BattlefieldsBattle of Lair
Tudor

Battle of Lair

1582
Sutherland, Scotland
Also known as: Sutherland clan battle Lairg area
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Sutherland, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
MacKays
Forces
c.400–600 MacKays; pitched battle.
VS
Victor
Sutherland (Gordon)
Forces
c.400–600 Sutherland (Gordon)
Outcome
Sutherland victory; MacKay raiding force from Strathnaver destroyed
The Battle

History & Significance

The loch-studded landscape around Lairg in Sutherland was perpetually contested between the Gordon Earls of Sutherland and the MacKays of Strathnaver. This engagement near Lairg saw a MacKay cattle-raiding force caught and destroyed by Sutherland men. The cattle raid was a standard MacKay economic activity that the Gordons consistently attempted to suppress.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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