800 500 Date 13 July 1680 | very low 300 Result Clan Campbell Victory | |
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Sir John Campbell George Sinclair of Keiss Similar Battle of Allt Camhna, Battle of Craig Cailloc, Battle of Skibo and Strathfleet, Battle of Knock Mary, Battle of Garbharry | ||
The battle of altimarlach scotlands last clan battle
The Battle of Altimarlach or Battle of Altimarlech was a Scottish clan battle that took place on 13 July 1680. It was fought between the Clan Campbell and Clan Sinclair.
Contents
Background
In 1672, debt forced George Sinclair, 6th Earl of Caithness, to resign his titles and estates in favour of Sir John Campbell. Campbell took possession of the estates on Sinclair's death in May 1676, and was created earl of Caithness in June the following year. Sinclair's heir, George Sinclair of Keiss disputed the claim and seized the land in 1678.
Battle
On 13 July 1680, Campbell took a force of 800 men north to evict Sinclair of Keiss, who was waiting for him with 500 men near Wick. Inflamed with drink, the Sinclairs attacked the force of Campbells and were routed. Legend has it that so many Sinclairs were killed that the Campbells were able to cross the river without getting their feet wet.
The Campbells' piper composed a tune before the battle, whose English translation is "Gaffers in Trousers". This was meant to taunt the Sinclairs who, unlike the Campbells who wore kilted Highland dress, wore tartan trews.
Aftermath
Having failed to regain his inheritance by force, Sinclair of Keiss then turned to the law. He took his place as Earl of Caithness on 15 July 1681, and his lands were restored on 23 September. Campbell was made Earl of Breadalbane by way of compensation.
Ballad
A ballad commemorating the battle was first published in 1887 in a book by historian James Traill Calder: