BattlefieldsSiege of Blair Castle 1689
Jacobite Risings

Siege of Blair Castle 1689

1689
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Blockade of Blair Castle 1689
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government garrison
Forces
government garrison c.40–60. Blair Castle stronghold siege.
VS
Victor
Jacobites
Forces
Jacobites c.300–500
Outcome
Castle held for James VII; key Highland base secured
The Battle

History & Significance

Blair Castle, the great stronghold of the Atholl Murrays at the head of the Pass of Killiecrankie, was taken for King James at the outset of the 1689 rising. It served as the rallying point for the Jacobite clans before the Battle of Killiecrankie. The castle's control of the pass into Highland Perthshire made it strategically vital. The name "Blair" means the plain — the castle commanded the main route between Highland and Lowland Scotland.

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