Battle of Stalc
(1468)
Castle Stalker (Stalcair) was built in the thirteenth century by the
MacDougalls in Appin, Argyll, but in 1320 it passed into the ownership of the
Stewarts who had, at that time, the Lordship of the Isles. Duncan Stewart
of Appin restored it in 1450 for use as a hunting lodge by James IV (of
Scotland).
In 1463, Sir John Stewart who was then the owner, was murdered at his
own wedding at Dunstaffnage Castle, near Oban, by Alan MacDougall, a
jealous relative. The ownership then passed to Dougal Stewart, his son, who had
been legitimized by the marriage (that was the cause of all the
fuss). Dougal came to live in the castle after the battle of Bridge of Orchy.
Later the feud between the Stewart and MacDougall sides of the family
came to a climax with the "Bloody Battle of Stalc" fought out on the
hillside overlooking the castle. The numbers involved were several
hundreds. On one side were the Stewarts and the MacLarens and, on the other side,
the MacDougalls and the MacFarlanes. The Stewarts won and Alan
MacDougall (the murderer) was killed.
The Companion Guide
to the West Highlands of Scotland
W. H. Murray
Map
Photographs of Appin
Index
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