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MHG39775 - Clearance Cairn, Battle site, Pullyhour

Summary

Site of clearance cairns that have been romantically associated with grave markers following clan conflict.

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

Site of Conflict between the Clans Gunn and McIver AD. 1594 (NAT)
OS 6" map, Caithness, 2nd ed., (1907)

This battle was fought in 1594 between clans Gunn and McIver. The latter is said to have encamped on an eminence near Pulleyhour, where the remains of a circular embankment (ND15SW 3) is still to be seen and is pointed out as site of camp. Another of same is said to have stood about 1/4 mile to E (ND15SW 11); its site was pointed out by Mr McLeod (R McLeod, Pulleyhour). The McIvers were defeated.
This battlefield was pointed out to Captain Gunn (Braehour) in 1835 at which date none of it had been cultivated (heaps of stone were then to be seen which marked graves) but it is now in cultivation and none of graves are to be seen.
Capt Gunn says that he has read and heard many accounts of this battle but never heard nor saw anything about a camp being there (ND15SW 11) except by present occupants of Pullyhour.
(This seems to be a case of tumuli or field clearance heaps being associated with a historic clan conflict. The romantic account of the conflict is probably due to the imagination of Mr McLeod (R McLeod, Pulleyhour)).
Name Book 1872.

Cultural Associations:
This seems to be a case of tumuli or field clearance heaps being associated with a historic clan conflict. The romantic account of the conflict is probably due to the imagination of Mr McLeod (R McLeod, Pulleyhour) (1).

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred ND 1149 5462 (4m by 4m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	ND15SW
Civil Parish	HALKIRK
Geographical Area	CAITHNESS

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Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

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