The Battle of Bun Garbhain, 1570

The Battle of Bun Garbhain was a significant event in the history of the Clan Cameron and the Clan Mackintosh, two powerful clans in the Scottish Highlands. It is believed to have taken place in the year 1570, when the Clan Mackintosh, led by their chief, invaded the lands of the Clan Cameron near Loch Arkaig. At the time, the Clan Cameron was in a state of turmoil, as their chief, Donald Dubh Cameron, had recently died, leaving an infant son, Allan, at the head of the clan. This led to a power struggle within the clan, with various members competing for control and influence.

As the Mackintoshes approached, the Camerons, led by Donald “Taillear Dubh” Cameron, a near relative of Allan Cameron, confronted them on a hillside. Despite being outnumbered, the Camerons had the advantage of higher ground, and the battle that ensued was described as “bloody”. The Camerons were able to defeat the Mackintoshes, with many of them being killed or injured in the fighting. The Mackintosh chief is believed to have been killed by Taillear Dubh himself, using a Lochaber axe.

Despite their initial victory, the Camerons were not able to completely defeat the Mackintoshes, and the latter clan retreated to the Ardgour shore, where they rallied their forces and prepared for a second engagement. This second battle was also won by the Camerons, with the Mackintoshes being forced to retreat once again, this time to the small hollow of Cuil nan Cuileag. Thinking they were safe, the Mackintoshes set up camp in this location, but they were soon stormed by the Camerons, who killed every single Mackintosh in the camp.

The aftermath of the Battle of Bun Garbhain had significant consequences for the Clan Cameron, as the infant chief’s mother, who was a member of the Clan Mackintosh, became enraged upon hearing of the deaths of her fellow clansmen and attempted to kill her own son. She was prevented from doing so by Taillear Dubh, but she was ultimately banished from Lochaber. The battle marked the end of a period of conflict between the Clan Cameron and the Clan Mackintosh.