Scottish Blog

The Battle of Dunnichen was an important battle to the development of Scotland as a nation.

The Battle of Dunnichen is said to be one of the best documented battles from the Dark Ages. It was fought between the Picts and the Northumbrians, on Saturday the 2nd of March 685, at three p.m. Although there is some controversy as t the location of the site, due to the way place names evolve with time and language. Some believe that the site could have been located in the proximity of Angus, near Forfar, others have contested that the site of the battle was actually Dunachton in Badenoch.

The Battle of Dunnichen came as a result of the Northumbrian tribes, lead by Ecgfrith, attempting to expand their territory and power North, into the kingdom of the Picts. The Picts, lead by Bridei III, naturally retaliated.

The Battle of Dunnichen came to head with the Picts being outnumbered. To even the advantage, the Pictish leader came up with a plan. The Pictish army was split in two, the weaker division were meant to meet the approaching Northumbrins at the bottom of a hill, while the stronger half would lie in hiding at the top of the hill. During the battle the Pictish feigned fear and retreated, their enemies followed. At the top of the hill they were met by the waiting forces, who forced the Northumbrians to the other side of the hill, which featured a swamp. The majority of the Northumbrians were killed or captured, the rest drowned in the swamp.

It is said that the Battle of Dunnichen was one of the major events that led to Scotland being formed into the country that it is today. Scholars claim that a loss in this battle would have seen the Northumbrians extend their power North past the Firth line. Which theoretically, could have stopped further rulers coming into power the way they did.