Battle of Dunaverty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Dunaverty |
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| Part of the Scottish Civil War | |||||
 The site of Dunaverty Castle |
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| Belligerents | |||||
 Royalists |
 Covenanters |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||
| Archibald Og of Sanda | David Leslie | ||||
| Strength | |||||
| 200-300 | Unknown | ||||
The Battle of Dunaverty was a sad and important event in Scottish history. It happened in 1647 at Dunaverty Castle in Kintyre, Scotland. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Scottish Civil War. It involved the Covenanter Army, led by General David Leslie, fighting against a smaller group of Highland troops. These Highland soldiers, about 200 to 300 of them, were led by Archibald Og of Sanda.
Contents
What Was the Scottish Civil War?
The Scottish Civil War was a period of fighting in Scotland during the 1640s. It was part of the larger Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which also included the English and Irish Civil Wars. These wars were fought between those who supported King Charles I (called Royalists) and those who supported the Scottish Parliament and a religious group called the Covenanters.
Who Were the Covenanters?
The Covenanters were a powerful group in Scotland. They believed in a specific way of practicing their Protestant religion. They wanted to protect their church from the King's control. They signed agreements, or "Covenants," to show their commitment to these beliefs.
Who Were the Royalists?
The Royalists were people who supported King Charles I. They believed the King should have more power and control, including over the church. Many Highland clans, like the MacDonalds, often supported the King.
Before the Battle of Dunaverty, there was another fight called the Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss. After losing that battle, many Royalist soldiers, led by Alasdair Mac Colla, tried to escape.
- Some of them went to Kinlochkilkerran and sailed to Ireland on small boats called birlinns.
- Others went to Dunaverty or Dunyvaig Castle, also hoping to get to Ireland.
About 200 to 300 soldiers couldn't leave Scotland. They decided to defend Dunaverty Castle instead.
When the Covenanter Army arrived, they surrounded Dunaverty Castle. This is called a siege. They tried to stop anyone from getting in or out and made small attacks on the castle's defenders.
The Covenanters eventually managed to cut off the castle's water supply. Without fresh water, the people inside the castle began to suffer.
The Surrender and Its Tragic Outcome
Running out of water, the defenders of Dunaverty Castle asked to surrender. They wanted to give up the castle in exchange for fair terms, meaning they would be safe. The Covenanters agreed to this promise.
However, after the defenders, including men, women, and children, left the castle, a terrible event occurred. Despite the promise of safety, many people were killed. This tragic act happened at the request of Reverend John Naves and Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll. More than 300 MacDonalds and their followers lost their lives at Dunaverty.
Who Survived?
Even though it was a very sad event, some people did manage to survive. These included:
- Flora McCambridge
- An infant named Ranald MacDonald of Sanda
- James Stewart
- A person from the MacDougall family of Kilmun
