The Stand-off at the Ford of Arkaig, 1664

The Stand-off at the Ford of Arkaig was a significant event in the long-standing conflict between Clan Cameron and Clan Mackintosh over lands in the Loch Arkaig and Glen Loy area in Scotland. The two clans had been feuding over the area for approximately 360 years, with the first recorded battle taking place in 1330 or 1337.

In 1664, both clans were ordered by the Privy Council to settle the dispute, with Clan Mackintosh being declared the legal owner of the lands but Clan Cameron being declared the de facto owner and ordered to pay compensation to Clan Mackintosh. However, Clan Mackintosh’s chief, Lachlan Mackintosh of Torcastle, refused the settlement and instead decided to take matters into his own hands. He attempted to bribe various noblemen to implement a commission of fire and sword against Clan Cameron, but they all told him to accept the financial compensation that had already been offered by Clan Cameron.

In September 1665, Clan Mackintosh assembled an army of approximately 1,500 men and invaded the disputed lands, taking up a position to the north of the River Arkaig. Clan Cameron, led by Ewen Cameron, XVII Captain and Chief of Clan Cameron, responded by assembling an army of approximately 1,000 men and taking up a defensive position on the south side of the river at the Fords of Arkaig. Ewen Cameron also developed a battle plan involving a dual attack on Clan Mackintosh, with a portion of his forces being sent via boats to attack from the rear while the main body of the clan marched around the head of Loch Arkaig to attack from the west. However, the stand-off between the two clans was ultimately resolved peacefully when John Campbell, later the Earl of Breadalbane, intervened and helped facilitate a deal in which Clan Cameron purchased the disputed lands from Clan Mackintosh for 25,000 merks.

The stand-off at the Ford of Arkaig marked the end of the long-standing feud between Clan Cameron and Clan Mackintosh. Ewen Cameron and the Chief of Clan Mackintosh met face-to-face and shook hands, pledging to end the 360-year conflict between their clans. The purchase of the disputed lands by Clan Cameron allowed them to assert their de facto ownership and bring an end to the centuries-long struggle over the area. The stand-off at the Ford of Arkaig remains an important event in the history of Scotland and serves as a reminder of the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts.