Battle of Carinish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Carinish |
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| Part of Clan MacDonald - Clan MacLeod feud | |||||||
 The battlefield at Carinish |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Clan MacDonald of Sleat | Clan MacLeod | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Donald MacDonald | Donald MacLeod | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 15 | 40 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | 38 | ||||||
The Battle of Carinish was an important fight between two powerful Scottish clans in 1601. It happened in a place called North Uist, an island in Scotland. This battle was part of a long-standing disagreement, or "feud," between the Clan MacLeod of Dunvegan and the Clan MacDonald of Sleat. The MacDonalds won this battle, which helped bring an end to the conflict.
Contents
Why did the clans fight?
A Family Disagreement Starts the Feud
In 1601, Donald Gorm Mor MacDonald, who was the leader of the Clan MacDonald of Sleat, decided to end his marriage. His wife was the sister of Rory MacLeod, the leader of the Clan MacLeod. This decision made Rory MacLeod very angry.
Attacks and Raids Begin
To show his anger, Rory MacLeod attacked the Trotternish area on the island of Skye. This land belonged to the MacDonalds. In response, Donald MacDonald then attacked MacLeod land in Harris. This back-and-forth raiding made the feud much worse.
What happened during the Battle of Carinish?
MacLeod's Raid on North Uist
After the attacks on Harris, Rory MacLeod sent 40 of his men to North Uist. These men were led by his cousin, Donald Glas MacLeod. Their goal was to steal goods that local people had hidden for safety. The goods were stored inside the Trinity Temple at Carinish, which was a church.
MacDonalds Prepare for Battle
When Donald MacIain 'ic Sheumais (a MacDonald leader) heard about the raid, he quickly gathered his own small group of fighters. He started with 12 men, known as gillemores. As they traveled towards Carinish, a few more men joined them, bringing their total strength to 15.
The Surprise Attack
The MacDonalds arrived early in the morning. They found the MacLeod raiders feasting inside the church, completely unaware of the danger. The MacDonalds launched a surprise attack. Most of the MacLeod men were killed. Only two MacLeods managed to survive the battle. Donald MacLeod, their leader, was among those who died.
A Hero's Injury and a Special Song
Donald MacIain 'ic Sheumais was seriously wounded by an arrow during the fight. Luckily, he recovered from his injury. It is said that a special song called Ic Iain 'Ic Sheumais was created by his foster-mother. She sang it to help ease his pain.
The Last Bow and Arrow Battle?
The Battle of Carinish is often remembered for a special reason. Many people believe it was the very last battle in the British Isles where bows and arrows were the main weapons used. However, some historians think a similar fight might have happened in England in 1642.
What happened after the battle?
A Dangerous Journey Home
Three weeks after the battle, Donald MacIain 'ic Sheumais was sailing back to Skye to share news of his victory. A very strong snowstorm hit, forcing him to find shelter. He ended up at a place called Rodel in Harris, which was MacLeod territory.
An Unexpected Meeting
Donald only told one person about his presence: his godson. This godson was working as a page (a young servant) for Rory MacLeod at Rodel. Rory MacLeod looked out at the storm and said that on such a night, he would even offer shelter to his greatest enemy. The page immediately told Rory that Donald MacIain 'ic Sheumais was asking for shelter.
Tension at Dinner
Donald and his men were given a place to stay by the MacLeods. The atmosphere at dinner was very tense. Everyone knew these clans were enemies. Rory MacLeod had to be very firm to prevent any fighting from breaking out.
A Narrow Escape
Later that night, the page secretly told the MacDonalds that the wind was good for sailing to Skye. Donald and his men wisely left right away. It was a good thing they did! Before dawn, some MacLeod clansmen, without their chief's knowledge, set fire to the building where the MacDonalds had been staying. As the MacDonalds sailed away, their bagpiper played a tune called "The MacLeods are Disgraced."
Peace is Made
After another defeat for the MacLeods at the Battle of Coire Na Creiche, the Scottish government stepped in. The Privy Council of Scotland forced the two clans to make peace. This peace was celebrated with three weeks of feasting and parties at Dunvegan Castle. Except for a small disagreement in 1603, the fighting between the two clans finally ended.
Images for kids
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Carinish with the battlefield
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The Teampull na Trionad
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The Graveyard of the Teampull na Trionad
