The Battle of Mamsha, 1429

The Battle of Mamsha was a conflict that took place in the 15th century between the Fraser clan and the Macdonald clan in Scotland. The Macdonalds, led by Alexander, Lord of the Isles, had laid siege to the Castle of Inverness and burned the town to ashes. Lord Fraser, chief of the Fraser clan, opposed the Macdonalds’ passage through his territories and forced them to take a circuitous route. In response, the Macdonalds decided to punish Lord Fraser and his clan.

To this end, a force was left in the vicinity of Inverness to attack Lord Fraser and his followers while the main body of the Macdonald clan continued on to Lochaber. This force was strengthened by new arrivals from the west, and eventually laid siege to Lord Fraser’s castle. However, the Frasers were too numerous and were able to drive the Macdonalds away.

The Macdonalds retreated, with the Frasers pursuing them and engaging in a number of skirmishes along the way. Finally, on the moor of Caiplich, a few miles west of Inverness, the Macdonalds stood their ground and gave battle to the Frasers. Despite their bravery, they were decisively defeated and routed by the Frasers and their allies.

The Battle of Mamsha was a significant victory for the Fraser clan and solidified their position as a powerful force in the region. It also served as a warning to other clans, including the Macdonalds, to think twice before attempting to interfere with the Frasers’ territory in Inverness-shire. The memory of the battle lingered for many years, and the Macdonalds were hesitant to confront the Frasers again.