Battle of Achnashellach facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Achnashellach
Part of Rebellion of Domhnall Dubh
Achnashellach Forest where the battle is said to have taken place. Most of the trees in view are the result of modern plantations of exotic conifers.
Date 1505 Location Achnashellach, Highlands, Scotland Result Cameron victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland drawn from: Clan Munro Clan Mackay	Rebels drawn from: Clan Cameron (Loyal to Donald of Islay)
Commanders and leaders
William Munro, 12th Baron of Foulis  † Iye Roy Mackay, 10th of Strathnaver	Ewen Cameron, 13th of Lochiel
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Achnashellach was a fight between Scottish clans. It is believed to have happened in 1505 in the Scottish Highlands at Achnashellach. The battle involved the Clan Cameron fighting against the Clan Mackay and the Clan Munro.

What Happened at Achnashellach?

This battle was a clash between different Scottish clans. The Clan Cameron fought against a combined force of the Clan Mackay and the Clan Munro. The fight took place in a wild part of the Scottish Highlands.

The Clan Cameron won this battle. Sadly, Sir William Munro of Foulis, a leader of the Munros, was killed. He was on a mission for the King of Scotland when the battle happened.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The battle was part of a bigger conflict. It was linked to the "Rebellion of Domhnall Dubh" (Donald Dubh). Donald Dubh was a rebel leader. The Clan Cameron supported him.

The King of Scotland wanted to control the Highlands better. He sent his officials, like Sir William Munro, to manage lands. This often led to clashes with clans who resisted the King's rule.

Who Fought in the Battle?

On one side were the Clan Cameron. Their leader was Ewen Cameron of Lochiel. He was loyal to Donald Dubh.

On the other side were forces loyal to the King of Scotland. These included the Clan Munro and the Clan Mackay. Sir William Munro of Foulis led the Munros. Iye Roy Mackay led the Mackays.

Some accounts suggest that the Earl of Huntly, a commander for the King, sent Sir William Munro. The Mackays joined Munro to show their loyalty to the King. There is also a story that the Clan Sutherland helped.

What Do We Know About the Battle?

There isn't a lot of detailed information about this battle. Most of what we know comes from old clan records and stories.

One important record is from the Clan Munro. It says that Sir William Munro was killed in 1505. He was on the King's business in Lochaber. This record mentions a fight between the Camerons and Mackays at Achnashellach.

The Clan Cameron also has a tradition. They say they defeated a combined force of Munros and Mackays.

Older Accounts of the Battle

Some older writings mention the battle. The Calendar of Fearn (a Clan Ross manuscript) records a Hugh Ross being killed there in 1504 or 1505. He worked for Sir William Munro.

An early Munro family history from the 17th century mentions Sir William Munro. It says he was a brave knight. It also states he was killed by "treachery" while leading an army for the King.

Another old account from 1717 says Munro was killed by Cameron. It mentions that a house was surrounded and refused to give up.

Later Historical Writings

Later historians also wrote about the battle. The memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel (published in 1842) mention a fight. It describes a "ruffle" (a small battle) between the Camerons and Mackays. It says the Mackays were defeated. It also notes that the leader of the Munros, who helped the Mackays, was killed.

Donald Gregory, a historian, wrote about the situation in Scotland before the battle. In 1502, the King sent officials to Lochaber. Their job was to manage the King's lands. This often meant removing "broken men" (people without a clan or land). This could have led to the conflict with the Camerons.

Alexander Mackenzie, another historian, combined these accounts in 1898. He said Sir William Munro was killed by Ewen Cameron of Lochiel. This happened during a raid. The raid was likely linked to the King's commission to manage lands in Lochaber.

Clan Cameron tartan in the Clan Munro exhibition at the Storehouse of Foulis

More recently, Alister Farquhar Matheson wrote about the battle in 2014. He said the Earl of Huntly asked Sir William Munro to lead an attack. This attack was against the rebel MacDonalds of Lochalsh. The Mackays joined Munro. Ewen Cameron, who protected the MacDonalds' lands, gathered his forces. He set up an ambush at Achnashellach. Munro's army was defeated, and Munro was killed. However, this defeat did not stop the King's campaign.

The Aftermath

After the battle, Sir William Munro of Foulis left two sons. His eldest son, Hector Munro, became the new chief. King James V of Scotland confirmed Hector's lands. Hector was also made the King's Royal Lieutenant of Western Ross-shire. This was the same important job his father had.

Another Munro, Hector Munro of Erribol, became the constable of Strome Castle. This castle was important to the MacDonalds of Glengarry. Before this, Ewen Cameron had been the constable of Strome Castle. Ewen Cameron was later executed in 1546.