BattlefieldsRaid of the Red Harlaw
Medieval

Raid of the Red Harlaw

1411
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Harlaw 1411
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Earl of Mar
Forces
c.2,000 lowland Scots (Mar)
VS
Victor
Inconclusive (Scots/Lowlanders held)
Forces
c.6,000 Highlanders (Donald of the Isles)
Outcome
Donald Lord of the Isles checked; Earl of Mar's force badly mauled
The Battle

History & Significance

A massive Highland-Lowland clash in Scotland often counted as one of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history. The Lord of the Isles marched 10,000 Highlanders toward Aberdeen; the Earl of Mar intercepted at Harlaw. The battle was brutal and inconclusive — Mar's knights fought hand-to-hand all day. Donald withdrew. The battle fixed the frontier between Gaelic and feudal Scotland.

Casualties & Losses

c.1,000 killed on each side

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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