BattlefieldsMacDonald of Keppoch murders 1663
Jacobite Risings

MacDonald of Keppoch murders 1663

1663
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Also known as: Keppoch murder 1663 · Killing of the Keppoch MacDonalds 1663
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
MacDonald of Keppoch chief
Forces
Keppoch: c.20–30
VS
Victor
Rival MacDonalds / MacKintosh allies
Forces
Rival MacDonalds/MacKintosh: c.50–150
Outcome
Keppoch chief and his brother killed by domestic rivals; revenge taken years later
The Battle

History & Significance

The Keppoch chief and his brother were murdered by relatives with MacKintosh backing in 1663, one of the last examples of outright clan assassination. The seven murderers were later hunted down and killed by the famous Iain Lom MacDonald, the poet bard of Keppoch, who composed a celebrated lament. The heads of the murderers were brought before the Privy Council washed in a local well, still called Tobar nan Ceann — the Well of the Heads.

Casualties & Losses

Keppoch chief and brother killed; seven murderers later executed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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