Battle of Craig Cailloch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Craig Cailloch
Part of Clan Cameron-Clan Mackintosh feud
Crest badges of Clan Cameron (first) and Clan Mackintosh (second)
Date 1441 Location Craig Cailloch, Scottish Highlands Result Cameron victory
Belligerents
Clan Cameron	Chattan Confederation
Commanders and leaders
	Lachlan Badenoch Mackintosh (WIA) Gillichallum Mackintosh  † Angus Mackintosh  †

The Battle of Craig Cailloch was a fierce fight between two Scottish clans. It happened in 1441. The battle was fought between Clan Cameron and Clan Mackintosh. The Mackintosh clan was part of a larger group called the Chattan Confederation.

This battle was part of a bigger disagreement. It involved Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross. He was a powerful leader known as the Lord of the Isles. Both clans had previously sided with James I of Scotland against Alexander. After Alexander lost a war, he was made a special judge for Scotland. This job was called the Justiciar of Scotia. Alexander then made peace with the Chattans. But he still saw the Camerons as traitors. So, he encouraged the Chattans to attack the Camerons' lands. This led to the bloody battle at Craig Cailloch. Many important Chattan fighters were killed. Later, the Cameron leader, Donald Dubh, had to leave Scotland. He went to live in Ireland.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

This battle happened after a war between King James I and Alexander of Islay. Alexander was defeated in 1429. He was even put in prison for a time. Both Clan Cameron and Clan Chattan had supported King James. But after Alexander was released, things changed. He became friendly with the Chattans. However, he still saw the Camerons as enemies.

Perhaps Alexander wanted revenge on the Camerons. He might have thought that by supporting one clan, they would fight each other. So, in 1441, Alexander encouraged the Chattans. He told them to invade the Camerons' lands. This was one of Alexander's first acts as the new Justiciar of Scotia.

Where Was Craig Cailloch?

The exact place where the battle happened is not fully known. Most stories say it was at a place called Craig Cailloch. This name comes from Scottish Gaelic words. Chreag means 'rock' and cailleach means 'old woman'. One writer, John Drummond, called the place "Craigiarlich." He said it was in the Brae of Badenoch.

The Camerons were led by a skilled fighter named Ewan. He was the son of Donald McEwan. The fight was very violent. Lachlan Badenoch, a son of the Mackintosh chief, was hurt. He lost some fingers. Lachlan's younger brother, Gillichallum, died in the battle. Their cousin Angus also died.

What Happened After the Battle?

After the battle, the Mackintosh clan wanted revenge. Malcolm Mackintosh's oldest son, Duncan, led attacks. He raided the Cameron lands in Lochaber. He wanted to get even for the deaths of Gillichallum and Angus.

Soon after the battle, Donald Dubh became the new Cameron chief. But he was eventually forced to leave Scotland. He went to live in Ireland. He lost his lands at Locheil. This happened because of the ongoing bad feelings with the Earl of Ross.