The Battle of Glendale, 1490

The Battle of Glendale was a conflict between the MacDonalds of Sleat and the MacDonalds of Clanranald against the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan and the MacLeods of Lewis. It is traditionally said to have taken place in the year 1490, but some historians believe it may have occurred later, possibly after 1513. According to MacLeod tradition, the MacDonalds landed on the Isle of Skye and proceeded to devastate the lands of Minginish, Bracadale, and Duirinish. They also approached the gates of Dunvegan Castle. In response, the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, led by Alasdair Crotach, joined forces with the MacLeods of Lewis and drew up on the brow of a hill, with a river in front of them, to face the MacDonalds.

The MacLeods waited for ten days for reinforcements before the battle began. The MacDonalds initially had the upper hand, killing the MacLeod leader Donald Mor and many of his men. However, just when it seemed the MacLeods were about to be defeated, the mother of Alasdair Crotach ordered the Fairy Flag to be unfurled. The MacLeods were rejuvenated by the sight of the flag and renewed their attack with renewed ferocity. The battle resulted in heavy losses on both sides, and at one point, a group of MacDonalds led by Allan MacDonald of Moidart (chief of the MacDonalds of Clanranald) managed to cut off the MacLeod chief and the guardians of the Fairy Flag from the rest of their clan. However, the MacLeods were able to rally and ultimately defeated the MacDonalds.

According to MacLeod tradition, the Battle of Glendale was the “most tremendous battle” that the clan ever fought, and it never fully recovered from the severe losses it suffered. The exact date and circumstances of the battle are uncertain, and it is possible that MacLeod tradition has conflated several different battles into one. However, it is clear that the Battle of Glendale was a significant and influential event in the history of the MacLeods and the other clans involved.