Myth or reality ?

Being a Perthshire Gow, whose progenitor was a certain 14th Century Perthshire blacksmith called Henry (aka Hal O’ The Wynd acc to Sir Walter Scott), I am still after many years intrigued by said blacksmith’s involvement in a clan battle said to have taken place in 1396.

Not to go into too much detail here (I’m lying of course !), which can readily be googled, my numero uno ancestor took part in a judicial battle, 30-a-side, at a specially prepared arena at Perth’s North Inch. It was a popular event, witnessed by people from miles around, plus the Scottish king and entourage, distinguished guests from near and far. My ancestor was a late addition to one participating side, who had lost a combatant due to Swine Flu, broken leg or even a late case of common-sense. He was basically bribed to join in and played his part. His side won – yeay me !! That meant I could be born – thanks Henry ! Can you imagine an event like that on telly today ? Super-team WWE !!!

The question is – which clans ?

There are at least 3 versions :-

1) Clan Chattan versus Clan Kay or MacKay
2) Clan Mackintosh versus Clan Cameron
3) Clan MacPherson v Clan Davidson

Version 1) I read about in an adventure “annual” as a child. The causes weren’t explained, but it was a victory for Clan Chattan and Henry was mentioned. It also doesn’t explain why the MacKays and Clan Chattan were fighting in the first place and why the MacKays came all the way from Sutherland to fight with the Perthshire Chattan clan.

Version 2) harks back to an ongoing feud between Clan Chattan and their larger, hostile neighbours, Clan Cameron. There had been a sort-out between the clans when the Chattans intercepted a Cameron war/raiding force on Chattan lands near Inverhahavon (accounts vary as to which year – anywhere between 1370 and 1386). Clan Chattan was victorious but it created a new chapter in hostility between the clans. This running-sore of a dispute came to a head in 1396, when it was decided to settle it the old-fashioned way, hence the trial by battle at the North Inch. Clan Chattan was represented by its senior clan, Clan Mackintosh.

Version 3) which I believe fits events better and suits the Highland temperament, was an in-fight within Clan Chattan. The Mackintoshes were the senior clan in the confederation, whilst the MacPhersons claimed a senior position due to historic ties. Therefore they had hereditary right to take up the “right of the line” in any battle they took part in for Clan Chattan. The other senior clan, Clan Davidson, were 3rd in rank. So a battle line with these three clan would be:- MacPhersons (right), Mackintoshes (centre), Davidsons (left).

When the marauding Clan Cameron invaded Clan Chattan lands to raid cattle etc, word spread quickly of the violation and the MacPhersons, Mackintoshes and Davidsons assembled and set off to intercept the Camerons. This they did at Invernahavon. As they appeared, Clan Chattan outnumbered the Camerons. However, the Mackintosh chief made a bad decision when, for quickness on the spot on the day, put the Davidsons on the right of the line, as they were nearest that position. The MacPhersons were ordered to take the left. Outraged, the MacPhersons left the field and took up position on a nearby hill to watch and sulk. This left Clan Chattan outnumbered by the Camerons. Battle was joined and the Camerons and Chattans fought fiercely. Chattan were at a disadvantage and their lack of numbers told, especially among the beleagured Davidsons who were suffering the most casualties. Eventually, the impetus of battle slowed among the fatigued warriors and a lull in fighting took over. Meanwhile, the Mackintosh chief sent his bard among the MacPhersons, pretending to be the Cameron bard, to insult them. Calling them women and other insults, the MacPhersons got all worked up and seeing red, charged down the hill and into the tired Camerons. The result was a resounding Chattan victory. It was also a huge source of grudge from the Davidsons who had suffered so much. Over the years, in-fighting and disputes between Davidson and MacPherson kept weakening the Clan Chattan resolve, so in 1396, the latest cause of dispute was put to Trial By Battle. It was the MacPhersons who recruited Henry the Blacksmith. After the battle, Henry (as well as the payment for his participation) was given the honour to start his own clan (sept) with MacPherson protection. That is why Gow is today a sept of Clan MacPherson and also has membership of Clan Chattan.

That last version seems more logical to me. The Clan Kay/MacKay version seems like a mix up, as the Davidsons had a similar name Clann Dhai which was mis-spelt by anglicized scholars into substitution of “Qu” to make “Quai”, “Querl” and other odd combinations. It’s a short step from that to Kay.

Any thoughts ? Can it be definitely decided who was who or will it be forever lost in the mists of time ?