Battle of Slioch

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Slioch
partof=Wars of Scottish Independence


caption=
date=December, 1307
place=Slioch, Ross, Scotland
result=inconclusive
combatant1=Scottish Royal Army
combatant2=Scottish opponents of Bruce
commander1=Robert Bruce
commander2=John Comyn, 3rd Earl of Buchan

The Battle of Slioch was a minor skirmish in the First War of Scottish Independence. Although the encounter was inconclusive, the domestic enemies of the Scottish King Robert Bruce were unable to stop him from consolidating his rule over Scotland.

Background

With his victory against the English at the Battle of Loudoun Hill, Robert Bruce's support among the Scots was rising. However, he still had many opponents in Scotland. Foremost among them was John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, whose cousin John III Comyn Bruce had killed. In July 1307, King Edward I of England died, and his less effectual son Edward II ascended the throne. This gave Bruce the opportunity to deal with his local enemies. After attacking the MacDoualls in Galloway and the MacDougalls in Lorne, he moved north-east towards Buchan's base near Inverness. Bruce's forces now greatly outnumbered those of Buchan, and his victory appeared certain. However, before reaching battle Bruce was struck ill, forcing him to retreat and rest at Slioch.

kirmish

The Earl of Buchan took advantage of this respite to raise an army and attempt to weaken or drive off Robert Bruce. On Christmas Day Buchan's forces reached Slioch, where the royal forces were commanded by Bruce's brother Edward. An archery battle ensued, but neither side was able to gain an advantage, and Buchan withdrew. Several days later, Buchan returned, but again found Bruce's force too strong and was forced to withdraw. A few months later, Bruce had sufficiently recovered to resume his offensive against his Scottish opponents. He was carried along with his army as they captured some more Scottish castles, and then onwards to Inverurie. There the King of Scotland and John Comyn, Earl of Buchan would finally fight a decisive battle.

References

* Barbour, John. "The Brus" ( [http://www.arts.gla.ac.uk/SESLL/STELLA/STARN/poetry/BRUS/text09.htm Book 9] ). (Duncan, A A M ed.). Retrieved on 2007-05-27.
* cite web
url = http://www.scottishhistory.com/articles/independence/csys/essays/essay2.html
title = Why was Robert I so successful between 1308 and 1314
accessdate = 2007-05-27
last = Innes
first = Ewan J.
date = 1989-11-11
* cite web
url = http://www.scotsconnection.com/clan_crests/Bruce.htm
title = Bruce Clan Crest, Motto and History
accessdate = 2007-05-27
* cite web
url = http://www.scotlandspast.org/robert1307.cfm
title = Robert Bruce (1307)
accessdate = 2007-05-27