In 2010, Archaeolink celebrated Red Harlaw, a battle fought on July 24 1411.
Donald MacDonald, Lord of the Isles raised an army to gain control of the Earldom of Ross, setting out on the way to ravage Aberdeen. The lowland forces, led by the Earl of Mar, the Sheriff of Angus, and the Provost of Aberdeen Sir Robert Davidson, raised troops to stop him.
Davidson led the tradesmen of the city out to defend it near Inverurie, and was killed in the battle. Trinity Hall, HQ of Aberdeen city trades, hold to this day the flag carried by their men at battle.
This song is an updated version of the original ballad, closer to the truth for a new audience.
HARLAW by Sheena Blackhall, 2010
The great MacDonald o the Isles tae raxx his pouer wis keen
Tae claim the Earldom o Ross an spulzie Aiberdeen
Chorus: Wi a dirumadoo adadumdoo a diddy a dum a day
The great MacDonald's army wizs ower 10,000 men
Wi swords & bows & arras, bringin terror frae their glen
The provost Robert Davidson wi tradesmen frae the toon
Jyned forces wi the Earl o Mar tae turn the robbers roon
The provost marched frae Aiberdeen , aa clad in armour black
As black's his widd's sorra fin his corp wis cairriet back
Wi cavalry & infantry & shelties rinnin free
The bluid ran doon sae thick an faist it reiddent girse an tree
Brave Lesley o Balquyne he fell, wi his sax sons sae leal
An mony a lad wiz beeriet at the kirkyaird o Kinkell
Sir Alexander Irvine tae the battle he has gaen
Wi Hector Roy Maclean he foucht tilll baith o them war slain
On Monday in the mornin, the battle wis begun
Bit lan e'er it was gloamin time, ye'd scarecely ken fa'd won
Sae weakened war the Lowlanders, nae victory did they claim
Bit mornin brocht the cheery news MacDonald had marched hame
600 hunner year ago an mair this dreidfu fech wis focht
At Harlaw Hoose a monument ate merk the day wis vrocht
The tradesmen o fair Aiberdeen, a flag they still display
Their forbears cairret forrit at Harlaw tae heid the fray
Gin onybody speir at ye fit lies aneth the grun
The banes o slaughtered sodjers, that battle had undone