Wholesale Clan Battles: Warfare in the Scottish Highlands

Warfare between the clans of the Highlands in the late Middle Ages shaped the history of this region of Scotland. Chris Peers’ gripping account explores the rivalry between the strongest clans, providing deep insight into this turbulent phase. The battles he describes, fought between the 1430s & 1540s, were key moments in the struggle for dominance among the leading clans. The first battle, Druim n Coub, occurred in 1433 between the Mackays & Sutherlands. Other notable battles include Bloody Bay (MacDonald factions), Blar na Parc (MacDonalds vs. Mackenzies), Creag an Airgid (MacDonalds vs. MacIains), Glendale (MacDonalds vs. MacLeods), & Torran Dubh (Mackays & Sutherlands). The final battle, Blar na Leine in 1544, marked the end of an era. Peers also covers the fate of the leading clans, particularly the MacDonalds & Mackays, & explains the organization of war, strategies, tactics, weapons, & armor used, resulting in an absorbing account of Highland military history.