Battle at Glenfruin When the MacGregors Slaughtered a Number of Colquhouns

The Battle of Glen Fruin was a significant conflict that took place in Scotland on February 7, 1603, between the Clan Gregor (MacGregor) and the Clan Colquhoun. It occurred in the glen (valley) of Glen Fruin, near Loch Lomond in the historic county of Dunbartonshire.

The conflict arose from longstanding tensions between the two clans, exacerbated by political and religious divisions of the time. The Clan Gregor, led by Alasdair MacGregor of Glenstrae, had been outlawed by the Scottish government due to their involvement in various acts of violence and lawlessness. On the other hand, the Clan Colquhoun, led by Sir Humphrey Colquhoun, was seen as loyal to the government.

The battle itself was a brutal and bloody confrontation, with casualties on both sides. The exact circumstances and events leading up to the battle remain somewhat contentious among historians. However, it is believed that the Clan Colquhoun, possibly acting on orders from the Scottish government, launched an attack on the Clan Gregor, resulting in a devastating clash.

The Battle of Glen Fruin is significant not only for its immediate impact but also for its aftermath. In the aftermath of the battle, the Scottish government imposed severe penalties on the Clan Gregor, including proscription of the name “MacGregor” and the confiscation of their lands. This persecution of the MacGregors continued for many years and had lasting effects on the clan.

The Battle of Glen Fruin remains a notable event in Scottish history, illustrating the complex and often violent dynamics of clan warfare and political conflict during the early modern period.