Battle of Auldearn

The Battle of Auldearn, fought on 9 May 1645 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, was a crucial confrontation in Scotland between the Royalist forces led by James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose, and the Covenanter army commanded by Sir John Urry (or Hurry). Near the village of Auldearn in Highland, Montrose employed a deceptive strategy, feigning a retreat to lure the Covenanters into a vulnerable position. The tactic succeeded, and with the additional prowess of Alasdair MacColla's Highland troops, the Royalists inflicted a crushing defeat on the Covenanters. This victory was instrumental in Montrose's campaign, reinforcing his strategic genius and consolidating the Royalist dominance in Scotland for the moment.