BattlefieldsBattle of Dunkeld 1689
Jacobite Risings

Battle of Dunkeld 1689

1689
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Siege of Dunkeld · Cameronian defence of Dunkeld
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobites (Cannon)
Forces
c.5,000 Highland Jacobites; Cameronians hold town
VS
Victor
Government (Cameronian Regiment)
Forces
c.1,200 Cameronian infantry
Outcome
Jacobite army repulsed; Cameronians held the town; Jacobite rising effectively ended
The Battle

History & Significance

After Killiecrankie, the Jacobite Highland army advanced to Dunkeld. The newly formed Cameronian Regiment — Covenanting soldiers who had fought for William III — refused to yield and fought street by street through the town. Running short of ammunition, they tore lead from the cathedral roof. After hours of house-to-house fighting the Highlanders withdrew. The Cameronians lost a third of their men but saved the government's position in Scotland. The rising collapsed without Dundee's leadership.

Casualties & Losses

Heavy losses both sides; Cameronians held the town

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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