BattlefieldsMacDonald-MacLean alliance at Glenmore 1578
Tudor

MacDonald-MacLean alliance at Glenmore 1578

1578
Ross-shire, Scotland
Also known as: MacDonald and MacLean joint raid on Orkney 1578
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Ross-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government / Orkney
Forces
Orkney coastal defenders
VS
Victor
MacDonalds and MacLeans
Forces
MacDonald-MacLean galley fleet
Outcome
Joint galley raid on Orkney coasts; plunder seized; government complained to Edinburgh
The Battle

History & Significance

Even in the late sixteenth century, the western clans continued to raid by galley in the Norse tradition. A combined MacDonald-MacLean force raided the Orkney coast in 1578, seizing cattle and goods. The raid prompted formal complaints to the Edinburgh government, which was increasingly trying to suppress such freelance piracy and armed raiding. The fleet numbered several dozen galleys.

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