tension between the two clans.

In November 1601, Angus Macdonell, the son of the Macdonell chief attacked Mackenzie land at Torridon, where he and his men killed many clansmen and looted their territory.  Kenneth Mackenzie once again appealed to the Privy Council in Edinburgh looking for justice for his clan.  The Privy Council summoned Chief Donald Macdonell of Glengarry to Edinburgh but this time he ignored their request.  In response the Council presented Mackenzie with a Commission of Fire and Sword against the Macdonells allowing them, to legally, use any means necessary while seeking revenge. Mackenzie wasted very little time and gathered a large force of Mackenzies along with allies in the Ross Clan to invade Glengarry lands in Morar.  Both sides suffered significant losses including Angus Macdonell who was mortally wounded in the battle.  The retreating Macdonell’s took refuge in Strome Castle which was then besieged.  The Macdonells eventually had to surrender the castle which the Mackenzes then demolished and blew up.

In retaliation for the attack on Morar the Macdonells gathered their clansmen and mounted an attack on Applecross and Lochalsh.  Their mission was to destroy all Mackenzie land as far as Easter Ross.  They fell short when their leader Allaster MacGorrie was killed and they returned home.  The Macdonell’s again mustered their troops and mounted another attack, this time with the plan of attacking Lochcarron and revenging the death of Angus Macdonell.  They marched on Lochcarron where they burned many of the houses and killed the inhabitants.  They then loaded their boats with the plunder and set to return home.  The Mackenzies caught word that they were rowing home and set out to meet them.  The Mackenzie’s waited on shore for the Macdonells to pass and once they caught sight of them they sent a volly of arrows and muskets.  The Macdonalls boat overturned and the survivors attempted to make their way to shore but were cut down upon arrival, among the slain was the young chief of the Macdonell of Glengarry clan.

The Privy council in Edinburgh became impatient with these two clans and brought them together to swear an oath to keep the peace.  Eventually the Macdonell’s abandoned any claims they had to their land in Ross-shire bringing the feud to an end.