Alleged slaughter of students
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The alleged slaughter of students is an incident sometimes associated with the Battle of Glen Fruin, fought on 7 February 1603 between the Clan Gregor and its allies and the Clan Colquhoun and its allies. The claim appears to be a later tradition not supported by the facts given.
Background
It states that the MacGregors, led by Allaster MacGregor of Glenstrae, advanced into Colquhoun territory with a force of 300 to 400 foot soldiers, including men from Clan Cameron. The Colquhouns, under Alexander Colquhoun of Luss, raised about 300 horse and 500 foot. The battle occurred on 7 February 1603 at Glen Fruin, where the ground was unfavorable to the Colquhouns, especially their cavalry.
The MacGregors used two divisions: one at the head of the glen and an ambush near the farm of Strone. The Colquhouns were forced into a moss at Auchengaich, where their cavalry became useless, and they were attacked from the rear. Alexander Colquhoun fled to Rossdhu Castle.
140 Colquhouns were killed per historian William Fraser, with other sources saying over 200. The MacGregor chief's brother, John MacGregor, was killed. In the aftermath, the Clan Gregor was proscribed and outlawed, and their chief Allaster MacGregor was executed in 1604.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did students actually die at the Battle of Glen Fruin?
No. The historical sources describing the 7 February 1603 battle between Clan Gregor and Clan Colquhoun make no reference to students among the combatants or casualties. The reported 140 to over 200 Colquhoun dead refers to clan members and their allies, not students.
Where and when did the Battle of Glen Fruin take place?
The battle was fought on 7 February 1603 in Glen Fruin, in the Loch Lomond area of Dunbartonshire, Scotland.
Who were the two sides in the Battle of Glen Fruin?
Clan Gregor and their allies faced off against Clan Colquhoun and their allies. The Gregor side achieved a comprehensive victory, with Colquhoun losses reported at 140 by historian William Fraser and over 200 by other accounts.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Battle of Glen Fruin (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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