Blair vs. Heron

The feud between the Blairs of Glasclune and the Herons (or Herrings) of Drumlochy was one of the most bitter and violent rivalries in the Blairgowrie region. This long-standing conflict, fueled by territorial disputes and clan pride, culminated in bloodshed, betrayal, and the destruction of Drumlochy Castle.

The origins of the feud are difficult to pinpoint, but by the late 14th century, tensions had already begun to rise. The Blairs of Glasclune, a powerful and ambitious family, controlled a large portion of land northwest of Blairgowrie. On the opposite side of the ravine stood Drumlochy Castle, home to the Herons. Though the Herons were a respected noble family, their proximity to the Blairs made them natural rivals.

For decades, the two clans engaged in a series of raids, ambushes, and retaliatory attacks. This was not an open war, but rather a prolonged struggle, where each side sought to weaken the other through small-scale skirmishes and political maneuvering. The ravine that separated their castles became a battlefield, with livestock stolen, lands burned, and men slain in the night.

By the 16th century, hostilities had reached their peak. The Blairs, with their increasing influence, sought to assert dominance over the Herons. Rumors spread that Herring of Drumlochy was involved in a conspiracy against the Blairs, potentially aligning with their enemies in an attempt to seize their lands. Whether these accusations were true or simply an excuse for war, the Blairs wasted no time in acting.

The final clash between these feuding clans came in a decisive assault on Drumlochy Castle. The Blairs, aided by allies, launched a surprise attack on their rivals, catching the Herons unprepared. The defenders fought valiantly, but the Blairs’ superior numbers and tactics proved overwhelming. As the castle burned, many of the Herons were slaughtered, while others fled into the hills. The once-proud stronghold of Drumlochy was reduced to ruins, never to be rebuilt. With their home destroyed, the Herons vanished from the region, their legacy fading into obscurity.

Though victorious, the Blairs’ triumph was short-lived. Their own stronghold, Glasclune Castle, eventually fell into ruin as well, its stonework dismantled and repurposed. The feud that had consumed both families ended in mutual destruction, leaving behind only fragments of their once-great fortresses.

Today, the story of the Blairs and Herons is remembered in whispers of local folklore and the scattered remains of their castles. Their rivalry stands as a testament to the brutality of Scotland’s feudal era, where power was fleeting, and enemies could be made in an instant.