BattlefieldsBattle of Glenelg 1396
Medieval

Battle of Glenelg 1396

1396
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Also known as: Skirmish at Glenelg — MacDonalds
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
MacKenzies
Forces
MacKenzies c.150–300
VS
Victor
MacDonalds of Sleat
Forces
MacDonalds of Sleat c.200–400
Outcome
MacDonald raiding victory in Glenelg
The Battle

History & Significance

Glenelg — the narrow strip of mainland opposite the Isle of Skye — was contested between the MacDonalds of Sleat who looked toward it from Skye and the MacKenzies expanding southward from Kintail. Control of Glenelg gave access to the Kylerhea ferry crossing to Skye. Skirmishes in this remote area between the fifteenth century's two most expansive western Highland clans determined the eventual boundary of MacDonald and MacKenzie spheres of influence.

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