BattlefieldsSkirmish at Leith 1715
Jacobite Risings

Skirmish at Leith 1715

1715
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Action at Leith walks 1715 · Mackintosh threatens Edinburgh 1715
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobites (Mackintosh)
Forces
Government Edinburgh garrison
VS
Victor
Government
Forces
Jacobite infantry (Mackintosh) c.2,000
Outcome
Mackintosh fails to take Edinburgh; government garrison holds; Jacobites withdraw to Seaton
The Battle

History & Significance

After crossing the Forth, Mackintosh of Borlum advanced toward Edinburgh. He came close enough to threaten the city — government forces in Edinburgh were alarmed and the castle was reinforced. But without artillery to take the castle and with government reinforcements arriving, Mackintosh could not secure the capital. He withdrew to Seaton House in East Lothian. His bold move had momentarily thrown the government on the defensive, but Mar failed to exploit the opportunity by forcing the Forth with the main army.

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