The Battle of Morar, 1602

The Battle of Morar, fought in 1602 near Loch Morar in the Scottish Highlands, was a violent and bloody clash between two powerful Scottish clans: the MacDonells of Glengarry and the Mackenzies. This feud, which had been brewing for some time, ultimately led to one of the most significant battles of the late 16th and early 17th century in Scotland.

The feud between the MacDonells and Mackenzies began when the Mackenzies, led by Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail, sought to bring the MacDonell Laird of Glengarry to justice for crimes committed against them. The MacDonells, however, refused to appear in court on the arranged date and instead sought to take revenge for the slaughter of two of their own clansmen. This led to the Mackenzies wasting the MacDonell country of Morar.

The two sides eventually met in battle, with the Mackenzies being supported by the Clan Ross at the Battle of Morar. This was due to Kenneth Mackenzie’s marriage to Ann Ross, daughter of George Ross of Balnagowan, chief of Clan Ross. The battle was fierce, with heavy casualties on both sides. According to historian Alexander Mackenzie, the Mackenzies emerged victorious, though the exact details of the battle are not well-documented.

After the battle, the MacDonells’ stronghold, Strome Castle, was still in their hands. The Mackenzies laid siege to the castle, and during the siege, Andrew Munro of Novar was wounded along with two or three others. The MacDonells ultimately surrendered and the Mackenzies destroyed the castle with gunpowder.

The Battle of Morar had significant consequences for both clans. For the MacDonells, it marked the end of their power and influence in the Scottish Highlands. They were forced to give up their lands to the Mackenzies and were no longer a major force in the region. For the Mackenzies, the victory solidified their position as one of the most powerful clans in the Highlands and they went on to become a major player in Scottish politics and society.