BattlefieldsBattle of the Ford of Loch Lochy 1544
Tudor

Battle of the Ford of Loch Lochy 1544

1544
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Also known as: Blar na Leine · Battle of the Shirts · Battle of Kinloch Lochy
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Frasers (Lord Lovat) and MacIntoshes
Forces
Frasers/MacIntoshes c.500–800.
VS
Victor
MacDonalds of Clanranald
Forces
Clanranald Macdonalds c.600–900
Outcome
MacDonald victory; almost total mutual destruction; Lord Lovat killed
The Battle

History & Significance

Called 'Blar na Léine' (Battle of the Shirts) because both sides stripped off their plaids in the summer heat to fight. Two of the bloodiest clans in Highland history — the Frasers and MacDonalds — fought to near mutual annihilation in Lochaber. Lord Lovat and his son were killed. The MacDonald chief was also killed. Barely a man survived on either side. It arose from a dispute over the chieftainship of Clanranald. The mutual destruction left both clans weakened for a generation.

Casualties & Losses

Near-total losses on both sides; hundreds killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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