Battle of Alltachuilain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Alltachuilain |
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| Part of the Scottish clan wars | |||||||
 Dunrobin Castle was besieged by both sides prior to the battle |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Clan Sutherland Clan Gordon (loyal to Elizabeth Sutherland and Adam Gordon) |
Clan Sutherland (loyal to Alexander Sutherland) | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Alexander Leslie John Murray |
Alexander Sutherland | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | All either slain or chased | ||||||
The Battle of Alltachuilain (also known as Ald-Quhillin) was a fight between Scottish clans. It happened in 1518 or 1519 in a place called Alltachuilain, in the area of Loth, Sutherland, Scotland. This battle was part of a disagreement within the Clan Sutherland about who should be the Earl of Sutherland.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
In 1514, John Sutherland, 9th Earl of Sutherland, who was the leader of Clan Sutherland, passed away. He didn't have any children to take his place. So, his younger sister, Elizabeth Sutherland, became the 10th Countess of Sutherland.
Elizabeth married Adam Gordon. Adam was from the powerful Clan Gordon. Their son, Alexander Gordon, Master of Sutherland, was set to become the next Earl. However, some people disagreed with this plan.
First, John Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver, the leader of the Clan Mackay, opposed the Gordons. He fought against Elizabeth Sutherland and Adam Gordon's forces in 1517 at the Battle of Torran Dubh. Mackay was defeated in that battle. Elizabeth's half-brother, Alexander Sutherland, had helped her fight Mackay. But soon after, Alexander Sutherland married John Mackay's sister. Some say John Mackay then convinced Alexander Sutherland to claim the Earldom for himself.
Fighting for Dunrobin Castle
The Gordon family said that Adam Gordon offered Alexander Sutherland fair terms, but Alexander refused them. The clans and groups in Sutherland then split into different sides. Alexander Sutherland became very popular among them. He had support from the Earl of Caithness and John Mackay.
While Adam Gordon was away, Alexander Sutherland and many men attacked Dunrobin Castle. This castle was the main home of the Earls and Countesses of Sutherland. Alexander Sutherland managed to take control of the castle before Adam Gordon returned.
Adam Gordon then sent his own forces to take the castle back. These forces were led by Alexander Leslie and John Moray. They surrounded Dunrobin Castle. Alexander Sutherland's group eventually gave up the castle. However, Alexander Sutherland himself had already left and gone to Strathnaver, which was the land of his brother-in-law, John Mackay.
The Battle Itself
According to the Gordon family's records, Alexander Sutherland returned to Sutherland with new fighters. He even fought against some of his own Sutherland relatives who supported Adam Gordon. Alexander Sutherland then moved into the areas of Clyne and Loth, where he caused trouble in the countryside.
Adam Gordon sent Alexander Leslie and John Moray to keep fighting until he arrived with more soldiers. They met Alexander Sutherland's group at a place called Alltachuilain (or Ald-Quhillin). A fierce fight happened there. Alexander Sutherland was captured during the battle. All of his men were either defeated or ran away. Alexander Sutherland died during the conflict at the battle site.
What Happened Next
After the Battle of Alltachuilain, another person, William Sutherland, 6th of Duffus, also tried to claim the Earldom of Sutherland. But he was killed by the Bishop of Caithness in 1530.
Adam Gordon and Elizabeth Sutherland's son, Alexander Gordon, became known as the Master of Sutherland. His son later became the next Earl, John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland.
Alexander Sutherland, who was killed in the battle, lived in a place called "Kilphedder." His family continued to live on those lands for many generations. The ruins at Kilphedder are now mostly connected to one of his later family members. This was William Sutherland of Kilphedder, who was known for being very strong and tall. He repaired and made his ancestors' home bigger.
See also
