21 Clan Feuds and Battle from the the book “History of the Clan Feuds…” 1780

21 Clan Feuds listed in the 1780 book The History of the Feuds and Conflicts among the Clans in the Northern parts of Scotland and in the Western Isles from the year 1031 to 1619

Conflict of Creigh in Sutherland (1031): Taking place in Sutherland, this conflict saw Alane Thane of Sutherland and his forces combat the Danes and Norwegians, led by Olanus and Enetus. The Norse invaders, having established a stronghold in northern Scotland, faced a significant defeat at Creigh, where Alane Thane successfully defended his land.

Conflict at Enbo (1259): In Sutherland, specifically at a place called Enbo, William Earl of Sutherland confronted an invasion by Danes and Norwegians. The invaders intended to overrun Sutherland and neighboring regions but were decisively beaten by Earl William, marking a pivotal defense against Norse incursions.

Conflict of Beallegh-ne-Broig (1299): Occurring in the Earl of Ross’s territory, this conflict involved the Monroes, Dingwalls, and Highland clans from C’an-Iver, Clan-tall-wigh, and Clan-Leawe. The battle, rooted in land and power disputes, resulted in significant losses for both sides but ultimately saw the Monroes and Dingwalls emerge victorious.

Conflict of Clogh-ne-herey (1346): Near Kessock, John Monro, tutor of Foulis, clashed with the Mackintoshes in a battle driven by personal grievances. Despite being outnumbered, Monro and his forces managed a victory against the Mackintoshes at Clogh-ne-herey.

Conflict between Clan-Chattan and Clan-Kay (1396): In Perth, a unique trial by combat was held to resolve a feud between Clan-Chattan and Clan-Kay. Thirty warriors from each clan fought in this sanctioned battle, which saw Clan-Chattan emerge victorious, significantly aided by the warrior Henry Wynd.

Conflict of Tuttum-tarwigh (1406): In the southwest part of Sutherland, bordering Ross, a feud involving Angus Mackay of Strathnaver and Macleod of the Lewis led to the battle at Tuttum-tarwigh. The conflict, fueled by disputes over Angus Mackay’s widow’s treatment, ended in defeat for Macleod.

Conflict at Harpisdel (1426): Angus Dow Mackay’s hostile actions in Catteynefs led to a confrontation with the locals at Harpisdel. This significant battle, part of ongoing feuds in the region, saw substantial losses on both sides and King James I’s subsequent intervention.

Conflict of Drum-ne-coub (1427): In Sutherland, Thomas Mackay’s conflict with the Laird of Freefh-weik, Mowat, escalated into a significant battle. The dispute, initially over the treatment of Thomas’s aunt, led to Mowat’s killing and a subsequent retaliation by Angus Murray against the Mackay family.

Conflict of Ruoig-hanfet (1437): This battle in Catteynefs involved Neill-Wassle-Mackay of Strathnaver. Neill-Wassle’s incursion into Catteynefs led to a skirmish at Sanfet, resulting in losses for both Strathnaver and Catteynefs forces.

Conflict of Blair-tannie and Blair-ne-pairk (1438): In Catteynefs, the Keiths and Clan-Gun engaged in conflicts at Blair-tannie and Blair-ne-pairk. These battles, centered around territorial and power struggles, ended in victory for the Keiths with assistance from Angus Mackay of Strathnaver.

Conflict at Aldicharrish (1487): The battle at Aldicharrish, in Strathoickell and Strath-Charron, was between John Reawighe Mackay and the Roffs. Sparked by Angus Mackay’s death at the hands of the Roffs, this conflict ended in a decisive victory for John Reawighe and Robert Sutherland.

Skirmish of Daill-reawighe (1516): In Strathnaver, a familial dispute between John Mackay and his uncle Neil Na-werighe led to this skirmish. The battle, which saw the killing of two of Neil’s sons, was part of a larger dispute over the Strathnaver succession.

Conflict of Torran-Dow (1517): In Sutherland, specifically at Torran-Dow near Rogart in Strathfleit, Adam Gordon, Earl of Sutherland, fought against John Mackay of Strathnaver. Mackay’s forays into Sutherland were met with strong resistance, resulting in his defeat and submission.

Conflict of Aldine-beh (1542): Donald Mackay of Strathnaver led an invasion into Sutherland, starting with an attack on Knock-artol village and seizing a large booty. The ensuing conflict took place at Aldine-beh, where Sir Hugh Kennedy, Hutcheon Murray, and Gilbert Gordon pursued and engaged Mackay’s forces. Although Donald Mackay performed valiantly, he suffered significant losses and had to retreat.

Conflict at Gar-warie (1555): This conflict in Sutherland saw Y Mackay and John Moir Mackay in a violent confrontation. Y Mackay’s incursion into Sutherland led to a decisive battle at Gar-warie, where his forces faced defeat, contributing to his eventual death.

Burning of the Cathedral Church of Dornogh in Sutherland (1570): This event occurred in Sutherland, specifically in Dornogh. It wasn’t a battle but a significant act of aggression by the Earl of Catteynefs’s forces. They burnt the town of Dornogh and its cathedral church, marking a heightening of hostilities between the Earls of Sutherland and Catteynefs.

Troubles in the West Isles (1586): This period saw conflicts in the Western Isles of Scotland, particularly between the Clan-Donald and Clan-Lean. The ongoing disputes, characterized by skirmishes and battles, were primarily over territorial claims and power in the region.

Conflict at the Bridge of Dee (1588): Located near Aberdeen, the Bridge of Dee became a strategic point of contention between the Gordons and their adversaries. The Earl of Huntlie led his forces to secure this crucial crossing, underscoring the wider regional power struggles.

Conflict at Craibstane (1572): Near Aberdeen, this battle was a major confrontation between the Gordon and Forbes families. It stemmed from longstanding feuds and was exacerbated by the repudiation of Margaret Gordon by John, Master of Forbes. Adam Gordon of Auchindowne led the Gordons to a decisive victory over the Forbes.

Battle of Glenlivat (1594): In Strathavon, near Glenlivat, the Earl of Argyle’s forces clashed with the Earls of Huntlie and Errol. Despite being outnumbered, Huntlie and Errol achieved a strategic victory, shifting the power dynamics in the region and highlighting the complex political landscape.

Death of Sir Lauchlan Maclean (1598): The Isle of Ila was the scene of this final and decisive conflict involving Sir Lauchlan Maclean. His ambition to claim the entire island led to a significant battle in Gruinart. His death, at the hands of Sir James Macdonald, marked the end of this particular feud and restored relative peace to the area.

*John Gillies. (1780). The History of the Feuds and Conflicts among the Clans in the Northern parts of Scotland and in the Western Isles from the year 1031 to 1619.