Montrose’s Success
Montrose’s Year of Victories
Montrose’s Success began in late 1644 and again in 1645 . When he conducted two campaigns, winning in the course of them six battles. First against Covenanting militia at Tippermuir and then at Aberdeen in 1644. Then in early 1645 at Inverlochy he routed Campbell forces under the Marquess of Argyll. In brilliant maneuvers Montrose then won the battles of Auldearn and Alford. Before finally winning the crushing victory at Kilsyth against a Covenanting army in August 1645.
Montrose’s Defeat
However in England at the same time Charles I had been defeated at the Battle of Naseby in June 1645. Montrose was then further weakened by the withdrawal of his Highland forces. Particularly the members of the Macdonald Clan. While at the same time he now faced the main Covenanting army. This had withdrawn from England after the Covenanting leadership had received news of Montrose’s previous victories. Montrose had then advanced in to the Scottish borders. Here he was subsequently surprised and defeated at the Battle of Philiphaugh in September 1645.
Montrose’s Escape
From this battle site near the town of Selkirk Montrose was able to evade the Covenanting forces under David Leslie which had defeated him. After fleeing the battle he managed to escape to Norway in 1646. Ending this stage of the wars in Scotland.
Montrose Tries Again
After Charles I’s execution in 1649 Montrose resolved to try once again to overthrow the Covenanting regime in Scotland. So in March 1650 he landed with a small force on the Orkney Islands. Before crossing over to the mainland where unlike in 1644 he was treated with indifference by the population. This resulted in very few highlanders joining him as he moved south. In April 1650 he was surprised and defeated at the Battle of Carbisdale in Ross-shire. Though wounded Montrose managed to escape but was later captured at Ardvreck castle. He was later taken to Edinburgh where he was executed on the 21st May 1650.