[MR] Wikipedia: Battle of Largs

[Garth Groff]

Noble Friends, Especially Fellow Scots,

On this date in 1263 the Battle of Largs between Norse forces of Haakon (King of Norway) and Scots led by Alexander of Dundonald was fought near the modern coastal town of Largs.

At this time the Hebrides islands and much of Scotland’s western coast were controlled by Haakon Haakonson. As Scotland consolidated its power under Alexander II and Alexander III, the Scots claimed control of these areas. In the summer of 1263 Haakon came down from Norway with a huge fleet and army, which raided along the Clyde and other areas of western Scotland. This led to negotiations which the Scots prolonged, knowing that the coming winter weather would work to their advantage. When a storm drove some of Haakon’s ships ashore at Largs, the Scots attacked the salvage party and their escort forces. The day-long battle was small and inconclusive, with light casualties on both sides. Haakon (who was not present at the battle; he was fighting in Galloway) realized his position was perilous, and withdrew his forces to Orkney. He soon sickened and died. His son Magnus eventually signed the Treaty of Perth, leasing the disputed territory to Scotland. Eventually the Scots stopped paying their rent.

Historians note that his battle was insignificant. Perhaps not so. Haakon also had his nose bloodied in other fighting with the Scots. His successor Magnus realized the Norse position was weak and was willing to withdraw. The Treaty of Perth was a major step in unification of the Scottish nation.

You can learn more about the Battle of Largs at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Largs .

The artwork shown in the Wikipedia article is by William Brassey Hole, and is part of a mural in the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. To see a small view of the whole painting, and some of Hole’s other historical artwork, go to https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/artists/william-brassey-hole . Sadly, these are small images, but stirring. Are the details correct, or are they Victorian fantasies? They look marvelous to me.

The Scots should not have been so jubilant over their victories. The Hebrides continued to be largely independent, ruled by the MacDonalds under the Lord of the Isles. It was not until 1493 when internal fighting among the MacDonalds weakened the clan that James IV was able to assert royal control: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_of_the_Isles .

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, That Proud Scot