Borve Castle, Sutherland facts for kids
Borve Castle is a ruined castle in Sutherland, Scottish Highlands. It was once a strong fortress. People also called it the House of Burro or Farr Castle. It stands near the village of Farr, by Kirtomy Bay.
A Castle's Story
This castle might have been built by a Norseman named Torquil. It became an important stronghold for Clan Mackay. They used it as a base for raids against their neighbors, Clan Sutherland.
In 1554, the Mackays did not obey Mary of Guise. She was the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. So, John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland, the chief of Clan Sutherland, was ordered to destroy the castle.
The Attack on Borve Castle
Mary of Guise hired a private ship called the Lion. In August 1554, this ship attacked Borve Castle. Sir Hew Kennedy of Girvanmains, the Earl's stepfather, led 50 soldiers. He also brought a royal gunner named Hans Cochrane with a cannon. Some stories say a cannon was even dragged all the way from Edinburgh.
Rory Mor Mackay was the captain of the castle. He was surprised to see the enemy had a cannon. The castle had survived all attacks before this. But with the cannon, the castle was destroyed. Rory Mor Mackay was captured and killed.
After the castle was destroyed, Clan Mackay gathered their forces. They fought Clan Sutherland in a battle called the Battle of Garbharry. The Mackays were defeated in this fight. This was the last big battle between the Sutherland and Mackay clans.
What Historians Say
Historians have written about Borve Castle. Sir Robert Gordon (1580–1656) was a historian from the Sutherland family. He wrote about the siege of Borve Castle in his book.
He explained that the Queen gave permission to John Gordon, Earl of Sutherland, to act against Iye MacKay. The Earl of Sutherland gathered a large army. He entered MacKay's land, taking and damaging property. He made sure to control all important places. The Earl then besieged Borve Castle, which was the main stronghold of the area. After a short siege, he captured it by force. He also mentioned that Rory MacKean-Voir, the captain, was killed.
