The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
For sale: Battle site that sealed fate of great Scot
MOORLAND: Site at Carbisdale was where Montrose and Royalists were defeated in 1650
A historic battlefield which saw the final defeat of one of Scotland’s greatest military commanders has gone up for sale.
History enthusiasts are being offered the chance to snap up Carbisdale battlefield near Bonar Bridge in Sutherland for offers over £70,000.
The site is where, in 1650, James Graham, the 1st Marquis of Montrose, fought his last battle in support of the Royalist cause.
The 17th Century military genius, poet and patriotic Scot, who became known as the Great Montrose, had led his outnumbered army to six successive victories against the Covenanters in the space of a year.
His tactical brilliance, leadership and sheer daring helped him to consistently beat the odds. Three hundred years on, Field Marshal Montgomery would quote his line about daring “to win or lose it all” to inspire the troops on the eve of D-Day.
The site where he met his defeat comprises 53 acres of heather moor, pine woodland and open burns.
The battlefield, one hour’s drive from Inverness, is approached by a private lane and sits in an elevated position with views to the Kyle of Sutherland.
Estate agents Bell Ingram, who are marketing the land, say almost half of it is designated as native woodland but a spot could be found at the site to build a home, subject to planning approval.
The nearest railway station is a 10-minute walk from the battlefield while the nearest pub is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute cycle ride away.
Joanne Stennett, from Bell Ingram, said: “This is a unique opportunity to own your piece of Scottish history in the form of Carbisdale battlefield.
“Almost half the ground is designated as native woodland by the Forestry Commission Scotland, and there is an opportunity to improve and extend the native species across the whole area to create a significant block of eco-friendly land.
“No application has yet been made for a dwelling house, but a site could be found, subject to necessary planning consents, for the sensitive development of a family house in keeping with the beautiful surroundings.”
Following a defeat at Philiphaugh in 1645, Montrose fled abroad only to be re-appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Scotland by Charles II and return to Scotland in 1650.
However, on April 27, 1650, his small force was defeated at the Battle of Carbisdale.
It was a decisive victory for the Covenanter forces against Montrose, with his army routed almost without firing a shot.
Montrose himself escaped the field but he was handed over a few days later and taken to Edinburgh to hear his sentence, then hung, drawn and quartered on May 21, 1650.
A unique opportunity to own your piece of Scottish history. JOANNE STENNETT