‘A History of the Highlands’ (1850)

[Book List Contents]

Contents.

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Volume 1

• Preface, pp.vii-viii.
• Chapter I. – History of the Highlands; Roman Period, pp.1-35. 
  • OF the Aboriginal Tribes of North Britain at the period of Agricola’s invasion – Their names and topographical positions – State of civilization – Religion – Modes of sepulture – Barrows, Cairns, Cistvaens and Urns – War weapons – Canoes and Currachs – Invasion and Campaigns of Agricola – Battle of the Grampians – Recal and death of Agricola – Succeeded by Lollius Urbicus – Wall of Antoninus – Roman Iter through the North – Roman highways, and stations or forts – Campaign of Severus – The Picts, Scots, and Attacots – Roman abdication of North Britain.
• Chapter II. – Poetry of the Celts – Antiquity and Authenticity of the Poems of Ossian, pp.36-59.
• Chapter III. – Pictish Period, Anno 446 to 843, pp.60-78.
  • PICTS and Caledonians – Chronological Table of the Pictish Kings – The Scoto-Irish or Dalriads – Settlement of the Dalriads in Argyle, in five hundred and three, under Lorn, Fergus, and Angus – Conversion of the Caledonians, or Picts, to Christianity by St. Columba – Inauguration of Aidan, King of Scots, in lona – Death of St. Columba – Summary of Pictish History – Wars with the Scots – Arrival of the Vikingr or Pirate Kings – Summary of the history of the Scoto-Irish Kings – Accession of Kenneth to the Pictish Throne – Government of the Scoto-Irish – Their Judges and Laws – Courts of Justice – Mode of Living – Practice of Fosterage – Genealogy and Chronology of the Scoto-Irish Kings.
• Chapter IV. – Scottish Period, Anno 843 to 1097, pp.79-95.
  • Pictavian Kingdom – Attacks of the Danish Vikingr – Death of Kenneth Macalpin – Defeat of the Danes by Constantine III – Battles of Brunanburg, of the Bands, and of Luncarty – New Inroads of the Danes – Their defeat – Usurpation of Macbeth – Malcolm Ceanmore – Accession of Donal-bane – Music and Musical Instruments of the Highlanders – Learning and Civilization – Chronological Table of the Scottish Kings, Anno 843-1097.
• Chapter V., pp.96-126.
  • Philological demarcation between the Highlands and Lowlands – Anglo-Saxon colonization of the Highlands – Characteristics of the Highlanders – Care shown by them in educating their Children – Highland Garb – Dress of the women – Antiquity of Tartan – Superstitions of the Highlanders – Kelpies, Urisks, Daoine Shi, &c. – Second Sight – Weddings – Matrimonial fidelity – Punishment of the breach thereof – Reciprocal attachment of Parents and Children – Disgrace and Punishment of Bankruptcy – Fidelity in performing engagements – Courage – Love of Country – Contempt of Death – Hospitality. 
• Chapter VI., pp.127-143.
  • Consequences of the removal of the seat of Government – Institution of Chiefs – Their great power – System of Clanship – Military ranks of the Clans – Fiery-cross – War cry – Omens – Hunting provision – Numerical strength of the Clans – Remarkable succession of the Chiefs – Consequences of Clanship – Disputes of the Clans – Treaties – Spirit of hostility and revenge – Modes of warfare – Creachs – Cearnachs – Black mail – Absence of theft and highway robbery – Voluntary tribunals – Compensation for injuries – Mild but arbitrary sway of the Chiefs – Legal authority conferred on the great Barons and Chiefs – its extent – attendance at their courts – Donations to Chiefs and younger sons and daughters on marriage – Attachment and fidelity of the Clans to their Chiefs – Instances thereof. 
• Chapter VII., pp.144-162.
