Battle of Tannach facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Tannach
Part of the Scottish clan wars
Tannach House in modern times
Date 1464 or 1438 Location Tannach Moor, SW of Wick grid reference ND330475 Result Mackay/Keith victory
Belligerents
Clan Keith Clan Mackay	Clan Gunn
Commanders and leaders
Angus Roy	Unknown
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Tannach (also called Blare Tannie or Blar-Tannie) was a clash between different Scottish clans. It took place a long time ago, either in 1464 or possibly 1438. The battle happened about 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Wick, in the very north of Scotland, on a place called Tannach Moor.

In this battle, warriors from Clan Keith and Clan Mackay (from a place called Strathnaver) fought against men from Clan Gunn. It's also possible that Clan Gunn had help from their friends, Clan Oliphant and Clan Sutherland, who were from Caithness. The fight ended with a victory for the Keith and Mackay clans.

Why the Battle Happened

The main reason for the Battle of Tannach seems to have been a disagreement over land. One of the Oliphants, who were allies of the Sutherlands of Duffus, claimed they owned some lands that the Keith clan already held.

Later on, King James IV actually gave these lands to the Oliphants. This suggests that the land dispute was a serious issue at the time. The fact that the Keiths needed help from the Mackays also shows that they were facing a very strong group of opponents.