Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart Scottish Gaelic: Blàr Tràigh Ghruineart
Part of the Scottish clan battles
Cairn marking the spot where Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean fell in battle
Date 5 August 1598 Location Islay, Scotland 55°49′19″N 6°21′18″W / 55.822°N 6.355°W / 55.822; -6.355 Result MacDonald victory
Belligerents
Clan Donald	Clan MacLean
Commanders and leaders
Sir James MacDonald	Sir Lachlan MacLean   †
Strength
300–500 men	800–1,000 men
Casualties and losses
30 dead 60 wounded	280 dead

The Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart was an important fight between two powerful Scottish clans, the Clan Donald and Clan Maclean. It happened on August 5, 1598, on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. The battle is also known as Blàr Tràigh Ghruineart in Scottish Gaelic. A "traigh" is a word for a beach or shoreline.

Why the Clans Fought

The Isle of Islay had traditionally belonged to Clan Donald. At the time of the battle, the leader of Clan Donald was Sir James MacDonald, 9th of Dunnyveg. He was the son of the clan chief, Angus MacDonald, 8th of Dunnyveg.

However, Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean, the leader of Clan Maclean, believed the island should belong to his clan. Sir Lachlan was also Sir James MacDonald's uncle.

The Demands

Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean brought a large force of about 800 to 1,000 men to Loch Gruinart on Islay. He demanded that the entire island be given to his clan.

Sir James MacDonald tried to make a deal. He offered his uncle half of the island, but only for Sir Lachlan's lifetime. Sir Lachlan refused this offer. He insisted on getting the whole island.

The Battle Begins

Sir James MacDonald had fewer soldiers than Sir Lachlan, with only about 300 to 500 men. But his troops were very well trained. Clan Donald also received help from allies. Men from Kintyre and the Isle of Arran joined them, including the Clan MacAlister. These allies were led by Angus MhicMhuirich of Arran.

A Clever Tactic

The MacDonald forces used a smart trick. They pretended to run away, heading towards the setting sun. This made the MacLean forces chase them. Then, the MacDonalds suddenly turned around to fight. With the sun now shining directly into their enemies' eyes, the MacLeans were at a disadvantage.

The MacDonalds fought bravely and won the battle. The MacLeans were defeated.

The Death of Sir Lachlan

During the battle, Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean was killed. A person known as Dubh Sith (which means Black Fairy), who was a dwarf, was hidden in a tree. When Sir Lachlan took off his helmet, Dubh Sith shot him through the eye.

About 280 of Sir Lachlan's men were killed in the battle. The remaining MacLean soldiers were chased towards their boats. Some tried to find safety in the chapel of Kilnave. Sadly, the chapel was set on fire, and almost everyone inside died. Only one person survived.

Sir James MacDonald was also badly hurt during the fight. He was shot with an arrow. After the battle, he was found among the dead MacDonald soldiers. Angus MhicMhuirich of Arran, the ally leader, also died. About 30 MacDonalds were killed, and 60 were wounded.

After the Battle

After the Battle of Traigh Ghruinneart, King James VI of Scotland became involved. He decided to give some of the MacDonald lands to Clan Campbell. This led to more disagreements and fighting between the clans.

The time when Clan Donald ruled Islay eventually ended in 1612. Angus MacDonald, 8th of Dunnyveg, Sir James's father, sold his land on Islay to Sir John Campbell of Cawdor, who was part of Clan Campbell of Cawdor.