Battle of Glenboultachan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Glenboultachan
Part of Clan Macnab and Clan MacNeish feud
Neish Island on Loch Earn
Date 1522 Location Glenboultachan, Perthshire, Scotland Result Macnab victory
Belligerents
Clan Macnab	Clan MacNeish
Commanders and leaders
Finlay Macnab
Strength
	500
Casualties and losses
	470 killed ("only thirty of 500 MacNeishes had survived")

The Battle of Glenboultachan was an important fight between two Scottish clans. It happened in 1522 in a place called Glen Boultachan in Perthshire, Scotland. This battle was part of a long-running disagreement between the Clan Macnab and the Clan Neish (also known as MacNeish). In the end, the Macnabs won this big battle.

Why the Clans Fought: A Long Feud Begins

The Clan Macnab and Clan Neish had been rivals for a very long time. They lived near Loch Earn in the Scottish Highlands. The Neishes were known for having the only boat on the loch. They also lived on much of the land around St Fillans.

Over the years, small groups from both clans often met and fought. These were usually minor clashes. But the disagreements grew bigger and bigger. Finally, both clans decided to gather all their fighters. They met at Glenboultachan for a major battle to settle their differences.

The Neishes' Home on Loch Earn

The Neishes had a home on an island in Loch Earn. Even if their house was damaged, they would fix it. This showed how determined they were to stay on their land. Their control of the only boat on the loch gave them an advantage.

The Battle of Glenboultachan: A Fierce Fight

The main battle between the Macnabs and Neishes happened in 1522. It took place near a farm called Littleport. This spot is about two miles north of the lower end of Loch Earn.

Macnab's Plan for Victory

Finlay Macnab was the leader of the Clan Macnab. He brought all his best fighters together. His goal was to gain control of the northern Loch Earn area. This battle was meant to be the final showdown.

The Neish Chief's Last Stand

During the battle, the chief of the Neishes fought bravely. He stood with his back against a large rock. He fought hard, but eventually, he was defeated. Tradition says his blood still stains the rock. Three of his sons also died fighting beside him. The rest of the Neish fighters were very tough. But the Macnabs were stronger that day. Only about 30 out of 500 Neish fighters survived the battle.

What Happened After: The Feud Continues

After the battle, the few remaining Neishes moved to an island on Loch Earn. This island is now known as Neish Island. A relative of their former chief became their new leader. But the feud between the Macnabs and Neishes was not over.

A Christmas Incident in 1612

Years later, in 1612, another incident happened. Some Neishes ambushed a servant of the Macnab chief. This servant was bringing supplies for Christmas celebrations. The Neishes took all the goods. They also treated the servant badly. The servant warned them that the Macnabs would get revenge. But the Neishes just laughed and went back to their island.

Macnab's Revenge on Neish Island

In response, the Macnab chief sent his twelve sons to attack the Neishes. They went to the Neishes' island home. Most of the Neishes were defeated. Only one small boy survived by hiding under a bed. It is said that all people named Neish today are descended from this one boy.

The Macnab leader, known as "smooth John," took the Neish chieftain's head. He kept it as a symbol of their victory. The boat the Macnabs used to get to the island was left behind. People could still see it on the loch for many years after. The Clan Macnab's coat of arms even shows "an open boat, ores in action." The Neish's head also appears on the crest badge for the Clan Macnab.