BattlefieldsBattle of Garvault
Tudor

Battle of Garvault

1586
Sutherland, Scotland
Also known as: Sutherland-MacKay fight 1586
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Sutherland, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Sutherland Gordon raiders
Forces
Sutherland-Gordon raiders c.200–300.
VS
Victor
MacKays (Strathnaver)
Forces
MacKays c.300–400
Outcome
MacKay victory in the Sutherland-MacKay frontier lands
The Battle

History & Significance

A MacKay counter-raid into Sutherland lands to recover stolen cattle turned into a significant engagement when they surprised a Sutherland force in the Garvault area. The MacKays won and drove the Sutherland men back. Part of the endless cycle of raid and counter-raid that characterised the northern Highlands in the Tudor period.

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