The Battle of Benbigrie, 1598

The Battle of Benbigrie was a significant conflict that took place on the Isle of Islay in 1598 between the forces of Hector Og Maclean, 15th Chief and Sir James MacDonald, 9th of Dunnyveg. It was fought as a result of the death of Sir Lachlan Mor MacLean, 14th Chief of Duart, at the hands of forces led by Sir James MacDonald in the previous Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart. Hector Og Maclean sought revenge for his father’s death and gathered an army with the assistance of several other clans, including the Clan Mackinnon, MacLeod of Dunvegan, MacNeil of Barra, and the Camerons of Lochiel.

The Macleans significantly outnumbered the MacDonalds, but the latter fought with determination and ferocity, eventually succeeding in routing their opponents and causing the Macleans to flee. The battle was particularly destructive, with the victorious Macleans burning every human habitation on the island and leaving the inhabitants to seek shelter in the mountains. Many lives were lost on both sides, and Sir James MacDonald was carried off the field with serious wounds.

Despite the hostility between the two clans, the Battle of Benbigrie marked the end of their long-standing animosity. After the conflict, the Macleans and the MacDonalds lived in friendship and good will. This was in part due to the efforts of James VI of Scotland, who appointed a new commission of lieutenandry over the western Highlands and Isles in an effort to bring peace to the region. The commission was granted to the Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox and George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly, with the intention of collecting a sufficient amount of money to meet the king’s demands.

In the years following the Battle of Benbigrie, the western Highlands and Isles experienced a period of relative peace and stability. The commissioners worked to bring order to the region and improve relations between the clans, which had previously been marked by constant conflict and hostility. This peace was short-lived, however, as tensions between the clans eventually flared up once again, leading to further violence and unrest in the region.

Overall, the Battle of Benbigrie was a significant event in the history of the western Highlands and Isles. It marked the end of a long period of hostility between the Macleans and the MacDonalds and helped bring about a temporary period of peace and stability in the region. However, the conflicts between the clans were not completely resolved and would continue to plague the area for many years to come.