The Battle of Carbisdale, 1650

The Battle of Carbisdale, also known as the Battle of Invercarron, was fought in 1650 in Scotland during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. This conflict pitted the Royalist leader James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, against the Scottish Government led by Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll and a group of radical Covenanters, known as the Kirk Party. The Covenanters emerged victorious, decisively defeating the Royalists.

The background of the battle is rooted in the defeat of the Royalists in the 1648 Second English Civil War, which led to the Kirk Party under Argyll replacing the Royalist Engagers in government. Charles II recognized Argyll as the quickest way back to the throne, but was hesitant to make too many concessions. Montrose suggested a rising in Scotland, and Charles appointed him as Lieutenant-Governor and Captain General of all his forces in Scotland.

Montrose landed in the Orkney Islands with Danish and Orcadian troops, as well as experienced Royalist commanders, but failed to raise support from the local clans in the Highlands. Meanwhile, Leslie held several castles in the north and was reinforced by Covenanter troops. Montrose advanced inland and took Dunbeath Castle after a short siege, but found support from Clan Munro, Clan Ross, and Clan Mackenzie lacking.

The opposing forces eventually met at Carbisdale, close to the village of Culrain in Sutherland. The Covenanters, led by Strachan, had a significant advantage in numbers and experience, and Montrose’s forces were quickly defeated. Montrose himself was captured and later executed for his role in the Royalist rising.

Today, the battlefield at Carbisdale is protected by Historic Scotland under the Scottish Historical Environment Policy of 2009. The site serves as a reminder of the turbulent period in Scottish history and the significant role it played in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.