Description:

In 1294, the MacDougall Lordship of Lorn faced a challenge from the rising Campbells of Loch Awe, who were moving into MacDougall territory in Nether Lorn. The 4th Chief’s son, Iain Bacach, or “Lame John,” led some of his warriors to a meeting at the Stream of the ConferenceAllt a’ Chomhlachaidh) to settle the borders. South of Loch Scammadale, they were surprised to find Campbell Chief Cailean Mor (“Big Colin”) and his men, who had gone beyond the agreed meeting place onto MacDougall land. A fierce battle broke out, so intense that the river ran red with blood, giving the clash the name The Battle of Red Ford. Cailean Mor led the charge as the outnumbered MacDougalls fell back, but a hidden MacDougall archer shot an arrow from behind a rock, killing Cailean Mor and ending the fight instantly.

There is a cairn called Carn Chailein (Plus code: 8J4X+F7R Taynuilt) that marks the exact spot where Cailan Mor supposedly died. His body was carried to the church of St. Peter the Deacon at Kilchrenan on Loch Awe side and buried there.