Battle of Torran-Roy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Torran-Roy
Part of Sutherland – Sinclair feud
Coats of arms of the Earl of Sutherland (left) and Earl of Caithness (right)
Date 1570 Location Torran-Roy and Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland Result The Earl of Caithness’s forces under Sutherland of Duffus are initially defeated by the Murrays of Aberscross who supported the Earl of Sutherland at Torran-Roy. However, the Murrays are soon after defeated by the Earl of Caithness's forces which included the Mackays at Dornoch
Belligerents
Earldom of Caithness: Clan Sinclair Sutherlands of Duffus Clan Mackay	Earldom of Sutherland : Clan Sutherland
Commanders and leaders
George Sinclair Alexander Sutherland Iye Mackay	Alexander Gordon Hugh Murray

The Battle of Torran-Roy was a Scottish clan battle that happened in 1570. It took place in Sutherland, Scotland. This fight was part of a bigger disagreement between two powerful families.

The battle was fought between the forces of Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland and George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness. Alexander Gordon was the chief of Clan Sutherland. George Sinclair was the chief of Clan Sinclair.

The Earl of Sutherland's side mostly included the Murrays of Aberscross. Even though their name was Murray, they were not part of the Clan Murray from Atholl. They were a special group, or sept, connected to Clan Sutherland. The Murrays were important supporters of the Earl of Sutherland. They were in charge of defending the area.

The Earl of Caithness's side was mainly made up of followers of Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus. This Alexander Sutherland was related to the older Sutherland Earls. These old Earls had been replaced by the Gordons in the early 1500s.

Why the Battle Started: A Family Feud

In 1570, a big disagreement, called a feud, began. It was between the Gordon Earl of Sutherland and the Earl of Caithness. The Earl of Caithness was the leader of Clan Sinclair.

The Earl of Caithness got help from his father-in-law. This was Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus. Alexander Sutherland was a descendant of the original Sutherland Earls.

The Earl of Caithness told William Sutherland of Evelick to attack the Murrays of Aberscross. William was Alexander Sutherland of Duffus's brother. During this attack, they captured a man named John Croy-Murray.

Hugh Murray of Aberscross gathered his friends to get revenge. They attacked the lands of Evelick. They also damaged several villages that belonged to the Sutherland Laird of Duffus. To make sure John Croy-Murray was safe, they took a Sutherland gentleman hostage.

After this, the Sutherland Laird of Duffus brought all his relatives together. They met at Skibo Castle. Then, they marched towards the town of Dornoch. Their plan was to burn it down.

The Fight at Torran-Roy and Dornoch Castle

The Murrays went out to meet the Sutherlands of Duffus in battle. The Murrays won this fight. They chased the Sutherlands all the way back to the gates of Skibo Castle. After the battle, they exchanged prisoners. John Croy-Murray was set free. This smaller fight was known as the skirmish of Torran-Roy.

When the Earl of Caithness heard about the skirmish, he sent his son. His son was called the Master of Caithness. The Master of Caithness joined forces with the Clan Mackay. Together, they surrounded the Murrays. The Murrays were inside Dornoch Castle and the nearby church.

The Murrays defended themselves for one week. But they eventually had to give up. After they surrendered, three of the Murrays were beheaded.

What Happened Next

Later, George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness put his own son in prison. He did this because his son, the Master of Caithness, had made peace with the Murrays.

Years later, in 1590, John Murray of Aberscross was killed. He was leading Clan Sutherland against the Earl of Caithness. This happened at the Battle of Clynetradwell.

Learn More About Scottish Clans

• Earl of Sutherland
• Clan Sutherland
• Earl of Caithness
• Clan Sinclair
• Murray of Aberscross