The Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss, 1647

The Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss, fought on May 24, 1647, was a significant event in the political and religious conflicts of 17th century Scotland. On one side were the Covenanters, a group of Presbyterians who supported the National Covenant of Scotland, which called for the religious and political independence of Scotland from England. On the other side were the Royalists, who supported the restoration of Charles II to the throne of England and Scotland.

The Covenanters were led by General David Leslie, while the Royalists were led by Sir Alexander MacDonald, also known as Alasdair Mac Colla Chiotaich. The battle took place at Rhunahaorine Point in Kintyre, Scotland, and it was a decisive victory for the Covenanters.

The Royalists were heavily outnumbered, and Sir Alexander MacDonald was captured and later executed. The Covenanters also destroyed Largie Castle, which was the home of the MacDonalds of Largie and was considered a symbol of Royalist power in the area.

The Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss was a significant victory for the Covenanters, as it helped to secure their control over much of Scotland. However, it also marked the beginning of a series of brutal reprisals against the Royalists, who were seen as a major threat to the Covenanters’ power.

The conflict between the Covenanters and the Royalists was not limited to Scotland, as it was part of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which also involved England and Ireland. The Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss was just one small part of a much larger struggle between different political and religious groups, and it had a lasting impact on the history of Scotland.