Battle of Champions

For other uses, see The Battle of the Champions.
Battle of Champions
Part of the Scottish clan wars

Looking east to Girnigoe, St Tears is up on the right
Date1478 or 1464
Location
St Tears Chapel, north of Wick Airport, Caithness
grid reference ND36754558°28′30″N 3°5′5″W / 58.47500°N 3.08472°W / 58.47500; -3.08472
Result Keith victory
Belligerents
Clan Keith Clan Gunn
Commanders and leaders
Keith of Ackergill George Gunn †
Strength
24 12
Casualties and losses
>12 12 †

The Battle of Champions was a trial by combat fought in 1478 or 1464 between two Scottish clans, Clan Gunn and Clan Keith. It took place at the chapel of St Tears (St Tayre) on the coast north of Wick in Caithness, between Ackergill Tower and Girnigoe Castle. It was arranged to settle a dispute with a battle between twelve men on horseback on either side. However, the Keiths arrived with two men on each of their twelve horses, and massacred the 12 Gunns. The clans finally signed a treaty of friendship in 1978, ending the feud after 500 years.