Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart

Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart
Scottish Gaelic: Blàr Tràigh Ghruineart
Part of the Scottish clan battles

Cairn marking the spot where Maclean of Duart fell in battle
Date August 5, 1598
Location Islay, Scotland
Result Clan Donald victory
Belligerents
Clan Donald Clan Maclean
Commanders and leaders
James MacDonald Lachlan Mor Maclean †
Strength
Unknown 800-1000 men
Clan Maclean-Clan MacDonald feuds

The Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart (Scottish Gaelic: Blàr Tràigh Ghruineart) (Battle of Gruinart Strand) was a Scottish clan battle fought on August 5, 1598, on the Isle of Islay, in the Scottish Highlands. It was fought between the Clan Donald and Clan Maclean. [1] [2]

History

Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean laid claim to the whole Isle of Islay.[3] The island had always been the ancient inheritance of Clan MacDonald, which was held by MacDonald clan chief Sir James MacDonald, nephew of Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean.

After assembling his forces of about 800-1000 men, Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean landed at Loch Gruineart. James being reasonable peacefully offered his uncle half of the Island for the MacLeans to own for Lauchlan's lifetime only. However Lauchlan MacLean refused all offers of peace unless his nephew gave him the entire Island. Allies to the Clan MacDonald sent men from Kintyre and Arran, including members of Clan MacAlister, which were led by Angus MhicMhuirich of Arran. A cruel battle took place. James MacDonald's men were far inferior in number but had been trained well. The MacDonalds retreated so as to fight with the sun on their backs. The MacDonalds were eventually victorious and the MacLeans were defeated. A dwarf named Dubh Sith (Black Fairy) who was hidden in a tree killed Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean with a shot through the eye after he had removed his helmet.[4]

With Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean and about 280 of his men killed in battle, the rest were chased to their boats, while some sought refuge in the chapel of Kilnave. The chapel was burnt down with all within it with the exception of one dying. Sir James MacDonald was seriously wounded after being shot through the body with an arrow; he was found after the battle amongst 30 dead MacDonalds, which also included Angus MhicMhuirich of Arran. This brought an end to the feud between Clan MacDonald and Clan MacLean. However afterwards the King of Scotland, not liking the MacDonalds, gave MacDonald lands to Clan Campbell, later leading to a further feud.[1]

Clan Donald's reign in Islay came to an end in 1612 when Angus MacDonald, sold his patrimony to Sir John Campbell of Cawdor.

References

  1. ^ a b Conflicts of the Clans (1764) Foulis Press. From a manuscript written in the reign of James VI of Scotland.
  2. ^ Murder Under Trust by Nicholas Maclean-Bristol, (1999) Tuckwell Press.
  3. ^ MacLean, John Patterson (1889). A History of the Clan MacLean from Its First Settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the Present Period: Including a Genealogical Account of Some of the Principal Families Together with Their Heraldry, Legends, Superstitions, etc.. R. Clarke & Company. http://books.google.com/books?id=tQs2AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA224&dq=%22Laird+of+Brolas%22&ei=b4ikSaD5JJHIM5uWrb8B#PPA91,M1. "Sir Lachlan Mor became chief. He was called "Big Lachlan," both on account of his size and the greatness of his mind. It is recorded that he was the most accomplished and warlike chief that ever held sway in the castle. This assumption might be owing to the nearness of his time, whilst those remote might grow dim as ages melt away. His military talents were of a high order; his chivalrous character everywhere commanded respect, and his devoted interest in behalf of his people endeared him to all. Historians have written of him in unstinted praise. His reign covers a very interesting period, though varied and much given to tumult. He fell in a clan battle with the MacDonalds of Islay, on August 5, 1598" 
  4. ^ "Gaelic-Rings". 2009. http://www.gaelic-rings.com/islay/. Retrieved 2009-07-03. 
Scottish clan battles
14th century
15th century
16th century
17th century
see also