A battle fought in Aberdeenshire almost 700 years ago, which was crucial to the outcome of the second Scottish War of Independence, was commemorated yesterday.
The event took place near Loch Kinord, Dinnet, on the site of the Battle of Culblean, which was fought on St Andrew’s Day, 1335.
Around 4,000 men, led by Sir Andrew de Moray, had gone to Kildrummy Castle to defend it against the forces of David de Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl.
It was one of four castles remaining in Scottish hands and it was vital that Andrew, a supporter of Robert the Bruce, prevented it falling to the loyalist earl.
Atholl’s army was outmanoeuvred, and the earl himself killed, during the battle which was fought on a hillside west of Lochhead.
Scottish history enthusiasts and politicians gathered yesterday at the 13ft memorial near the site, just off the Tarland to Burn O’ Vat road.
Among those gathered was north-east SNP MSP Christian Allard.
He said: “This was a very important battle which had an important bearing on the war of independence.
“The Battle of Culblean may have been smaller than some of the more famous ones like Stirling or Bannockburn, but is no less significant to our history.
“We must find a way to have better access to the memorial and the Burn O’ Vat visitor centre and have more local people learn about them both.”
The victory over the Earl of Atholl – achieved three years after the English invasion of 1332 – ensured Scotland retained control of the north-east.
Historians say the victory nullified the effect of England’s King Edward III’s invasion, ending his appointee Edward Balliol’s hope of standing as an independent king of Scotland. His supporters had fled in fear of their lives and Scotland was in charge of its own fate.
Yesterday’s commemoration was organised by members of the Andrew de Moray project, formed to preserve the memory of the man credited by many with liberating north Scotland.
Also joining Mr Allard were SNP councillors Neil MacGregor, ward member for Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone and Joanna Strathdee, representative for Huntly and District.