  • Accession of Alexander I. – Defeat of the Earl of Moray at Stracathrow – Insurrection in Moray – Rising of Somerled, Lord of the Isles – Defeat of Earl Gilchrist – New revolt of Somerled – Tumults in Ross – Rebellion of Donal Bane – his death – Attempts of Harold, Earl of Orkney and Caithness – Insurrections in Ross, Moray, and Argyle – Revolt of Gillespoc M^cScolane – Inauguration of Alexander III. – Revolt in Ross against the Earl – Battle of Bealligh-ne-Broig, Robert Bruce defeats the Lord of Lorn – His expedition against the Western Isles – their submission – New revolt of the Islanders – Feud between the Monroes and Mackintoshes and between the Clan Chattan and the Camerons – Combat on the North Inch of Perth between the Clan Chattan and Clan Kay – Devastations of the Wolf of Badenoch and his son – Battle of Gasklune – Feud between the Earl of Sutherland and the Mackays – Battle of Tuttim-Turwigh – Formidable insurrection of Donald of the Isles – Battle of Harlaw.
• Chapter VIII., pp.163-177.
  • State of the Highlands at the Accession James I. – Disturbances in Caithness – Battle of Harpisdell – Arrival of the King at Inverness – Summons the Chiefs to appear – their Seizure and Fate – Revolt of Alexander, Prince of the Isles – Rapid Movement of the King – Alexander surrenders himself and is imprisoned – Insurrection of Donald Balloch – Murder of Mowat of Freshwick by Thomas Macneill – his Apprehension and Execution – Battle of Drum-ne-Coub – Lawless State of the Highlands – Instance of Shocking Barbarity – Apprehension and Execution of Donald Ross, the Perpetrator – Another Expedition by James I. to the Highlands – Commotions in Caithness Battles at Sandset and at Blare Tannie – Insurrection of the Lord of the Isles – Combat on the Sands of Strathfleet – Conduct of Allan of Lorn of the Wood – Alliance between the Lord of the Isles and other Chiefs and Edward IV. of England – Singular Treaty – Rebellion and Excesses of the Earl of Ross – his Submission and Assassination – Battle between the Clandonald and Clankenzie – Combat between the Mackays and the Rosses— Perfidious Attempt of the Mackays – Plan of James IV. to restore Good Government in the Highlands – Repeated Visits to the Highlands and Islands – Feud between Alexander Sutherland of Dilred, and Sir James Dunbar – Alexander Dunbar killed by Alexander Sutherland – Execution of Dilred – The earl of Sutherland kills one nephew and wounds another.
• Chapter IX., pp.178-198.
  • Alliance between the Earl of Sutherland and the Earl of Caithness – Feuds among the Mackays – John Mackay ravages Sutherland – Mackay defeated at Torran-Dow – Quarrel between the Keiths and the Clan Gun – Skirmish at Loch Salchie – Combat between the Mackays and the Murrays – Alexander Sutherland, the bastard, claims the Earldom of Sutherland – His warlike operations, apprehension, and execution – John Mackay invades Sutherland – His Defeat – Dissention among the Clan-Chattan – Murder of the Chief – Operations of Hector Mackintosh – Massacre of the Ogilvies – Three hundred of the Mackintoshes executed – Remarkable instance of Fidelity – Submission of Hector Mackintosh – His Assassination – Donald Mackay invades Sutherland – Skirmishes at Aldy-ne-Beth and at Loch Buy – Lawless proceedings of the Clanranald – Battle of Blar-Nan-Lein, in which the Frasers are almost annihilated – Apprehension and punishment of Ewen Allenson and Donald M^cConeilglase – Illegal conduct of the Earl of Caithness and Donald Mackay – Apprehension and Execution of the chief of the Mackintoshes – Commotions in Sutherland – Expedition against the Clanranald – Queen Regent’s journey to the Highlands – Mackay’s depredations – His submission and imprisonment – Devastations of John More-Mackay – Severe defeat of the Strathnaver men – Criminal conduct of Mackay – Feuds in Sutherland and Caithness – Execution of the Chief of the Guns – The Earl and Countess of Sutherland poisoned – Mackay of Far wastes Sutherland – The Earl of Caithness takes the castle of Skibo, and seizes the young Earl of Sutherland – Feud between the Murrays and the Seill-faille – Oppressive proceedings of the Earl of Caithness – The Earl of Sutherland rescued – Quarrel between the Monroes and the Mackenzies – Renewed oppressions of the Earl of Caithness.
• Chapter X., pp.199-212.
