The Battle of Lagabraad, 1480

The Battle of Lagabraad was a significant conflict in 15th century Scotland that pitted the Clan Donald against the Clan Mackenzie. The battle was the result of a longstanding feud between the two clans, which had its roots in a dispute over the Earldom of Ross. At the time of the battle, the Earldom had recently been forfeited to James III of Scotland by John of Islay, Earl of Ross and chief of Clan Donald. Despite this, John of Islay’s natural son, Aonghas Óg (Angus), believed that the Mackenzies were attempting to acquire the Earldom and resolved to take action. In response, he gathered a large force of men from the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch and the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, and set out for Ross.

In an effort to quell the rebellion, the Scottish government commissioned John Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl to lead a force made up of northern clans, including the Mackenzies, Mackays, Brodies, Frasers, and Rosses, against Angus and the Clan Donald. The two sides met at a place called Lagabraad and engaged in a bloody battle. According to the Clan Donald account, the Clan Donald emerged victorious, with the Earl of Atholl’s army suffering heavy losses, including 517 men killed, and the capture of the chief of the Mackays. The Earl and Kenneth Mackenzie reportedly only narrowly escaped with their lives.

After the battle, the government instructed the Earl of Huntly and Earl of Crawford to lead a new expedition against the rebels, though it is unclear if this took place or if there was further hostile action between the two clans. Despite the victory, it seems that Angus was eventually able to reconcile with the Earl of Atholl. The Battle of Lagabraad had significant consequences for the involved clans, with the Clan Donald’s victory strengthening their position and potentially weakening the influence of the Mackenzies and their allies. The battle also highlighted the ongoing tensions and power struggles between the clans of the Scottish Highlands.