A Jacobite victory at Killiecrankie failed to advance the 1689 rising because commander Dundee was killed during the battle, leaving the movement leaderless.
Key Facts
- Date
- 27 July 1689
- Conflict
- 1689 Scottish Jacobite Rising
- Jacobite commanders
- Viscount Dundee; Ewan Cameron of Lochiel
- Government commander
- Hugh Mackay
- Dundee's fate
- Killed in the final moments of the battle
- Battle outcome
- Jacobite victory, strategically inconclusive
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
James VII was deposed during the Glorious Revolution in December 1688 and went into exile. In early 1689 he launched a military effort to reclaim his throne, with Viscount Dundee leading a simultaneous Scottish revolt. Despite being outnumbered and short of supplies, the Jacobite commanders sought a decisive engagement to draw broader support to their cause.
On 27 July 1689, a Jacobite force led by Viscount Dundee and Ewan Cameron of Lochiel engaged a government army commanded by Hugh Mackay at Killiecrankie. The Jacobites won the battle decisively, routing the government troops, though they themselves suffered considerable casualties in the fighting.
Although the Battle of Killiecrankie was a military victory for the Jacobites, the death of Dundee in the battle's closing moments deprived the rising of its most capable leader. Without effective central command, the Jacobites could not capitalise on their success, and the uprising ultimately failed to restore James VII to the Scottish throne.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Viscount Dundee, Ewan Cameron of Lochiel.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hugh Mackay.