BattlefieldsBattle of Skitten
Early Medieval

Battle of Skitten

976
Caithness, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Skitten Moor
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Caithness, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Caithness rivals
Forces
Caithness rivals c.500–1,000; pitched battle.
VS
Victor
Hlodvir of Orkney
Forces
Hlodvir/Orkney c.600–1,200
Outcome
Orkney Norse control of Caithness reinforced
The Battle

History & Significance

Earl Hlodvir of Orkney fought to secure control of Caithness — the mainland territory the Norse earls controlled alongside Orkney. The Norse earls of Orkney held Caithness and Sutherland as well as the islands throughout this period, and skirmishes with both Scottish kings and rival Norse leaders were frequent.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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