  • Dispersion of the Murrays and other friends of the Earl of Sutherland – Attempt to detach Mackay from the Earl of Caithness – Breaks his engagement – Irruption of the Seill-faille into Strathfleet – Arrest and imprisonment of John, Master of Caithness, by his father – Death of Mackay – Clan Gun attacked by the Strathnaver men – The latter defeated – The Slaight-Ean-Aberigh and the Slaight-Ean-Voir attack the Clan Gun – Attack on the Slaight-Ean-Aberigh by William Mackay and the Slaight-Ean-Roy – Feud between the Clan Gun and the Slaight-Ean-Aberigh – Attack on the Isle of Assint – Meeting of the Earls of Caithness and Sutherland at Elgin – Combination against the Clan Gun – Skirmish of Clan-tom-Richie – Battle of Aldgown – Execution of the Chief of the Clan Gun in Caithness – Another meeting between the two Earls – New confederacy against the Clan Gun – Departure of the Clan from Caithness – Defeated near Loch Broom – Feud between the Macleans and Macdonalds of the Isles – Angus Macdonald of Kintyre arrested by Sir Lauchlan Maclean – His liberation – Sir Lauchlan arrested by Macdonald – His release – Invades Ila – Mutual ravages in Mull and Kintyre – Sir Lauchlan tampers with Mackean of Ardinmurchie – Imprisonment of Maclean and Macdonald in the castle of Edinburgh – New disputes between the Houses of Sutherland and Caithness.
• Chapter XI., pp.213-232.
  • The Earl of Sutherland invades Caithness – Truce between the two Earls – Caithness breaks the truce – Affair of the Creach-ne-Kamkish – Earl of Sutherland again invades Caithness – Submission of the people – Fresh truce – Sinclair of Murkle invades Strathully – Skirmish at Crissalligh – The Earl of Sutherland enters Caithness a third time – Meeting of the Earls at Elgin – Dispute between the Gordons and Murrays about precedency – Battle of Clyne – Houcheon Mackay invades Caithness – Feud between the Clan Gun and other tribes – The Clan-Chattan opposes the Earl of Huntly Quarrel between the Gordons and the Grants – Meeting at Forres of the Grants, Clan-Chattan and others – Huntly breaks up the meeting – Huntly’s operations against the Earl of Moray – Death of the Earl of Moray – Tumults in consequence – Huntly committed – Revolt of the Clan-Chattan – Defeated by the Camerons – Defeat of the Grants – Clan-Chattan invade Strathdee and Glenmucke – Defeated by the Earl of Huntly – March of the Earl of Argyle to the north – Battle of Glenlivet – Journey of James VI. to the north – Tumults in Ross – Feud in the Western Isles between the Macleans and Macdonalds – Defeat of the Macleans in Ila – Dispute between the Earls of Sutherland and Caithness – Feud between Macdonald of Slate and Sir Roderick Macleod of Harris – Dreadful excesses in Skye and Uist – Defeat of the Macleans in Skye – Reconciliation between Macleod and Macdona.
• Chapter XII., pp.233-256.
  • Feud between the Colquhouns and Macgregors – Defeat of the Colquhouns and Buchanans – Harsh proceedings against the Macgregors – The chief of the Macgregors surrenders himself – Base Execution of the Chief and his hostages – Quarrel between the Clan-Kenzie and Glengarry – The latter outlawed – Proceedings against him and his people – Alister Mack-William-Moir beheaded – Murder of Angus Mack-Kenneth-Mack-Alister – Circumstances which led thereto – The Earl of Caithness attempts to disturb the North – Deadly quarrel in Dornoch – Meeting of the Earls of Sutherland and Caithness at Elgin – Their reconciliation – Dispute between the Earls of Caithness and Orkney – Feud between the Murrays and some of the Seill-Thomas – Dissentions in Moray among the Dunbars – Quarrel between the Earl of Caithness and the Chief of the Mackays – Commotions in Lewis among the Macleods – Proceedings of Torquill Connaldagh – Avaricious conduct of the Mackenzies – Invasion of Lewis by Fife adventurers – They are forced to abandon it – Second invasion and final abandonment of Lewis – Plans of Lord Kintail to obtain possession thereof – Acquires right thereto – Expulsion of Neill Macleod – Quarrel between the Laird of Rasay and Mackenzie of Gairloch – Rasay and Mackenzie, younger of Gairloch, killed – Depredations of William Mack-Angus-Rory – Apprehension of Arthur Smith, a false coiner – His trial and liberation – Employed by the Earl of Caithness – Commission against Smith – Apprehended in Thurso – Tumult in the town in consequence – The Earl of Caithness prosecutes the Commissioners – Submission of differences. 
