A 1570 clan conflict in Sutherland between the Gordon earls and Sinclair-backed rivals reflecting long-running dynastic disputes over the Sutherland earldom.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1570
- Location
- County of Sutherland, Scotland
- Side A Commander
- Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland
- Side B Commander
- George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness
- Side A Primary Force
- Murrays (Morays) of Aberscross, sept of Clan Sutherland
- Side B Primary Force
- Followers of Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions arose from the earlier displacement of the original Sutherland family as earls of Sutherland by the Gordons in the early 16th century. Alexander Sutherland of Duffus, a descendant of the old earls, rallied support under George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness, seeking to contest Gordon dominance over the region.
In 1570, forces loyal to Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland, principally the Murrays of Aberscross acting as the earl's primary defensive vassals, clashed with the forces of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness, backed by adherents of Alexander Sutherland of Duffus, in the county of Sutherland, Scotland.
The source does not record the battle's outcome or casualties in detail, but the engagement reflected the persistent instability caused by rival claims to the Sutherland earldom and the ongoing feud between the Gordon and Sinclair-backed factions in northern Scotland during the late 16th century.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland.
Side B
1 belligerent
George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness, Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus.