The Conflict of
Tuiteam-Tarbhach
The year of God 1406, this conflict was fought at
Tuiteam-tarbhach, in the south-west part of Sutherland, as it marches with Ross. Upon this
occasion, Angus Mackay of Strathnaver married Macleod of Lews' sister, by whom he had two
sons, Angus Dow and Rory Gald. Angus Mackay dying, he leaves the government of his estate
to his brother Uistean Dow Mackay.
Macleod of Lews, understanding that his sister was hardly
dealt withal in Strathnaver by Uistean Dow, he takes journey thither to visit her, with
the choicest men of his country. At his coming there, he finds that she is not well dealt
withal, so he returned home malcontent, and in his way he spoiled Strathnaver and a great
part of Brae-Chat in the height of Sutherland.
Robert, Earl of Sutherland, being advertised thereof, he sent
Alexander Murray of Cubin, with a company of men, to assist Uistean Dow in pursuing
Macleod and to recover the prey. They overtake Macleod at Tuiteam-tarbhach, as he and his
company were going to the west sea, where Alexander Murray and Uistean Dow invaded them
with great courage. The fight was long and furious, rather desperate than resolute.
In the end they recovered the booty, and killed Macleod with
all his company. This conflict gave name to the place where it was fought, being then
called Tuiteam-tarbhach, which signifieth a plentiful fall or slaughter, and is so called
unto this day [1764]. |
