OS1/7/13/123
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BATTLE OF ALTlMARLACH A.D. 1675 (Site of) | Battle Field (Site of) | Mr J, Barnetson Milton Mr W. Sutherland Milton Mr B Sutherland Milton |
024 | A battle was fought about A.D. 1675 between the Campbells of Genorchy of Perthshire and the Sinclairs of Keiss. Sinclair advancing he prepared for battle by drawing up 500 of his men on the haugh, some 200 yards farther up the river than where it is joined by the burn of Altimarlach. This burn, or rather water-course, which in the summer season is quite dry, has steep banks on each side, and may be described as a huge gully. It lies about two miles to the west of Wick. Nothing could be better adapted for an ambuscade, of which Glenorchy with great tact availed himself. He accordingly ordered the remainder of his men to lie down and conceal themselves in this deep gorge, and not to stir from the spot until their officers should give them the word to rise. As the Sinclairs advanced, they made a detour to the right at some little distance from the head of the ravine, and of course did not see the ambuscade that was laid for them. Their object in this movement was to have the advantage of the higher ground, and thus to place the enemy between them and the river. When the two hostile bodies were within a few yards of each other, Glenorchy gave his men the signal for the attack, and the deadly struggle commenced. The onset of the Campbells was so furious, that the Sinclairs, enfeebled as they were, with the debauch of the previous evening, instantly gave way, and fled with precipitation in the direction of the burn of Altimarlach. At this moment the reserve corps of the Highlanders, starting up from their ambush with a savage shout, met the fugitives in the face, and being thus pressed in front and rear, and at the same time outflanked on the left, the Sinclairs in desperation made a rush for the river. The Campbells chased them into the water, as they attempted to escape to the other side, and committed such dreadful havoc, that it is said they passed dry shod over their dead bodies. Not a few of the Sinclairs were drowned in the deeper part of the stream; and nearly [Continued on Page 124] |
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[Page] 123County of Caithness -- Parish of WicK
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