Battle of Glenlivet

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The Battle of Glenlivet was fought in 1594 near Allanreid and Morinsh.

This battle is often seen as a religious conflict. The battle was fought between the Catholic forces of the Earl of Huntly and the Earl of Errol against the Protestant forces of the Earl of Argyll.

The Earl of Huntly's forces consisted of 2000 Highlanders from Clan Gordon, Comyn/Cumming, Clan Cameron and others.

The Earl of Argyll's forces consisted of 10000 Highlanders from Clan Campbell, Clan Murray of Atholl, the Chattan Confederation of Clan MacKintosh and Clan Forbes and others.

When the decree of 12th November 1593 came out, by which Catholics were ordered to give up their faith or leave the country, Huntly refused obedience. His continued resistance culminated in the battle of Glenlivet, when, accompanied by the Earl of Errol, he engaged Argyll's army at Altnachoylachan. Like the soldiers of Bruce at Bannockburn, Huntly's retainers prepared for battle by confession and communion. Mass was said at Auchindoun for them by Father Gordon, S.J., before they set out on their march through Glenrinnes ; their weapons were sprinkled with holy water, and a cross placed on their armour symbolised that they fought in defence of the Cross of Christ.†

The Earl of Huntly's force of 2000 men routed the Earl of Argyll's force of 10000. Huntly's victory was seen as a dramatic victory of horse and artillery over irregular infantry.

The location of the battlefield is: 57.348964° N 3.251002° W, approximately 5km East of Glenlivet.