The Raids of Urquhart ( 1544 - 1545) - A Fierce Feud in the Scottish Highlands

The Raids of Urquhart were two significant and destructive incursions that took place in October 1544 and April 1545. These raids were conducted by members of the Clan Cameron and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry against the Clan Grant, focusing on the area around Urquhart Castle in the Scottish Highlands. These events were part of the broader and ongoing feud among Highland clans, particularly involving the Camerons and the Grants.

The mid-16th century in the Scottish Highlands was a period marked by intense clan rivalries and frequent violent conflicts. The Raids of Urquhart occurred in the aftermath of the Battle of the Shirts, a significant clash that took place in July 1544. This battle saw the forces of the Clan Cameron and the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald emerge victorious over the Clan Fraser of Lovat, who were supported by the Clan Grant and Clan Mackintosh.

The Battle of the Shirts, held near Kinloch Lochy, was a brutal and decisive engagement. The name of the battle is said to have originated from the fact that the combatants, due to the fierce heat of the day, removed their heavy jackets and fought in their shirts. The victory of the Camerons and Macdonalds not only cemented their power but also exacerbated the hostilities with their rivals, particularly the Grants, setting the stage for further conflicts.

The raids were led by Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, the chief of Clan Cameron, and MacDonald of Glengarry. These leaders orchestrated expeditions into the lands owned by the Clan Grant, specifically targeting Glenmoriston and Glen Urquhart, where the Grants held dominion over Urquhart Castle. The strategic choice of these locations highlights the objective of these raids: to strike at the heart of Grant power and resources.

The raiders launched their first assault in October 1544. They descended upon the lands of the Grants, seizing an extensive array of goods and livestock. The second raid occurred in April 1545, continuing the campaign of plunder and destruction.

The extent of the plunder taken during these raids was vast and varied, reflecting the wealth and resources of the Grants. The items stolen included:

• Agricultural Produce:

  • 200 bolls of oats with fodder
  • 100 bolls of bere (a type of barley)

• Livestock:

  • 100 cows
  • 100 calves
  • 40 young cows
  • 10 one-year-old stirks (young cattle)
  • 8 horses and 4 mares
  • 4 young horses
  • 140 ewes
  • 60 gimmers (young ewes) and dinmonts (young rams)
  • 100 lambs

• Household Items from Urquhart Castle:

  • 12 beds complete with bolsters, blankets, and sheets
  • 5 posts
  • 6 pans
  • 1 basket and 1 chest containing 300 pounds in money
  • 2 brewing cauldrons
  • 20 pieces of artillery
  • 10 stands of harness (suits of armor)
  • Various other valuable items, including doors, bedsteads, chairs, and boats

This extensive list of stolen goods underscores the level of prosperity that existed in Glen Urquhart at the time. The raiders not only aimed to weaken the Grants economically but also to demonstrate their own power and capability for retribution.

Urquhart Castle, a formidable stronghold of the Clan Grant, suffered considerable losses. The castle, located on the shores of Loch Ness, was a symbol of the Grant’s power and influence in the region. The theft of valuable items from within its walls, including artillery and harnesses, dealt a significant blow to the Grant's defensive capabilities.

The aftermath of the raids saw legal and political repercussions. In response to these aggressive actions, summonses were issued under the royal signet on August 3, 1546, against Ewen Cameron of Lochiel and his coadjutors. This legal action was part of a broader effort by the Scottish Crown to maintain order and assert its authority over the fractious Highland clans.

Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, a central figure in the raids, was eventually convicted and executed in 1546. While the raids likely contributed to his conviction, the principal charge against him was his involvement in the Battle of the Shirts and his support for the Earl of Lennox. The execution of Ewen Cameron was a significant event, as it demonstrated

the consequences of engaging in violent actions against other clans and defying royal authority.

The Raids of Urquhart were not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger pattern of conflict and rivalry among Highland clans during the 16th century. These raids, led by Clan Cameron and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry against the Clan Grant, were marked by extensive plundering and destruction, targeting both agricultural resources and valuable items from Urquhart Castle. The aftermath of these raids included legal repercussions, with Ewen Cameron of Lochiel ultimately facing execution for his involvement in these violent acts.

Overall, the Raids of Urquhart serve as a poignant reminder of the brutal and tumultuous nature of clan warfare in Scotland during this period. The events underscore the high stakes involved in these conflicts, where power, resources, and honor were fiercely contested through acts of violence and retribution. Ultimately, the raids and their aftermath highlight the complex web of alliances, rivalries, and power dynamics that characterized Highland society in the mid-16th century.