The Battle of Drumchatt, 1501

The Battle of Drumchatt is a disputed event that is said to have taken place in 1501 near Strathpeffer, Scotland. It is claimed to have been fought between the Clan Mackenzie and the Clan Munro, with the Mackenzies supposedly claiming victory. The first written mention of the Battle of Drumchatt is in a history of the Clan Mackenzie written in 1669 by George Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Cromartie. In this account, William Munro, 12th Baron of Foulis, leads a group of 700 or 900 Munros, Dingwalls, and MacCullochs in an attack on Mackenzie lands, taking cattle and laying waste to the land. However, on their return journey, they are ambushed by the Mackenzies, who are led by Hector Roy Mackenzie of Gairloch and number around 140 or 180. The Mackenzies are said to have been victorious in the battle, cutting off the heads of 19 of their opponents and causing the rest to flee.

However, this account has been disputed by some historians. The lack of any mention of the battle in contemporary historical documents raises questions about its existence. Additionally, the fact that the earliest written accounts of the battle come from Mackenzie sources has led some to question the accuracy of the account. It is possible that the Battle of Drumchatt is a legendary or mythical event that has been passed down through the oral tradition of the clans and was later recorded in written histories.

In any case, the Battle of Drumchatt has become a significant part of the history and folklore of the Clan Mackenzie and Clan Munro. It has been referenced in Gaelic verse and has been the subject of numerous stories and accounts. Despite the lack of concrete evidence for its occurrence, the Battle of Drumchatt remains a significant part of the cultural heritage of these clans.