Battle of the Spoiling Dyke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Spoiling Dyke
Part of the Scottish clan wars
The ruins of Trumpan Church
Date 1578 Location Trumpan Church, Ardmore Bay, Scotland Result MacLeod victory
Belligerents
Clan MacDonald of Sleat	Clan MacLeod
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of the Spoiling Dyke was a famous fight between two powerful Scottish clans: the MacDonalds of Uist and the Clan MacLeod. This battle happened in 1578 in the Scottish Highlands. It's also known as the Blar Milleadh a’ Ghàraidh in Scottish Gaelic.

This battle was a tragic event. It was part of a long and often violent rivalry between these two clans. The name "Spoiling Dyke" comes from how the battle ended.

What Happened at Trumpan Church?

Ardmore Bay

The story of the battle begins at Trumpan Church, also called Kilconan Church. This church is located near Ardmore Bay. One day, the MacDonalds of Uist trapped people inside the church. They then set the church on fire.

Almost everyone inside died. However, one young girl, though badly hurt, managed to escape. She quickly warned the Clan MacLeod chief about what had happened.

The MacLeods Seek Revenge

When the MacLeod chief heard the terrible news, he and his men quickly went to Ardmore Bay. They found the MacDonalds there, and a fierce battle began. The MacLeods fought hard, and most of the MacDonalds were killed.

After the battle, the MacLeods dragged the bodies of the MacDonalds. They buried them in a long mound of earth, known as a turf dyke. This sad event became known as the "Battle of the Spoiling Dyke."

Why Did This Battle Happen?

This battle was part of a cycle of revenge between the MacDonalds and the MacLeods. The MacDonalds' actions at Trumpan Church were a way to get back at the MacLeods. A few years earlier, the MacLeods had caused a terrible event involving MacDonalds in the Isle of Eigg at the Cave of Frances.

So, the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke was another example of these two clans trying to get even with each other. It shows how dangerous and long-lasting clan feuds could be in Scotland's history.

See Also

• Battle of the Braes
• Glendale