• Chapter XIII., pp.257-286.
  • The Clan-Cameron disturb Lochaber – Invaded by Lord Gordon – Threats of the Earl of Caithness to invade Sutherland and Strathnaver – Earl of Sutherland prepares to oppose him – Sir Donald Mackay and others pardoned – Earl of Sutherland imprisoned as a suspected Catholic – Liberated – Returns to prison – Liberated again – Fresh attempts of the Earl of Caithness – Wiliam Mack-Kames settles in Strathnaver – Apprehended stealing in the Glen of Loth – Oppressions of the Earl of Caithness – Firing of the corns of Sanset – Discovery of the Fire-raisers – Legal proceedings against the Guns – Earl of Caithness refuses to deliver them up – Agreement between the Earl of Caithness, Sir Robert Gordon, and Lord Forbes – Apprehension and imprisonment of Lord Berridale – Released – Imprisoned again for debt – Alliance between the Earl of Caithness and Sir Donald Mackay – Sir Robert Gordon protects the Clan Gun – Mackay’s attempts against the Clan – Dispute between the Earl of Caithness and Sir Alexander Gordon of Navidale – Meeting on the marches of Rimbisdale – Mackay and Sir R. Gordon reconciled – Quarrel between the Earl of Enzie and the Clan-Chattan – The Chief committed to prison – Is reconciled with the Earl – Dispute between the Laird of Duffus and Gordon, younger of Embo – Slaughter of Thomas Lindsay – Hostile preparations against the Earl of Caithness – Liberation of Lord Berridale – Expedition into Caithness – Flight of the Earl – Reduction and Pacification of Caithness.
• Chapter XIV., pp.287-313.
  • Insurrection of the Clan-Chattan against the Earl of Moray – Ineffectual attempts of the Earl to suppress them – Submission of the Clan – Proceedings of the Earl – Dispute between the Laird of Duffus and Gordon, younger of Embo – Conflict between Gordon and John Sutherland of Clyne – Commitment of Gordon – Attempts of Sir Donald Mackay to embroil the houses of Sutherland and Duffus – Capture of Angus Roy Gun – Encounter at the bridge of Broray – Feud among the Grants – Depredations of James Grant – Grant of Carron killed by Grant of Balindalloch – Apprehension and imprisonment of James Grant – Dispute between the Lairds of Frendraught and Rothiemay – Conflict – Rothiemay killed – Quarrel between Frendraught and the Laird of Pitcaple – Calamitous Fire at Frendraught house – Death of John, Viscount Aboyne, Rothiemay, and others – Inquiry as to the cause of the Fire – Escape of James Grant – Attacked by Patrick Macgregor, who is killed – Apprehension of Grant of Balindalloch, by James Grant – Apprehension and execution of Thomas Grant – James Grant murders two of his surname – Attacked in Strathbogie, and escapes – Depredations of the Clan-Lauchlan – Skirmish between them and the Farquharsons – Dispute between the Earl of Sutherland and Lord Lorn – Execution of John Meldrum – Depredations committed upon Frendraught – The Marquis of Huntly accused therewith – The Marquis and Letterfourie committed – Liberated – Death and character of the Marquis.
• Chapter XV., pp.314-341.
  • Attempt of Charles I. to introduce Episcopacy into Scotland – Opposition of the Covenanters – Preparations for war – Marquis of Huntly raises the royal standard in the north – The Earl of Sutherland joins the Earl of Seaforth and other Covenanters in the north – Raid of Turriff – The Earl of Montrose and General Leslie enter Aberdeen – Meeting between Montrose and the Marquis of Huntly – Arrest of the Marquis – Imprisoned in the castle of Edinburgh – Meetings of Covenanters at Monymusk and Turriff – The Trott of Turray – Rising of the Gordons – Landing of Viscount Aboyne at Aberdeen – Raid of Stonehaven – Battle at the Bridge of Dee – Flight of Aboyne – Pacification of Berwick – New preparations for war – Imprisonment of Montrose – Liberated and goes to England – Meeting of Convention of Estates – Montrose takes Dumfries – Retires to Carlisle – Rising in the north under the Marquis of Huntly – Montrose enters Scotland – Arrives at Tulliebelton House – Landing of Irish forces in the West Highlands – Meeting of Montrose and Alexander Macdonald in Athole – Junction of the Athole men – Montrose advances into Stratherne – Joined by Lord Kilpont – Battle of Tippermuir.
