BattlefieldsPitreavie skirmish 1651
English Civil War

Pitreavie skirmish 1651

1651
Scotland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
English cavalry
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
MacLean clan bodyguard
Outcome
MacLean bodyguard almost annihilated; Pitreavie became symbolic of Highland sacrifice
The Battle

History & Significance

During the Battle of Inverkeithing on 20 July 1651 and its pursuit phase, a notable skirmish occurred near Pitreavie Castle where the MacLean clan bodyguard of the Scottish commander made a last stand. The MacLeans were almost completely wiped out protecting their chief, with the famous cry attributed to each man as he fell: 'Another for Hector'. The action at Pitreavie became a byword for clan loyalty in defeat.

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