The Battle of Logiebride, 1597

The Battle of Logiebride, also known as the Tumult in Ross, was a skirmish that took place in Scotland in 1597. It was fought between the Clan Mackenzie and the Clan Munro, who were allied with the Bain family of Tulloch Castle. The origins of the battle can be traced back to a dispute between John MacLeod, a member of the Clan MacLeod, and the Bains of Tulloch Castle.

According to one account, the conflict began when Alexander Bane, the son of the Laird of Tulloch, killed a Mackenzie who had claimed land in Torridon that belonged to the Bains. This led to a confrontation between the Mackenzies and the Munroes, who took up arms against each other. The battle took place at the Logie Candlemas market, which was held near Conan House, a mile south-west of Conon Bridge.

During the battle, John Macgillichallum, a member of the Clan MacLeod, was killed, along with John Mac-Murdo Mac-William and three others from the Clan Mackenzie. On the side of the Munroes and Bains, John Munro of Culcraggie, his brother Hutcheon Munro, and John Munro Robertson were killed. The conflict escalated and the Clan Mackenzie and the Munroes prepared to invade each other. However, they were eventually reconciled through the efforts of friends and neighbors.

There are several accounts of the Battle of Logiebride that have been recorded in 17th and 18th century manuscripts, as well as in 19th – 21st century publications. One of the earliest accounts was written by Sir Robert Gordon in his book the History of the Earldom of Sutherland, which was published in the early 17th century. Gordon was living at the time of the battle and his account provides a detailed description of the events that took place.

Other accounts of the battle include those by John Mackenzie of Applecross, who wrote a manuscript history of the Mackenzies in 1669, and the Wardlaw Manuscript, which was compiled in 1674. These accounts offer slightly different versions of the events that took place, but they all agree that the Battle of Logiebride was a significant event in the history of Scotland and that it had a lasting impact on the relations between the Clan Mackenzie and the Clan Munro.