Battle of Killiecrankie
Pass of Killiecrankie, Perthshire, Scotland
What happened
Highland Jacobites under Viscount Dundee, supporters of the deposed King James VII, fought a government army under Hugh Mackay. Mackay's army marched through the narrow Pass of Killiecrankie, and Dundee's Highlanders attacked at sunset. They charged at close quarters before many government soldiers were ready, and the government army broke and fled. Dundee was fatally wounded near the end of the battle.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Jacobites won, but losing their leader meant they could not build on the victory. It was the first major British battle known to use the plug bayonet.
What came next
The rising faded after a failed attack on Dunkeld and a defeat at Cromdale in 1690. Mackay built a base at Fort William.
Did you know?
A plug bayonet was pushed into the musket's barrel, so once it was fitted the gun could not be fired.
Timeline
- 13 April 1689Dundee raises the royal standard for James VII on Dundee Law.
- 27 July 1689Battle of Killiecrankie.
- August 1689The Jacobites fail to take Dunkeld.
- May 1690Jacobite defeat at Cromdale.