The Battle of Gruinard Shore

Blàr Traigh Gruinneart (the Battle of Gruinard Shore) was the last major clan battle to be fought in Islay, following a long feud opposing the MacDonald of Islay and MacLeans of Mull over the ownership of the Rhinns of Islay.

Attempting to expand his territory, Lachlan Mòr MacLean, the 14th chief invaded the island at Traigh Ghruinneart with 800 men in 1598. Despite being outnumbered, the MacDonalds led by James MacDonald of Dunnyveg defeated the Macleans, killing 280 men including the Maclean chief.

According to one legend, the MacLeans were defeated because Lachlan Mòr ignored the advice of a wise woman. According to another, he was killed by the Dubh Sith (the black elf) whose help he had spurned. The fact was that the surviving Macleans managed to escape to their boats but a group of 30 were cut off and retreated to the nearby Kilnave chapel. All bar one were killed when the MacDonalds set fire to the chapel.

The battle and its aftermath is commemorated in the song Carn air a’ Mhonadh (the cairn on the moor) by Duncan Johnston, the Islay Bard.

More information on visiting the area can be found here.