The wars fought in Scotland's northern and western highlands between the
ninth and fourteenth centuries were a key stage in the military history
of the region, yet they have rarely been studied in-depth before. Out of
this confused and turbulent period came the more settled and familiar
history of the region. The Highlands and islands were controlled by the
kings of Norway or by Norse or Norse-Celtic warlords, who not only
resisted Scottish royal authority but on occasion seemed likely to
overthrow it.
That is why Chris Peers's ambitious study is of such value for he
provides a coherent and vivid account of the series of campaigns and
battles that shaped Scotland. The narrative is structured around a
number of battles - Skitten Moor, Torfness, Tankerness, Renfrew, Mam
Garvia, Clairdon and Dalrigh - which illustrate phases of the conflict
and reveal the strategies and tactics of the rival chieftains.
Chris Peers explores the international background to many of these
conflicts which had consequences for Scotland's relations with England,
Ireland and continental Europe. At the same time he considers to what
extent the fighting methods of the time survived into the post-medieval
period.
