BattlefieldsNorse Raid up Loch Long 1263
Medieval

Norse Raid up Loch Long 1263

1263
Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Also known as: Haakon raids Loch Long and Loch Lomond 1263 · Norse portage at Tarbet 1263
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scottish Lowland population
Forces
Lowland population c.variable; opportunistic raid.
VS
Victor
Norway (Haakon IV)
Forces
Norse detachment c.500–1,000
Outcome
Norse forces raided deep into the Clyde basin via Loch Long and Loch Lomond
The Battle

History & Significance

During Haakon's 1263 campaign a detachment of the Norse fleet sailed up Loch Long, dragged their longships overland at Tarbet, and launched them on Loch Lomond -- ravaging its shores. The audacious portage demonstrated that the Vikings could threaten the heart of the Scottish Lowlands. This deep penetration alarmed the Scottish court and demonstrated why Alexander III needed to bring the Western Isles question to a permanent resolution.

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