• Chapter XVI., pp.342-364.
  • March of Montrose across the Tay to Collace – Assassination of Lord Kilpont – Marches through Angus and the Mearns – Joined by the Earl of Airly and others – Battle of Aberdeen – Supineness of the Gordons – March of Argyle to Strathbogie – Retreat of Montrose through Badenoch – Second March of Montrose to the North – Battle of Fyvie – Retreat of Montrose to Strathbogie – Desertions in his Ranks – Retires into Badenoch and Athole – Montrose enters Breadalbane and Argyle, which he wastes – Marches to Lochness – Argyle enters Lochaber – Battle of Inverlochy.
• Chapter XVII., pp.365-393.
  • Alarm of the Estates – Montrose returns through Badenoch – Marches to Inverness and Elgin – Wastes the lands of the Covenanters in Moray – Enters Elgin – Joined by Lord Gordon – Crosses the Spey – Plunders Cullen – Death of Lord Graham – Montrose wastes the lands in the Boyne – Enters and plunders Banff – Arrives at Turriff – Deputation from Aberdeen – Death of Colonel Donald Farquharson – Montrose imposes a tax of £10,000 on Aberdeen – Enters Stonehaven, which he burns – Arrives at Fettercairn – Defeat of Hurry’s horse – Enters Brechin – Marches to Dunkeld – Storms Dundee – Memorable retreat of Montrose from Dundee – Movements of General Baillie – Battle of Auldearn – Montrose enters Elgin – Battle of Alford.
• Chapter XVIII, pp.394-420.
  • Retreat of General Baillie and the Committee of Estates to Stirling – March of Montrose to Aberdeen – Interment of Lord Gordon – Buchan laid under assessment by Montrose – The Parliament meets at Perth, and orders a levy – Advance of Montrose to the south – Joined by the Athole Highlanders, the Macdonalds, Macleans, and other Clans – Crosses the Tay, and encamps at Amulree – Removes to the wood of Methven – Retreats to Little Dunkeld, where he is joined by the Earls of Aboyne and Airly – Advances to Logie Almond – Baillie retires to Kilgraston – March of Montrose towards Stirling – Castle Campbell burnt by the Macleans – Mansions of Menstrie and Airthrie burnt by Argyle – Progress of the hostile armies – Battle of Kilsyth – Entry of Montrose into Glasgow – Encamps on Bothwell Moor – Submission of the Nobility and the western shires – Communications with the King – Montrose appointed Lieutenant Governor of Scotland – Battle of Philiphaugh. 
• Chapter XIX, pp.421-447.
  • Montrose retires into Athole – Marches north to meet Lord Aboyne – Ineffectual attempts of Montrose to include Huntly to join him – Joined by Lord Aboyne, who soon deserts him – Execution of Sirs William Rollock, and Philip Nisbet, and Ogilvie, younger of Inverquharity – March of Montrose into the Lennox – Returns to Athole – Death and character of Lord Napier – Return of Montrose to the north – Marches on Inverness – Defeat of the Campbells at Callander by the Athole men – Meeting of the Covenanting Parliament at St Andrews – Condemnation and execution of Colonel Nathaniel Gordon, Sir Robert Spottiswood, Captain Guthry, and Mr Murray – Escape of Lord Ogilvie – Ineffectual attempts of Montrose to reduce Inverness – Town of Fraserburgh burnt by the Earl of Crawford – March of General Middleton to Aberdeen – And to Inverness – Retreat of Montrose from Inverness – Capture of Aberdeen by Huntly – Abandoned by him – Return of Middleton – The King escapes to the Scots army – Montrose ordered by the King to disband his army – Corresponds with the King – Meeting between Montrose and Middleton – Montrose disbands his army at Rattray – Embarks for the continent, and arrives at Bergen in Norway. 

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