The Raid on Ross, 1491

The Raid on Ross was a conflict that took place in 1491 in the Scottish Highlands. It was fought between the Clan Mackenzie and several other clans, including the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh, Clan MacDonald of Clanranald, the Clan Cameron, and the Chattan Confederation of Clan Mackintosh. The raid was led by Ewen Cameron, chief of Clan Cameron, who was joined by Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh, Clan Ranald of Garmoran and Lochaber, and the Chattan Confederation.

The conflict arose due to the ongoing efforts of John, Lord of the Isles, to recover the Earldom of Ross, which he claimed as his right. In order to support his cause, Cameron and the other clans launched a raid on the county of Ross-shire, which was controlled by the Clan Mackenzie. The raiders advanced from Lochaber to Badennoch, where they were joined by the Clan Mackintosh, before proceeding to Inverness.

Upon arriving in Inverness, the raiders stormed the Royal Castle and placed a garrison there under the command of Mackintosh. They then crossed the Kessock Ferry and plundered the lands of Sir Alexander Urquhart, Sheriff of Cromarty, before returning home with a large booty.

The Raid on Ross had significant consequences for the participating clans and the region as a whole. The Macdonald Lords of Lochalsh, who had strong claims on the clans to follow them in the field, saw their power diminished as a result of the raid. Additionally, the Mackenzies were able to hold onto control of the Earldom of Ross and the Lordship of the Isles, despite the efforts of the Lord of the Isles to reclaim them.

Overall, the Raid on Ross was a significant event in the history of the Scottish Highlands and serves as an example of the ongoing power struggles and conflicts that took place in the region during this time period.