The Battle of Garbharry, 1555

The Battle of Garbharry was a clash between the Clan Mackay and Clan Sutherland that took place in 1555 in Scotland. The conflict was sparked by the refusal of Iye Mackay, chief of the Clan Mackay, to appear before the Queen Regent in Inverness as ordered. In response, the Earl of Sutherland was granted a commission to punish Mackay and invaded Strathnaver, where he captured the Mackays’ main stronghold at Borve Castle and took Mackay prisoner.

While Mackay was in prison, his cousin John-More Mackay assumed leadership of the Clan Mackay and led a raid on Sutherland, burning the chapel of St. Ninian’s at Navidale. The Clan Sutherland, led by MacJames, the Terell of the Doil, and James MacWilliam, pursued the Mackays and caught up with them in Berriedale, near Garbharry. The Battle of Garbharry took place at the foot of a hill called Beinn-mhor, beside the Garbharry burn.

The Mackays were defeated in the battle, with around 120 of their members being killed. Some of the Mackays also drowned in the Garbharry burn. The Battle of Garbharry is considered the last conflict between the Clan Mackay and Clan Sutherland, although there was another battle involving a half-brother of the Mackay of Strathnaver 35 years later at the Battle of Clynetradwell.

The aftermath of the Battle of Garbharry is not well documented, but it is likely that the Clan Sutherland emerged as the victors and exerted greater control over the region. The defeat of the Clan Mackay may have also had a lasting impact on the clan, potentially diminishing their power and influence in the region.