The Harrying of Buchan was the most deliberate act of political destruction Bruce undertook. After defeating the Comyns at Inverurie, he spent three months systematically burning the Comyn earldom of Buchan — every farm, barn and settlement. The purpose was to permanently destroy the economic and social basis of Comyn power in the north so they could never threaten him again. Scottish chroniclers recorded that Buchan was still a wasteland a generation later. It was an act of calculated ruthlessness that ensured no northern opposition could revive.
Widespread civilian displacement; agricultural destruction lasting a generation
Bruce with Scottish army; no Comyn military resistance after Inverurie
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