BattlefieldsBattle of Blar Na Pairce
Medieval

Battle of Blar Na Pairce

1480
Scotland
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Clan Donald (MacDonald islanders)
Forces
Clan Mackenzie led by Kenneth Mackenzie
VS
Victor
Clan Mackenzie
Forces
Clan Donald (MacDonald islanders) led by Gillespick MacDonald
Outcome
Victory for Clan Mackenzie; the MacDonald islanders were defeated with many men drowned in the River Conon.
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Blar na Pairce, whose Scottish Gaelic name Blàr na Pàirce translates as 'Battle of the Park', was a Scottish clan battle that took place just outside Strathpeffer some time between 1485 and 1491. The conflict arose in the aftermath of the resignation by the chief of Clan Donald, the Lord of the Isles, of the title of Earl of Ross to the king in 1477. Following that resignation, the province of Ross was constantly invaded by MacDonald islanders, which ultimately brought about the confrontation.

The battle was fought between men of Clan Donald, led by Gillespick MacDonald, and Clan Mackenzie, led by Kenneth Mackenzie. The MacDonald islanders were defeated, and many of their men were drowned in the River Conon.

Suspected site. The exact location is uncertain.
Buried history

The MacDonald islanders, who had repeatedly invaded the province of Ross following their chief's resignation of the earldom in 1477, were led into battle by Gillespick MacDonald against the forces of Clan Mackenzie under Kenneth Mackenzie just outside Strathpeffer; the assault ended in a decisive defeat for the islanders, with many men losing their lives by drowning in the River Conon.

Casualties & Losses

Many MacDonald men drowned in the River Conon

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources