BattlefieldsBattle of Harpsdale
Medieval

Battle of Harpsdale

1464
Caithness, Scotland
Also known as: Gunn-Sinclair conflict Caithness
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Caithness, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Sinclairs
Forces
Sinclairs c.300–600
VS
Victor
Gunns
Forces
Gunns c.300–600
Outcome
Gunn victory; Sinclair raiding force destroyed in Caithness interior
The Battle

History & Significance

The Gunns and Sinclairs of Caithness fought repeatedly throughout the fifteenth century. The Sinclairs — who had become Earls of Orkney before that title passed to Denmark/Norway — were powerful in coastal Caithness; the Gunns occupied the interior. This engagement at Harpsdale in the interior was a Gunn defence of their territory.

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