The Battle of Invernahavon, 1386

The Battle of Invernahavon was a conflict between the Clan Cameron and the confederation of Clan Chattan, which was made up of the Clan Mackintosh, Clan Macpherson, and Clan Davidson. The battle took place in 1370 or 1386, depending on the source, and was sparked by a longstanding feud between the two clans over disputed lands in Glenlui and Loch Arkaig. The conflict had escalated to the point where each side had been raiding each other’s lands and stealing property.

In the battle, the Clan Chattan, led by the Mackintosh chief, confronted the Clan Cameron at Invernahavon. In the initial engagement, the Mackintosh chief was defeated by the Camerons, despite having a larger force. This was reportedly due to a dispute between the Macphersons and Davidsons over who should command the right wing of the Clan Chattan force, which led to the Macphersons withdrawing from the battle. However, after the Mackintosh chief taunted the Macphersons as cowards, they returned to the battle and helped turn the Cameron’s victory into a defeat. The Camerons retreated towards the Pass of Drumochter and the River Treig. The leader of the Camerons, Charles Macgilony, was reportedly killed in the battle, although there is some disagreement on this point.

The aftermath of the Battle of Invernahavon is said to have led to the Battle of the North Inch in Perth in 1396, which was also fought between the Clan Chattan and Clan Cameron.