Battle of the Shirts

Blàr na Léine roughly translates as “The Battle of The Shirts” and this strangely named confrontation was part of a power struggle over leadership of Clanranald. Shortly after the 7th Chief had passed away, two men claimed the title for themselves and in the 16th century, disputes like these were only settled one way.

Ranald Gallda was an outcast who had been raised with his mother’s clan, the Frasers of Lovat. As the old chief’s brother, he had a strong argument for replacing him, as well as the support of the Scottish government. The only problem was that the people of Clanranald had already declared their loyalty to John of Moidart.

King James V saw a way to solve the problem, by imprisoning John and leaving Ranald to take his place. Ranald was unpopular and ineffective, but he had the backing of powerful men. His lack of experience with his clan showed when he broke tradition by serving chicken instead of beef at his first feast. From then on everybody called him Ranald of the Hens behind his back.

In 1542, King James died and John of Moidart was finally released, making his way straight back home. It was the spark that the Clanranalds needed to chase Ranald Gallda off with his tail between his legs. Eventually, he would return to get his revenge at the head of a large force of Frasers and Grants.

The Clanranalds were outnumbered by the invaders, so they stalked them for days, patiently waiting for the right time to strike. Once they had plenty of spoils to take home, the Gordon men split from the Frasers, leaving their allies badly outnumbered. That was exactly what John had been hoping for.

The 300 Frasers were suddenly surprised by 500 men from Clanranald on the banks of Loch Lochy. It was the middle of July and such a hot day that the clansmen removed their chainmail, fighting just in loose shirts. The cool water of the Loch was so inviting that men fought waist deep, turning the river flowing out a deep shade of red.

The Battle of the Shirts wasn't large, but it was particularly bloody. Even the Clanranald sources talked about how bravely their opponents fought for survival. Lord Fraser of Lovat was so aggressive that they named him Cruoy Choskir - 'The Hard Slayer.'

It was even claimed that out of the 800 men that fought each other, only 13 survived. That’s what happens when warriors fight without their armour.