The Battle of the Western Isles, 1585

The Battle of the Western Isles was a series of conflicts that took place in the Inner Hebrides islands of Jura, Islay, Mull, Tiree, and Kintyre in Scotland in 1585 and 1586. The conflict began when a party of Clan MacDonald of Sleat, led by Donald Gorm Mor, sought shelter on the Isle of Jura during a storm. They were mistaken for cattle thieves by the Clan Maclean and were slaughtered. This event led to the Clan MacDonald of Sleat and Dunnyveg seeking vengeance against the Clan Maclean.

The MacDonalds launched attacks on the Macleans and threatened to invade the Isle of Mull. In response, James VI of Scotland intervened and wrote to the Chief of the Clan MacLeod, requesting assistance for the Macleans against the MacDonalds. He also urged the MacDonalds to cease their hostilities. Despite these efforts, the conflict continued into 1586.

In the spring of that year, Angus MacDonald of Islay, chief of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg, met with Donald Gorm Mor to try to come to a peaceful settlement with the Clan Maclean. However, during this meeting, Angus and his attendants were seized by the Macleans and imprisoned until Angus agreed to renounce his claim to the Rinns of Islay. Angus also had to give his son James and his brother Ranald as hostages to the Macleans.

The conflict between the two clans continued, and in July 1586, an Act of Parliament was passed which levied fines on any clan chiefs who failed to maintain peace and order among their vassals. This act helped bring an end to the hostilities between the Clan MacDonald of Sleat and the Clan Maclean.

Despite the resolution of the conflict, tensions between the clans continued for many years. In 1601, the Clan Maclean launched a surprise attack on the Clan MacDonald of Sleat, resulting in the Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart on the Isle of Skye. This conflict ended with the defeat of the Clan Maclean and the capture of their chief, Lachlan Mor Maclean.

The Battle of the Western Isles was a significant event in Scottish history, as it demonstrated the power of the clan system and the need for intervention by the monarchy to maintain peace and stability. It also highlighted the ongoing rivalries and tensions between the various clans in Scotland, which continued to shape the country’s history for many years to come.