BattlefieldsBurning of Inveraray 1644
English Civil War

Burning of Inveraray 1644

1644
Argyllshire, Scotland
Also known as: MacColla sack of Inveraray 1644 · Alasdair MacColla attack on Inveraray
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Argyllshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Campbells of Argyll
Forces
minimal Campbell garrison
VS
Victor
Alasdair MacColla (Royalist MacDonald)
Forces
c.3,000 MacDonald-Irish Royalists
Outcome
Inveraray — seat of Campbell power — burned and plundered; Earl of Argyll fled by boat
The Battle

History & Significance

Alasdair Mac Colla descended on Inveraray in the heart of Campbell country in December 1644. The Earl of Argyll fled by boat across Loch Fyne. The town and surrounding country were devastated. For Mac Colla this was the fulfilment of the MacDonald wars against Campbell expansion — striking the enemy at their very seat. The attack created lasting trauma in Campbell tradition.

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