The massacre at Dunaverty in 1647 saw over 300 Royalist defenders killed after surrendering, marking one of the bloodiest episodes of the Wars of Three Kingdoms in Scotland.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1647
- Defenders (Highland troops)
- 200–300 men
- Killed after surrender
- More than 300 people
- Castle besieged
- Dunaverty Castle, Kintyre
- Covenanter commander
- General David Leslie
- Highland commander
- Archibald Og of Sanda
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss, the remnants of Alasdair Mac Colla's Royalist army dispersed. Many fled by sea to Ireland or Dunyvaig Castle, but 200–300 men who could not or would not leave Scotland took refuge in Dunaverty Castle, intending to hold it until they could be evacuated.
The Covenanter Army under General David Leslie besieged Dunaverty Castle. After capturing the defenders' water supply and reducing them to desperate thirst, the garrison sought surrender on fair terms. The Covenanters accepted, but upon the defenders leaving the castle, soldiers killed the men, women, and children at the urging of Reverend John Naves and the Marquess of Argyll.
More than 300 MacDonalds and their followers were slaughtered in breach of the promised quarter, making Dunaverty a byword for treachery in the Wars of Three Kingdoms. A small number, including the infant Ranald MacDonald of Sanda and Flora McCambridge, survived the massacre.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General David Leslie.
Side B
1 belligerent
Archibald Og of Sanda.