Clan MacDonald-Clan Mackenzie feud

Between 1480 and 1602, Clan MacDonald and Clan Mackenzie, two of the Scottish Highlands' prominent clans, were ensnared in a complex web of territorial disputes, power plays, and shifting allegiances. The root of their animosity lay in their competing claims over the lucrative Lordship of the Isles and key territories in Ross and Skye. As both clans sought to expand their influence, they clashed in a series of skirmishes and battles, further fueled by personal vendettas and betrayals. Their feud was intertwined with the broader political dynamics of Scotland, with the Scottish Crown sometimes playing a role in mediating or escalating tensions. By the early 17th century, after over a century of intermittent conflict, the intensity of their rivalry began to diminish, but its legacy had already cemented a chapter of enmity in the annals of both clans.