Battle of Glendale (Skye)

Battle of Glendale
The head of Loch Pooltiel, where the chief of the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan landed on the Isle of Skye and joined forces with the MacLeods of Lewis
Date traditionally c. 1490; though more likely after 1513 Location Glendale, Skye Result MacLeod victory
Belligerents
Clan MacDonald of Sleat Clan Ranald	Clan MacLeod Clan MacLeod of Lewis
Commanders and leaders
Donald MacDonald Allan MacDonald of Moidart	Alasdair MacLeod Donald MacLeod of Meidle
Casualties and losses
High	High

The Battle of Glendale was fought on the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye when the MacDonalds of Sleat and the MacDonalds of Clanranald clashed with the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan and the MacLeods of Lewis. According to MacLeod tradition preserved in the early 19th century, the battle was fought in about the year 1490, though more recent scholarship suggests that the battle more likely took place sometime after 1513. MacLeod tradition records that the battle was the 'most tremendous battle' that the clan ever fought—although the clan was victorious, it never fully recovered from its severe losses. MacLeod tradition also relates how the MacDonalds originally had the upper hand during the conflict, but when Clan MacLeod's sacred Fairy Flag was unfurled the MacLeods gained heart and won the battle.