Battle of Harlaw facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Harlaw
Part of the feud between the Clan Donald and the Stewart royal family
Bennachie from the east; the battlefield is hidden by the fold of ground in the middle distance
Date 24 July 1411 Location North of Inverurie, Scotland Result Tactical draw Strategic Crown victory
Belligerents
Scottish Crown (Lowland clans loyal to the Duke of Albany)	Lordship of the Isles (Highland clans)
Commanders and leaders
Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar	Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles
Strength
Several thousand	Less than 10,000
Casualties and losses
600 dead	900 dead
Registered battlefield
Designated	21 March 2011
Reference no.	BTL11

The Battle of Harlaw (Scottish Gaelic: Cath Gairbheach) was a major Scottish clan battle. It took place on July 24, 1411, near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This battle was part of a long-standing rivalry. It involved powerful families from Scotland's northeast and clans from the west coast.

The main reason for the battle was a disagreement over who should control the Earldom of Ross. This was a very large and important area in northern Scotland. Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, believed he had the strongest claim to Ross. However, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, who was ruling Scotland at the time, wanted the land for his own family. Donald decided to invade Ross to claim it by force.

First, Donald's army defeated the Clan Mackay at the Battle of Dingwall. Then, he marched towards Aberdeen with about 10,000 clansmen. Near Inverurie, they met a smaller army led by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar. After a day of fierce fighting, both sides suffered heavy losses. Donald's army then decided to return to the Western Isles. The battle was so intense it earned the nickname "Red Harlaw."

Why the Battle Happened

The Battle of Harlaw was fought over who would control the Earldom of Ross. This was a huge territory in northern Scotland. It stretched from Skye to Inverness-shire.

Who Claimed Ross?

In 1372, the Earl of Ross, Uilleam, died without a son. His daughter, Euphemia, inherited the title. She had two children: Alexander Leslie and Mariota. After Euphemia died, her son Alexander Leslie became the Earl of Ross.

However, Alexander Leslie died in 1402. His only child was a young daughter, also named Euphemia. At this time, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, was the Regent (ruler) of Scotland. Albany claimed he was protecting young Euphemia. But he really wanted the Earldom of Ross for his own son.

Meanwhile, Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, had a strong claim. He was married to Mariota, Euphemia's aunt. This made Mariota the oldest living female relative of the previous Earl. Donald believed the earldom should belong to his family. He even made an alliance with the King of England to strengthen his position.

The Invasion and March to Harlaw

Donald, Lord of the Isles, gathered his forces in 1411. He launched his invasion from Ardtornish Castle. His goal was to take control of Ross.

Battle of Dingwall

Donald's army first faced resistance at Dingwall. This was an important town for the Earls of Ross. At the Battle of Dingwall, Donald fought a large group from the Clan Mackay. Donald's forces won this battle. He captured their leader, Angus Du Mackay. Donald then took control of Dingwall Castle.

March to Aberdeen

After his victory, Donald gathered more fighters at Inverness. He then moved through Moray with little trouble. His army then turned southeast, heading towards Aberdeen. Along the way, Donald's men caused some damage in areas belonging to Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar.

Finally, Donald's army reached Bennachie. This was the last big hill before the flat land near Aberdeen. On July 23, 1411, Donald set up camp. It was just north of Inverurie. He was only about 20 miles (32 km) from Aberdeen.

Mar's Army Gathers

The Earl of Mar knew Donald was coming. He had made a deal with Albany to lead an army. Mar quickly gathered soldiers from nearby areas like Buchan and Angus. Many important families joined him. These included the Irvings, Maules, and Lesleys. Mar brought his troops to Inverurie. This town was important because it was on the main road between Inverness and Aberdeen. On the morning of July 24, Mar marched his army to meet Donald.

The Battle of Harlaw

The two armies met on July 24, 1411. This was the day before the feast of St. James.

Donald's Forces

Donald's army had about 10,000 men. They were mostly islanders and Highlanders. They fought with swords, bows, and axes. They also used short knives and round targe shields. Most Highlanders probably wore light padding for protection. Donald and his clan chiefs wore chainmail and helmets. Some of Donald's men were galloglass fighters from Ireland. They wore heavier armor and carried long axes.

Mar's Forces

Mar's army was smaller, with 1,000 to 2,000 men. Many of them were knights. These knights wore heavy plate armour and helmets. They carried long swords, spears, and battle axes. Mar's army also had foot soldiers.

The Fighting Begins

Mar arranged his army with a small group of armored men in front. This group was led by Sir James Scrymgeour and Sir Alexander Ogilvie. Mar likely divided his main army into three parts. The knights might have been a cavalry group. The foot soldiers probably formed tight groups of spearmen.

Donald's islanders attacked Scrymgeour's men first. They struggled to break through the armored soldiers. Many of Donald's men were killed. But new waves of islanders kept coming forward. Meanwhile, Mar led his knights into the main part of Donald's army. The islanders attacked the knights' horses. Once the horses were down, they used their knives to finish off the riders.

A Bloody Day

By nightfall, the battle had been very bloody. About 600 of Mar's men were dead. This included many important leaders like Ogilvie and Scrymgeour. Many families lost all their male members. For example, Lesley of Balquhain died with six of his sons.

Donald lost about 900 men. This was a smaller percentage of his total army. One of his commanders, Hector MacLean, was killed. The fighting was so fierce that the battlefield was covered in dead and wounded.

Mar and his remaining men were wounded and exhausted. They camped on the battlefield, expecting to fight again in the morning. But when dawn came, Donald's army was gone. They had left during the night. Donald had won the battle, but he chose not to continue his advance on Aberdeen. He returned to Ross and then to the Isles.

What Happened Next

The Battle of Harlaw was incredibly fierce. It was remembered as "Red Harlaw" because of all the bloodshed.

Albany's Response

After the battle, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, gathered a new army. He marched to Dingwall and took back the castle. This gave him control of Ross again. In 1412, Albany launched attacks on Donald's lands. He forced Donald to give up his claim to Ross. Donald also had to become a loyal follower of the Scottish Crown. He gave up hostages to ensure his good behavior.

The Earldom of Ross Changes Hands

In 1424, King James I returned to Scotland. He had been held captive in England. James I took strong action against Albany's family. Many of them were executed or sent away.

Mariota, Donald's wife, again claimed the Earldom of Ross. King James I officially gave it to her in 1424. When Mariota died in 1429, her son, Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross, inherited the title.

The Earl of Mar continued to rule much of northern Scotland after Harlaw. He had a difficult relationship with Albany. But after Albany's family lost power, Mar became very influential in the north.

Remembering Harlaw

The Battle of Harlaw is known as one of the toughest battles in Scottish history. Its ferocity led to its nickname, "Red Harlaw."

Monuments and Music

The battle is remembered in many ways. There is a famous march called The Battle of Harlaw. There are also traditional songs and ballads about it. The famous writer Sir Walter Scott even mentioned Harlaw in his novel The Antiquary.

In 1911, a special monument was built. The Harlaw Monument is 40 feet (12 meters) tall. It is located north of Inverurie. It honors Provost Robert Davidson and the citizens of Aberdeen who died in the battle.

Archaeology

In the past, there were several stone piles (cairns) linked to the battle. Not much remains of them today. In 1837, 12 human skeletons were found near Harlaw House. While some ancient tools have been found, no items directly from the battle have been discovered yet. The battlefield is now a protected historical site.

See also

• History of Scotland
• Lord of the Isles
• Bonnie Rideout's album Harlaw, Scotland 1411 features music and commentary related to the Battle or Harlaw.