BattlefieldsBattle of Inverurie (Battle of Barra) 1308
Medieval

Battle of Inverurie (Battle of Barra) 1308

1308
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Barra 1308 · Inverurie 1308
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Comyn faction (John Comyn Earl of Buchan)
Forces
Comyn Earl of Buchan c. 1,500–2,000; pitched battle.
VS
Victor
Scotland (Robert the Bruce)
Forces
Bruce c. 1,500–2,500
Outcome
Decisive Bruce victory; Comyn power in north-east Scotland destroyed; Herschip of Buchan followed
The Battle

History & Significance

Although sick — reportedly being carried on a litter — Bruce led his forces against the Comyn Earl of Buchan at Inverurie. His army surprised the Comyn force; the earl fled and his army was routed. This was the decisive engagement that broke Comyn power in Aberdeenshire. The subsequent 'Herschip of Buchan' — the systematic burning of the entire earldom — consolidated the victory. It was one of the most strategically important of Bruce's northern campaigns because the Comyns had been the most powerful family in Scotland.

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