The Raid of Angus, 1391

The Raid of Angus took place in 1391 during the reign of King Robert II of Scotland. At this time, the king’s son, Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, also known as the “Wolf of Badenoch”, was a powerful figure in the kingdom and had a reputation for cruelty and violence. Prior to the raid, Alexander Stewart and his followers had plundered the lands of Alexander Bur, Bishop of Moray, and had burned the bishop’s cathedral at Elgin.

The raid on Angus was led by Duncan Stewart, the son of Alexander Stewart, and involved the burning, pillaging, and slaughter of local inhabitants. It is believed that the raid was supported by Angus Mackay, 6th of Strathnaver, whose aunt was married to Alexander Stewart. The raiders first attacked Glen Isla and Glen Esk, and in response, a small local force gathered and attacked at Glasclune. A bloody battle ensued, but the local force was unable to stop the invading Robertsons, and the raiding continued up the Strathardle.

The raid was met with resistance from local forces, including Sir Walter Ogilvy, Sheriff of Angus, and his allies, Sir Patrick Gray and Sir David Lindsay. The local forces engaged the raiders in a battle at Dalnagairn, Glen Brierachan, but were outnumbered and suffered heavy losses, including the death of Sir Walter Ogilvy and many of his followers. Despite this, Gray and Lindsay managed to survive the fighting, though they were seriously wounded.

The Raid of Angus was a destructive and violent event that had significant consequences for the people of Angus and for the relations between the Scottish nobles of the time. It is remembered as a significant moment in the history of medieval Scotland.