BattlefieldsBattle of Glenfruin 1603
Tudor

Battle of Glenfruin 1603

1603
Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Also known as: Massacre of Glenfruin · MacGregor proscription battle
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Colquhouns of Luss
Forces
c.500 Colquhouns; MacGregors massacred the clan; led to proscription
VS
Victor
MacGregors (Alasdair of Glenstrae)
Forces
c.400 MacGregors
Outcome
MacGregor victory; Colquhouns massacred; MacGregor clan subsequently proscribed
The Battle

History & Significance

The MacGregors ambushed and destroyed a Colquhoun force of twice their size in Glen Fruin near the southern end of Loch Lomond. Around 200 Colquhouns were killed. Prisoners were murdered. A group of schoolboys watching the battle were also killed. The Colquhouns brought their widows before James VI in a procession holding the blood-stained shirts of their dead husbands. Appalled, James VI passed an act proscribing the entire MacGregor clan — making the very name illegal on pain of death. Clan Gregor remained outlawed for nearly 200 years.

Casualties & Losses

c.200 Colquhouns killed; schoolboys murdered

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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