Category: Battle of Aldy Charrish

Categories: Scottish Military History

The Battle of Aldy Charrish (also known as the Battle of Auldicharish, Aldicharrish, Aldecharwis, Alt a'Charrais, Alt Charrais, Alt na Charrais) was a Scottish clan battle fought as part of an on going feud between Clan Mackay and Clan Ross, both highland Clans in the far north of Scotland. The date is sometimes given as 11 July 1487 but both the date and the location are in dispute.

Most histories quote Sir Robert Gordon as the source: "John Mackay, some time after he had succeeded to his father's lands, resolved to revenge his death; for which purpose, having assembled his men, and put half of them under command of William-Dow Mackay, son of John-Abrach; and being also accompanied by the men of Assint, and such friends as he had in Sutherland, he invaded Strathoikel in Ross with fire and sword, burnt, wasted and spoiled all the lands belonging to all of the name Ross and their allies. Ross of Balnagown immediately raised all of the power of the county to oppose the invaders, upon which a most severe conflict ensued, and for a considerable time it appeared doubtful which party would have the victory. At length, however, the Ross-men, after great slaughter was made among them, gave way, and fled. Ross of Balnagown, and seventeen other proprietors of land in Ross were slain, together with an immense number of their followers. "The manuscript of Fern" says Sir Robert Gordon "contains the following names of the principle persons who were killed, Alexander Tarrell, William Ross, John Waus, William Waus, John Mitchell, Thomas Waus, and Hugh Waus. "

This piece suggests that the MacLeods of Assynt, supported Mackay, which would seem a reasonable supposition. It seems highly improbable that the Earl of Sutherland was on the field in support of Mackay as suggested by Sir Robert Gordon.

A part of Scottish Military History

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