Battle of Bealach nam Broig

The Battle of Bealach nam Broig was a battle fought between various north-western highland clans from the lands of Ross, against north-eastern clans of Ross who supported the Earl of Ross. The actual date of the battle is debatable, with historians giving dates ranging from about 1299 [http://www.webmousepublications.com/eilidh/conflict/03bealac.html Retrieved June 06, 2007] to 1452.

Bealach nam Broig ("Pass of the Brogue") is located in the north of Scotland, about 2 miles NW of Garbat, at the watershed between the Strathrannock River and Garbat River (both which run into the Blackwater River).Thomas, Capt., F W L, "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", "Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Volume 14", p.381] It is also described as between Ferrin-Donald and Loch Broom.Thomas, Capt., F W L, "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", "Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Volume 14", p.381. "Sir Robert Gordon's 'Genealogie of the Earles of Southerland']

everal accounts of the battle

ir Robert Gordon

A rising took place against the Earl of Ross by highlanders living in the mountains, consisting of the "Clan-juer" (Clan Iver), "Clantalvigh" (Clan-t-aluigh, ie. Clan Aulay), and "Clan-leajwe" (Clan-leaive, ie. Clan Leay).

The Earl Ross responded by capturing the leader of the insurrection and imprisoned him at Dingwall. Inscenced, the revolting clans seized the Earl of Ross's second son at Balnagown, to aid in the release of their leader, and carried him with them. The Munros and Dingwalls in response pursued and overtook the rising clans at Bealach nam Broig. A bitter battle unsued, fed by old feuds and animosities. In the end the MacIvers, MacAulays and MacLeays were almost utterly extinguished and the Munros and Dingwalls won a hollow victory. Though the Earl's son had been rescued, they had lost a great number of men.

Anderson

In 1374, vassals of the Earl of Ross rose against him, the bulk of who were MacIvers, MacAulays, and MacLeas. It was decided upon surprising the Earl, but being forewarned the Earl caputured and imprisoned their leader, Donald Garbh MacIver in the castle of Dingwall.Thomas, Capt., F W L, "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", "Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Volume 14", p.382. "Anderson's 'Family of Fraser']

The rebelling faction then apprehended the Earl of Ross's second son, Alexander, at Balnagown and carried him captive with them to make a deal with the Earl.

The Earl of Ross ask for assistance from the Laird of Lovat, who then sent 200 men and a force of Dingwalls and Munros, in aid of the Earl. This force overtook the clans at Bealach nam Broig where they had encamped. During the battle which followed the clans Iver and "Leave" (MacLeay) "were almost cut off"."

The Laird of Lovat and his force were victorious in the affair, as he had rescued the Earl's son, but the victory was dearly bought. The Dingwalls suffered heavy casualties including their chief, William Dingwall of Kildun, and 140 of his clan. The Monroes besides losing many men, also suffered losses to their leading family of Foulis. The Monroes of Foulis lost 11 members who were to succeed one another, and after the battle the succession of the house fell to an infant.

George Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Cromartie

George Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Cromartie placed the battle immediately after the Battle of Harlaw, in 1411.Thomas, Capt., F W L, "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", "Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Volume 14", p.382]

Cromartie's (who was a MacKenzie) account of the battle differs as it was a MacKenzie ("Murdo Nidroit") who was seized by the MacDonald, Earl of Ross. The Earl of Ross's son was then seized by a force of MacKenzie's who were successful in using their captive in bargaining for the release of their leader.

Alexander Mackenzie

Mackeznie maintained the battle was fought in 1452, citing a manuscript, ("the Fowlis papers"), which backed up his theory. The battle was instigated by Donald Garbh MacIver and vassals of Kintail, who attempted to seize the Earl of Ross. After MacIver's plot was discovered he was imprisoned in the castle of Dingwall by followers of the Lord of the Isles. MacIver's followers from Kenlochewe, consisting of MacIvers, MacLennans, MacAulays, and MacLeays, freed him and then seized Alexander Ross of Balnagown who was a relative of the Earl of Ross.Mackenzie, A, "History of the Mackenzies: With Genealogies of the Principal Families of the Name" [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/3652] ]

The Earl of Ross then asked for assistance from the Lord Lovat who was "His Majesty'sLieutenant in the North". Lovat sent 200 men who joined Ross's vassals including the Munros of Foulis, and the Dingwalls of Kildun. This force then overtook the clans from Kenlochewe, at Bealach nam Broig.

The clans of Kenlochewe were said to have been almost "extirpated", while all Dingwalls who numbered 140 were killed and the Munro family of Foulis lost 11, which included the leading men of their clan.

A Mythical account of the name 'Pass of the Brogue'

A mythical account of the Battle of Bealach nam Broig gives light as to the origin of its name. At a great battle between the Mackenzies and Dingwalls, where the Dingwalls were defeated by the vastly smaller force of Mackenzies who had the aid of a little bodach ("old man"). Before the battle the old man came to the Mackenzies and promised to help them. He told the Mackenzies to put the left brogue on the right foot and the right brogue on the left foot, and because of this the Mackenzies were able to kill all the Dingwalls.

References

External links

* [http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Humanities/FSCNS/Scots_NS/Hty_Sct/Conflict_Clans/CC/Bealach_Broige.html http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Humanities/FSCNS/Scots_NS/Hty_Sct/Conflict_Clans/CC/Bealach_Broige.html]
* [http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/conflict/Bealach_Broige.html http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/conflict/Bealach_Broige.html]