The Battle of Benbigrie

The Battle of Benbigrie took place later in 1598 on Islay and was a direct continuation of the feud ignited at the Battle of Tràigh Ghruinneart earlier that year. While Tràigh Ghruinneart was decisive militarily, it did not bring peace. After his father Sir Lachlan Mor MacLean’s death in that engagement, his son Hector Og MacLean sought revenge.
 

In the wake of defeat, Sir Hector, now chief of Clan MacLean, marshalled a coalition - including allies from the MacLeods, MacNeils, and Camerons - determined to punish the MacDonalds.
 

The opposing forces met at a place called Benbigrie later in 1598. No-one is sure exactly where this was, but it is likely it was at Beinn Bheigeir, the highest hill on Islay. Neither side was inclined to negotiate; hostilities broke out immediately. Though outnumbered, the MacDonalds under Sir James resisted fiercely and there was intense fighting across the slopes and heights near the site.

There is some debate as to the outcome of the battle.  Most historians argue that the MacLean coalition succeeded in overwhelming the defenders, while some take the view that the MacLeans were eventually forced to retreat. However, the essential facts are not disputed: the MacDonalds suffered heavy losses and Sir James himself was dangerously wounded and carried from the field, going into exile - first to Ireland and, later, to Spain. The battle marked the end of hostilities between the two clans, both of which had been significantly weakened by the conflict and, in the MacLeans’ case, this made them easier prey later for their Campbell enemies.

Sir James returned to Islay in June 1615 and captured Dunyvaig Castle from Sir John Cawdor, but his success was short-lived as a force under command of the Duke of Argyll retook the castle in October. He died in London in 1626.
 

The battle was part of a long cycle of violence and did not, by itself, end the wider uncertainties of power in the Hebrides during this period, but it marked the end of the MacDonald-MacLean rivalry.