Battle of Bun Garbhain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Bun Garbhain
Part of Cameron-Mackintosh feud
Loch Arkaig
Date 1570 Location Bun Garbhain by Loch Eil Result Cameron victory
Belligerents
Clan Cameron	Chattan Confederation

The Battle of Bun Garbhain was an important fight between two powerful Scottish clans, the Clan Cameron and the Clan Mackintosh. It took place in 1570 in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. This battle was part of a long-running disagreement between these two clans.

Why the Battle Started

The Battle of Bun Garbhain began because of a change in leadership for the Clan Cameron. Their chief, Donald Dubh Cameron, passed away. He left behind a very young son, Allan, who was too young to lead the clan.

A Clan Divided

At this time, the Clan Cameron was not fully united. One important member, Cameron of Erracht, believed he should be the chief instead. He even had agreements with his relatives from the Clan Mackintosh. The chief of Clan Mackintosh saw this as a chance to expand his clan's power.

The Mackintosh Invasion

Taking advantage of the situation, the Mackintosh chief gathered about 200 of his men. They marched into the lands of Clan Cameron, near Loch Arkaig. This invasion led to a fierce battle.

The Fight for Bun Garbhain

The first clash was intense. Even though the Camerons had fewer fighters, they held the higher ground. This gave them an advantage, and many Mackintosh warriors were injured or killed.

Retreat and Rally

The Mackintosh chief decided to pull his men back. They retreated around Loch Eil to a place called the Ardgour shore. There, he managed to gather his forces and prepare for another fight.

A Second Clash

The Camerons quickly followed. A second battle began, and the results were similar to the first. During this fight, it is believed that the Mackintosh chief was killed. He was struck down by Donald 'Taillear Dubh na Tuaighe' Cameron, who was the son of the previous Cameron chief. Donald used a powerful weapon called a Lochaber axe.

The Final Stand

After their chief fell, the Mackintosh fighters retreated again to a place called Bun Garbhain. Both sides faced each other once more before stopping for the night. The Mackintoshes made camp in a small hollow, thinking they were safe. However, the Camerons launched a surprise attack on their camp. They defeated the remaining Mackintosh warriors.

What Happened Next

After the battle, Donald 'Taillear Dubh na Tuaighe' Cameron went to tell the mother of young Allan Cameron about the fight. Interestingly, Allan's mother was actually a Mackintosh.

A Mother's Rage

Donald told her, "Gun robh bian cait au diugh air plang, agus rogha’s taghadh air peighinn." This means, "A cat’s skin might be had this day for a plack (a small coin)." He was referring to the Mackintosh clan's symbol, which was a wildcat. Hearing about the defeat and the loss of her family, Allan's mother became very angry. She tried to harm her own son, Allan.

Allan's Safety

Luckily, Donald 'Taillear Dubh na Tuaighe' Cameron quickly stepped in and stopped her. Allan Cameron was saved from harm. Because of her actions, Allan's mother was sent away from Lochaber forever. This battle helped secure young Allan's position as the chief of Clan Cameron.