- This category contains profiles and unit categories related to the Battle of Harlaw.
A part of Scottish Military History
The Battle of Harlaw, Aberdeenshire was a feudal dispute over the Earldom of Ross between the Clan MacDonald and the Earl of Mar it is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles that took place during the Middle-ages. The battle took place July 24 1411.
Domhall MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, was the Commander advancing on Aberdeen in defense of his control of Ross. He was opposing Alexander Stewart, The Earl of Mar, being sent by his Uncle, the governor Duke of Albany to stop the Lord of the Isles.
This conflict resulted in stopping the advance of Clan MacDonald and allowed the Duke of Albany to seize the Earldom of Ross. Thus controlling the threat to the Stewart control of Scotland. With this defeat, the Lord of the Isles, Domhall Macdonald, was forced to relinquish his claim by way of the Treat of Lochgilphead in 1412. This left the Duke of Albany in control of Scotland.
Numbers: Highland: 10,000 according to the ballads but probably far less. Lowland: several thousand including significant numbers of armoured knights. Losses: The ballads claim 900 Highland and 600 Lowland losses.
For further information please refer to the UK Battlefield Resource Centre [[1]]
If you desire a more colorful description of the battle and more actual numbers and strategy refer to: Battle of Harlaw