The Battle of Tannach, 1438

The Battle of Tannach was a conflict that took place in the far north of Scotland, near Wick, in the 15th century. The exact date of the battle is uncertain, with some sources suggesting that it occurred in 1438 and others placing it in 1464. The battle was fought between the Clan Keith and Clan Mackay, who were allied with each other, and the Clan Gunn and possibly their allies, the Clan Oliphant and Clan Sutherland.

The cause of the battle is unclear, but it may have been related to a land dispute or to a longstanding feud between the clans. According to one account, the Mackays were requested to come to the aid of the Keiths, who were facing a powerful force in the Gunn and Oliphant clans. The Keiths and Mackays invaded Caithness and clashed with the inhabitants at a place called Blair-tannie. The battle was described as a “cruel fight, with slaughter on either side,” but in the end, the Keiths emerged victorious, thanks in part to the efforts of John Mor MacIan-Riabhaich.

After the battle, the Keiths and Mackays returned home to Strathnaver, while the Gunn and Oliphant clans retreated back to Caithness. It is not clear how much the battle impacted the relationships between the clans or what the long-term consequences of the conflict were. However, the Battle of Tannach is still remembered in the history of Scotland and serves as a reminder of the often violent struggles between the country’s many clans.