The Conflict of
Aldicharrish
The year of God 1487, this conflict was fought; upon this
occasion Angus Mackay being slain at Tarbat by the surname of Ross, as I have shown
already, John Riabhach Mackay (the son of this Angus), came to the Earl of Sutherland,
upon whom he then depended, and desired his aid to revenge his father's death, whereupon
the Earl of Sutherland yields, and sent his uncle, Robert Sutherland, with a company of
men, to assist him.
Thereupon Robert Sutherland and John Riabhach Mackay did
invade Strathoyckel and Strathcarron with fire and sword; burnt, spoiled, and laid waste
divers lands appertaining to the Rosses. The Laird of Balnagown (then chief of the Rosses
in that shire) learning of his invasion, gathered all the forces of Ross and met Robert
Sutherland and John Riabhach at a place called Aldicharrish. There ensued a cruel and
furious conflict combat, which continued a long time, with incredible obstinacy; much
blood was shed on either side.
In the end, the inhabitants of Ross being unable to endure or
resist the enemies' forces were utterly disbanded and put to flight. Alexander Ross, Laird
of Balnagown, was slain with seventeen other landed gentlemen of the province of Ross,
besides a great number of common soldiers. The manuscript of Fearn (by and attour
Balnagown) names these following among those that were slain: Mr. William Ross, Angus
Macculloch of Terrell, John Waus, William Waus, John Mitchell, Thomas Waus, Houcheon Waus.
|
