Malcolm MacQuillan facts for kids

Malcolm MacQuillan was a Scottish nobleman who lived a very long time ago, in the late 1200s and early 1300s. He was involved in some important events during a time when Scotland was fighting for its independence. He died in February 1307.

Malcolm's Role in Early Conflicts

In July 1300, Malcolm MacQuillan was given special permission by the English to attack Scottish forces. He used his fleet of galleys, which were like ancient warships, to sail along Scotland's western coast and challenge the Scottish fighters there. This shows he was involved in the conflicts happening between Scotland and England at that time.

The 1307 Expedition and Its Outcome

In 1307, Malcolm MacQuillan joined a military journey led by Robert de Brus and his brothers, Alexander de Brus and Thomas de Brus. This group, which also included an Irish leader named Sir Reginald de Crawford, had about 1000 men and eighteen galleys. Their goal was to sail into Loch Ryan and land near Stranraer in Scotland.

However, their landing did not go as planned. Local forces, led by Dungal MacDouall, quickly attacked them. Dungal MacDouall supported other powerful Scottish families like the Balliols and Comyns, and he was also loyal to King Edward I of England. Malcolm MacQuillan's group was quickly defeated, and only two of their galleys managed to escape.

Malcolm MacQuillan was captured during this battle. He was executed along with the Irish leader. Alexander de Brus, Thomas de Brus, and Reginald de Crawford were taken as prisoners to Carlisle in England, where they were also executed.