Clan Battles (Hardback)
Warfare in the Scottish Highlands
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781399070034
Published: 2nd June 2023
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Warfare between the clans of the Highlands in the late Middle Ages determined the course of history in this region of Scotland, and Chris Peers’s gripping account of it – and of the rivalry between the strongest clans – gives the reader a deep insight into this bloody, turbulent phase in the development of the far north of the British Isles. The battles he describes, all of them fought between the 1430s and the 1540s, were flash points in the long struggle for dominance between the leading clans of the region.
The battles are reconstructed in vivid detail. The first, Druim n Coub, was fought in 1433 between the Mackays and the Sutherlands. Then came Bloody Bay, a sea fight between rival MacDonald factions, Blar na Parc between the MacDonalds and the Mackenzies, Creag an Airgid between the MacDonalds and the MacIains, Glendale between the MacDonalds and MacLeods, and Torran Dubh between alliances headed by the Mackays and Sutherlands. The final battle, Blar na Leine, fought between the MacDonalds and the Frasers in 1544, marked the end of an era. The subsequent fate of the leading clans, principally the MacDonalds and Mackays, is also covered in a narrative that gives the reader a fascinating new perspective of clan loyalties and conflict which still resonates today.
As well as covering the fighting Chris Peers explains the way war in the Highlands was organized by the contending clans during the period – the strategies and tactics, weapons and armour they employed. The result is an absorbing all-round account of the military history of the Highlands before the clans eventually lost their independence.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Barb Massabrook
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! I loved this book so much. As I have Scottish ancestry plus I have visited the Scottish highlands a few years ago in the Isle of Skye, Inverness, Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh in the highlands
Even though I do know a lot about Scottish history, the Jacobite cause and the highland clearances from the slaughter at Culloden Battlefield in on April 16, 1746, Glencoe Massacre 1692,, Battle of Bannockburn, 1314: Robert the Bruce's final victory, Battle of Stirling Bridge 1297 etc. I also definitely appreciated this book so much with all the resources and information it contained which was absolutely fabulous.
I am also aware of clan wars in the highlands. Clans like The MacLeod’s and the MacDonalds who were bitter enemies. As everyone wanted to steal the MacLeods well known Fairy Flag and other magical items they treasured. There were many other clan wars which caused cattle and sheep stealing and other scrimmages.
Furthermore, readers will discover the phenomenal research on this book is very well documented, fascinating and very well informed. However, there was information that was new to me too which was very exciting too! This is the first book I read from this author as I was extremely impressed from all the areas Peers covered.
“This overview describes clan warfare, mostly raiding and counter-raiding but with some pitched battles too, with reasonable detail. Enjoyed it."
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, May 2024
Read the full review here.
Chris Peer's "Clan Battles: Warfare in the Scottish Highlands" features a section of B/W photos, a five page Sources & Further Reading bibliography, and a seven page Index. A work of elegant and fundamental research based scholarship, "Clan Battles" is a welcome, impressively informative, inherently interesting, and recommended contribution to personal, professional, community, and academic library Scottish History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Midwest Book Review
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Scotland has always been fascinating to me. The history, the clans, the amazing countryside.
NetGalley, Julie Oakley
Clan Battles is well written and interesting. Imagery along the way, makes the history easy to follow and breaks it up.
About Chris Peers
Chris Peers is a leading expert on the history of ancient armies and warfare and has written widely on the subject. He has contributed many articles to military history, wargaming and family history magazines, and his major publications include Warlords of China: 700BC-AD1662, Warrior Peoples of East Africa, Soldiers of the Dragon, The African Wars: Warriors and Soldiers of the Colonial Campaigns, Battles of Ancient China, Genghis Khan and the Mongol War Machine and King Stephen and the Anarchy: Civil War and Military Tactics in Twelfth-Century Britain.
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