The Raids of Urquhart, 1544

The Raids of Urquhart were two raids that took place in the Scottish Highlands in 1544 and 1545, targeting the Clan Grant and their lands. The raids were carried out by the Clan Cameron and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, and were likely motivated by ongoing conflicts between the clans.

The first raid took place in October 1544, and saw the Clan Cameron and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry targeting the Clan Grant‘s lands of Glenmoriston and Glen Urquhart, where the Grants held Urquhart Castle. A large number of goods were stolen, including agricultural products like oats and bere, as well as livestock such as cows, horses, and sheep. The raiders also took household items from Urquhart Castle, including beds, pots and pans, and brewing cauldrons. The tenants of the Clan Grant were also affected, with many of their possessions being stolen as well.

The second raid took place in April 1545, and saw the Clan Cameron and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry again targeting the Clan Grant’s lands. It is not clear what was stolen in this second raid, but it is likely that a significant amount of goods were taken.

The raids had significant consequences for the leaders of the raiding clans. Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, the chief of Clan Cameron, was charged with participating in the raids and was eventually convicted and executed in 1546. It is not clear what happened to the leaders of the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry in the aftermath of the raids.

The Raids of Urquhart were significant events in the history of the Scottish Highlands, illustrating the ongoing conflicts and tensions between different clans in the region. The raids involved the theft of a large amount of goods and had significant consequences for the leaders of the raiding clans. Despite the efforts of authorities to bring those responsible to justice, clan conflicts and raids like these were a common occurrence in the Highlands during this period.