In the Scottish Highlands between 1300 and 1745, action, reaction, and recrimination were nearly a way of life. From the late Middle Ages until the mid-eighteenth century, the history of the Highlands and the Hebrides is one of blood feuds, raids, and warfare as much against other clans as against outsiders. The following are a series of skirmish and/or battle ideas which might compose an interesting wargames campaign.

1. LIFT THE COW ...

The winter has been hard on the MacRurys and has cost them several head of cattle, primarily breeding cows and heifers. lain Og, chief of the MacRurys, leads a small party out of their glens and into the lands of the MacGeachins to replenish their herds. Can the MacRurys raid their neighbor's nearest shielings and carry off the livestock before the MacGeachins can rally, recover their cattle, and punish the MacRurys?

2. THE GLEN IS MINE...

In retaliation for the cattle raid, Alasdair Dubh MacGeachin, chief of that clan, dispatches a party under the leadership of his brother Padruig Ban to sack Uinish House, the home of Donald Ross, lain Og MacRury's cousin and the holder of the tack for Glen Caora, which is the MacRurys' closest property to MacGeachin lands and probably the jump off point for lain Og's cattle raid.

3. WEIGHING FROM LAND ...

Following the raid on Glen Caora, the violence and mayhem have escalated on both sides. Neither the MacRurys nor the MacGeachins are able to establish a superiority of arms so both sides seek allies. Alasdair Dubh travels by galley to seek aid from his father-in-law, MacDonald of Clanranald. lain Og has sought the support of MacLean of Duart. An informer has sent word to lain Og that Alasdair Dubh will be traveling by galley to see Clanranald at Castle Tioram. lain Og resolves to ambush his rivals galley near the mouth of Loch Sunart.

4. THE MACGREGORS' SALUTE ...

Knowing that the Clan Gregor has been proscribed by royal decree and knowing that several families of MacGregors are being sheltered by the MacRurys in Glen Caol, the MacGeachins raid that glen to gain favor with the crown and the earl of Argyll and to expose the MacRurys' disregard for royal authority. En route, the MacGeachins are seen by a small party of MacRurys, who hasten to Glen Caol to warn the residents and defend MacRury lands.

5. THE DESPERATE BATTLE ...

The MacRurys determine to settle the feud once and for all. Gathering nearly the whole of the clan's manpower, the MacRurys march into MacGeachin territory seeking a decisive battle. Warned by look outs, the MacGeachins also muster their forces. The two clans meet on the banks of Abhainn Breac, the Trout River.

6. Conclusion????

Through the mediation efforts of MacFie of Colonsay, Stewart of Applin, and MacDonald of Glencoe, the MacRurys and the MacGeachins are reconciled. A great feast is held at Castle Uaine, the seat of the MacGeachins. In honor of the event, the MacGeachin's piper composes a piobaireachd for the MacGeachins, one for the MacRurys, and a third to commemorate the whole affair.

GAMING A HIGHLAND FEUD

The Hebridean galley was a direct descendant of the Viking longship. The Hebridean galley, at war strength, carried three men per oar and had 16-24 oars. The next smaller vessel, the birlinn, had 12-16 oars and also carried three men per oar in wartime. Several manufacturers produce Viking ships which can portray galleys.

As for civilians and livestock, a number of manufacturers produce peasant figures which might be useful. Similarly, several companies make sheep and other domestic animals. As far as I know, only GRIPPING BEAST in Ipswich, Suffolk, England produces models of Highland cattle (25mm).

In closing, if you can find a copy of GLENCOE: STORY OF A MASSACRE by John Prebble, read the first part to get an idea of the raiding that occurred in the seventeenth century.