BattlefieldsBattle of Killiecrankie 1689
Jacobite Risings

Battle of Killiecrankie 1689

1689
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Pass of Killiecrankie · Viscount Dundee's victory
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government (Mackay)
Forces
c.4,000 government (Mackay)
VS
Victor
Jacobites (Dundee / Highland charge)
Forces
c.2,500 Jacobites (Dundee)
Outcome
Dramatic Jacobite victory; Dundee killed in the moment of victory
The Battle

History & Significance

John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee — Bonnie Dundee — led the first Jacobite rising in support of the exiled James VII. At Killiecrankie, his Highland force charged downhill at General Mackay's government troops in the pass. The charge broke the government army completely — soldiers fled into the Garry and drowned. But Dundee himself was killed in the moment of victory. Without his leadership the rising collapsed at Dunkeld a month later. Killiecrankie was the last time the pure Highland charge succeeded against formed infantry.

Casualties & Losses

Dundee killed; c.2,000 government troops killed or drowned

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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