Borve Castle, Sutherland

History

The castle may have originally been built by a Norseman named Torquil. It served as a stronghold for Clan Mackay, who used it to launch raids against the neighbouring Clan Sutherland. The Mackays failed to appear before Mary of Guise, mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. In response, John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland, chief of Clan Sutherland, was ordered to destroy the castle.

In August 1554, Guise hired a private ship called the Lion to attack the castle. Hugh Kennedy of Girvanmains, the Earl's stepfather or stepbrother, embarked 50 men of war along with the royal gunner Hans Cochrane and a cannon. A cannon was also reportedly dragged from Edinburgh. Rory Mor Mackay, the castle's captain, was dismayed to see the enemy had a cannon, as the castle had withstood all previous sieges.

The castle was partly destroyed and then garrisoned for the Queen Regent by John Williamson, who was supplied with food from the lands of Helena Sinclair, widow of Donald Mackay of Strathnaver. Rory Mor Mackay was hanged.

In November, Kennedy returned to Edinburgh with Iye Du Mackay, 12th of Strathnaver, who was imprisoned in Dumbarton and later Edinburgh Castle. After Borve Castle was taken, a Mackay force under John Mor Mackay fought the Clan Sutherland at the Battle of Garbharry, where the Mackays were defeated. This was the last battle between the two clans.

Historical accounts

Historian Sir Robert Gordon wrote of the siege in his book A Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland. He recorded that the Queen granted a commission to John Gordon, Earl of Sutherland, against Iye MacKay and his country.

The Earl, assisted by Huntly and holding the regent's commission, raised an overwhelming force and invaded MacKay's country for the first time any Earl of Sutherland had done so. Earl John entered Strathnaver, sacking and spoiling before him, and possessed all places of doubt. After a short siege, he took it by force and hanged Rory MacKean-Voir, the captain.