Battle of Harpsdale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Harpsdale |
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| Part of the Scottish clan wars | |||||||
 Harpsdale in modern times |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Clan Mackay | Clan Gunn | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Angus Mackay | Unknown | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| High | High | ||||||
The Battle of Harpsdale was an important fight between two Scottish clans, the Clan Mackay and the Clan Gunn. It happened in 1426 near a place called Achardale, about 8 miles (13 km) south of Thurso in Caithness. The Clan Mackay had traveled into Caithness from the west. The local Clan Gunn decided to meet them in battle at Harpsdale. Even though many people were hurt or killed on both sides, the battle didn't have a clear winner.
What Happened at the Battle of Harpsdale?
A historian named Sir Robert Gordon wrote about this battle in his book, Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland. He explained that in 1426, a leader named Angus-Dow Mackay and his son Niel gathered all their fighters from Strathnaver. They then went into Caithness and caused trouble.
The people of Caithness quickly gathered their own forces. They fought against Angus-Dow Mackay at Harpsdale. There was a lot of fighting and many people were killed on both sides.
News of this big battle reached King James I of Scotland, who was the King of Scotland at the time. The King decided to travel north to Inverness. He planned to deal with Angus-Dow Mackay and bring order back to the area.
When Angus-Dow Mackay heard that the King was in Inverness, he decided to go and meet him. He gave himself up to the King's mercy. To show he would obey the King from then on, he gave his son Niel as a promise. The King accepted this promise. He sent Niel Mackay to be held captive at a place called the Bass Rock. Because of this, Niel was later known as Niel-Bass Mackay.
What Happened After the Battle?
After this battle and other conflicts like the Battle of Harlaw, King James I wanted to bring peace to the Highlands. In the spring of 1427, he called a special meeting in Inverness. Many important Highland chiefs were arrested and punished to help restore order.
After the battle, Angus Du Mackay, who was known as a powerful leader, went to King James I. He promised to obey the King. As a sign of his promise, he gave his 14-year-old son, Neil, to the King. Neil was then sent to live on the Bass Rock, a small island fortress. This is why he was later called Neil Wasse Mackay.
Other important leaders were also arrested by the King. These included Kenneth More, John Ross, William Leslie, Angus Murray, and Macmaken. The King wanted to make sure everyone followed the laws. Some of the arrested leaders were put in different castles as prisoners. Some were eventually set free, while others faced serious consequences for their actions. The King's goal was to make the Highlands a more peaceful place.
