BattlefieldsArdvreck Castle surrender of Montrose 1650
English Civil War

Ardvreck Castle surrender of Montrose 1650

1650
Highland, Scotland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Highland, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose
Forces
Montrose's small force c.100
VS
Victor
Neil MacLeod of Assynt
Forces
Neil MacLeod of Assynt
Outcome
Montrose captured; subsequently tried and executed in Edinburgh
The Battle

History & Significance

After the defeat at Carbisdale in April 1650, Montrose fled into the hills of Sutherland disguised as a peasant. He eventually sought shelter at Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt, home of Neil MacLeod of Assynt. MacLeod betrayed Montrose to the Covenanting authorities for a reward. Montrose was handed over, transported to Edinburgh, tried and hanged on 21 May 1650. The betrayal at Ardvreck has been condemned in Scottish tradition ever since.

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