A Gordon victory over Forbes forces during the Marian civil war, illustrating clan warfare's role in Scotland's 16th-century dynastic conflict.
Key Facts
- Date of battle
- 20 November 1571
- Duration
- Approximately one hour
- Gordon force strength
- 900 men
- Forbes/Regent force strength
- Approximately 800 men
- Forbes casualties (Diurnal account)
- Chisholm and ~300 men killed; ~200 captured
- Gordon casualties (Diurnal account)
- 200 men killed
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The battle arose from the Marian civil war dividing Scotland between supporters of the captive Mary, Queen of Scots, and those backing the regency of King James VI. Clan Gordon backed Mary while Clan Forbes sided with the King's party. Forbes and Regent troops marched from Cowie to Aberdeen on 20 November 1571, reportedly also motivated by a shortage of food supplies.
Adam Gordon of Auchindoun, commanding approximately 900 men inside Aberdeen, engaged the Forbes force of around 800 men—including two companies of musketeers called hagbutters—after they crossed the bridge of Aberdeen and advanced to Craibstone. After about an hour of fighting, the Gordon cavalry under Alexander Campbell assisted in routing the Forbes troops once their ammunition was exhausted, forcing a retreat pursued over four miles.
The Gordons won decisively: Forbes archers fled, Captain Chisholm was killed, and Alexander Master of Forbes along with some 200 men were captured and imprisoned at Huntly Castle. Casualty figures vary by source, ranging from roughly equal losses on both sides to heavily lopsided accounts, but all sources confirm a clear Gordon victory reinforcing their control of the northeast for the Marian cause.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Adam Gordon of Auchindoun, Captain Ker, Alexander Campbell (cavalry).
Side B
1 belligerent
Alexander Master of Forbes, Captain Chisholm, Captain Wedderburn.