The Battle of Altimarlach, 1680

The Battle of Altimarlach was a Scottish clan battle that took place in 1680 between the Clan Campbell and Clan Sinclair. The conflict arose due to a dispute over the title and lands of the Earl of Caithness, with Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy and George Sinclair of Keiss both claiming the right to the title. The background of the conflict can be traced back to the debt and financial struggles of the previous Earl of Caithness, George Sinclair. According to some accounts, the Earl had sold his estates to Campbell of Glenorchy, who was one of his creditors. Glenorchy then married the Earl’s widow and assumed the title of Earl of Caithness. However, Sinclair of Keiss disputed Glenorchy’s right to the title and seized control of some of the disputed lands.

The claims of both Glenorchy and Sinclair of Keiss were submitted to four prominent lawyers in Scotland, who decided in favor of Glenorchy and forwarded their decision to King James VII. The King then ordered the Privy Council of Scotland to issue a proclamation prohibiting Sinclair of Keiss from assuming the title of Earl of Caithness. However, Sinclair of Keiss paid no attention to the proclamation and retained possession of the disputed lands, causing difficulties for Glenorchy’s chamberlains as they tried to collect rents. Many of the gentlemen in the county supported Sinclair of Keiss, as did the common people, who viewed Glenorchy as an usurper who had taken advantage of the late Earl’s financial struggles.

In response to this situation, the Privy Council passed an Act in November 1679 that charged “haill kin, friends and followers” of Glenorchy to assist in recovering the disputed lands. The following summer, Glenorchy invaded Caithness with a force of around 800 men, according to some accounts, in order to evict Sinclair of Keiss. Sinclair of Keiss was waiting for him with a smaller force of around 500 men near Wick, Caithness. The battle that ensued ended in a decisive victory for Glenorchy.

Despite his victory in the battle, Glenorchy was not able to secure the disputed lands and title. Sinclair of Keiss later turned to the law and was ultimately awarded the title of Earl of Caithness. The Battle of Altimarlach is considered to be the last clan battle fought in Scotland, and its significance has been memorialized through the creation of a cross on the site of the battle. The cross bears an inscription stating that the battle took place around it on July 13, 1680.