gory fight to save aberdeen re-enacted
Castle grounds to be turned into a battlefield
Published:
A north-east castle will provide this weekend’s backdrop to the re-enactment of one of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history.
Hundreds of costumed warriors will take part today and tomorrow in a spectacular restaging of the infamous Battle of Harlaw.
The battle was an epic clash between a marauding Highland horde and a citizen army determined to save Aberdeen.
The fierce fighting in July 1411, led to the deaths of many Scottish peers and knights, including provost of Aberdeen, Sir Robert Davidson.
This weekend the scenic and normally peaceful parkland of Castle Fraser, near Kemnay, will be the setting for the re-enactment of the gory conflict which left more than 2,000 citizens and clansmen dead and the nearby Urie river running red with blood.
A monument now stands on a hill just outside Inverurie, marking what became known as the Battlefield of Red Harlaw.
Between 11am and 4pm today and tomorrow spectators will be able to watch modern-day versions of the mediaeval knights and warriors recreating the historic fight.
The original battle lasted an entire day, with the Highlanders under Donald, Lord of the Isles, withdrawing at night and leaving the force led by the Earl of Mar exhausted on the hill – Aberdeen had been saved.
The Castle Fraser event has taken almost six months of organisation, with the National Trust for Scotland recruiting re-enactors’ groups from throughout Scotland.
Trust property manager Marie Buckley said: “The Battle of Harlaw happened right on our doorstep and we are honoured to host such a dramatic and exciting event.”
Around 100 camp followers will also be setting up an authentic campsite and visitors will be able to see trading goods, tools, archery displays and weapons demonstrations. Admission will be £10 and £5 concession, with family tickets available for £20.
