Raid of Angus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Raid of Angus
Part of Wolf of Badenoch feuds
Glen Brierachan, where the final fight took place
Date 1391 Location Angus, Scotland Result Stewart and allied victory
Belligerents
Clan Stewart Clan Robertson Clan Mackay	Clan Ogilvy Clan Lindsay Clan Gray
Commanders and leaders
Alexander Stewart Angus Mackay	Sir Walter Ogilvy Sir David Lindsay

The Raid of Angus was a series of attacks that happened in 1391. During this time, Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, also known as the Wolf of Badenoch, led his forces to raid the lands of Angus, Scotland. This event was part of a larger conflict known as the Wolf of Badenoch feuds.

Why the Raid Happened: The Background

The ruins of Elgin Cathedral, which was burned during the Raid of Angus.

In 1391, King Robert II was the ruler of Scotland. However, much of the actual power was held by his sons. Two of his sons were Robert Stewart, Earl of Fife, and Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan. Alexander Stewart was famously known as the "Wolf of Badenoch." He was known for ruling very strictly and sometimes harshly. He often acted without much regard for others.

The Attack Begins: What Happened During the Raid

The raid started after Alexander Stewart's forces had already caused trouble elsewhere. They had taken goods from the lands belonging to Alexander Bur, Bishop of Moray. They had also burned down the Bishop's important church, Elgin Cathedral, in a different area.

After these events, Alexander's son, Duncan Stewart, led a group of fighters. These fighters were from the Robertsons. They moved into the area of Angus. There, they attacked towns, took valuable items, and caused a lot of damage. They first attacked two valleys called Glen Isla and Glen Esk.

Local people quickly gathered a small group to fight back. They met the raiders at a place called Glasclune. A fierce battle took place there. However, the local fighters could not stop the Robertsons. The attacks continued further up a valley called Strathardle. It seems that Duncan Stewart also had help from Angus Mackay, 6th of Strathnaver. Angus Mackay's aunt was married to Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch.

The Battle at Dalnagairn: A Fierce Fight

Sir Walter Ogilvy of Auchterhouse was the Sheriff of Angus. This meant he was in charge of law and order for the area. He quickly gathered his own forces to stop the raiders. His allies, Sir Patrick Gray and Sir David Lindsay, joined him.

They met the raiders at Dalnagairn, in Glen Brierachan. Sir Walter Ogilvy's men rode forward on horses. They wore heavy armor and carried long spears called lances. However, they were outnumbered by the raiders. Many brave men died in this fight. Sir Walter Ogilvy himself, along with several other local leaders and nearly sixty followers, were killed. Sir Patrick Gray and Sir David Lindsay were badly hurt, but they survived the battle.

A writer from that time, Andrew of Wyntoun, wrote about Sir Walter Ogilvy. He described him as a "good Sir Walter of Ogilvy." He called him a "manly knight" and a "worthy Sheriff of Angus." He also said Sir Walter was "Godlike, wise, and virtuous." This shows how respected Sir Walter Ogilvy was.

Images for kids

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  Glen Brierachan, where the final fight took place

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  The ruins of Elgin Cathedral, which was burned during the Raid of Angus.