BattlefieldsThorstein the Red Campaigns in Mainland Scotland c.875
Early Medieval

Thorstein the Red Campaigns in Mainland Scotland c.875

875
Scotland
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Thorstein the Red
Forces
Scottish and Pictish forces of the northern mainland
VS
Victor
Scottish forces
Forces
Thorstein the Red Norse warband
Outcome
Thorstein extended Norse control from Orkney through Caithness and Sutherland into Ross and parts of Moray before being ambushed and killed by Scottish forces.
The Battle

History & Significance

Thorstein the Red, son of Olaf the White and the legendary Aud the Deep-Minded, carved out a territory covering Caithness, Sutherland, Ross and Moray through a series of campaigns in the 870s. The Norse sagas claim he ruled half of Scotland until he was treacherously slain by Scots. His campaigns represent the maximum extent of Norse territorial ambition on the Scottish mainland.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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