Letter Summary dated 12th May 1557
Mary de Guise reports that John Og MacLeod of Minginish has murdered a member of the MacLeod family and seized Dunvegan Castle, defying royal authority. She plans a military expedition by land and sea to punish this act and reclaim the castle. She orders Kilravock to be ready to mobilise his men within six hours' notice, with provisions for forty days and to join the campaign.
Historical Context
The Crime: "John Og MacLeod of Minginish" (known historically as Iain Dubh or Black Ian) assassinated his cousin, Donald MacLeod, alongside several other relatives. Following the murders, Ian Dubh successfully stormed and seized Dunvegan Castle, holding it in direct defiance of the Scottish Crown's authority.
Bloody dagger, illustrated by Emilie Schieve.
Ultimately, the Crown did not need to launch the full land-and-sea invasion. Ian Dubh's rule at Dunvegan Castle was short-lived because his own people turned on him. Horrified by his brutality, the clansmen revolted, forcing him to flee the Isle of Skye. He escaped to Ireland, where he was eventually captured and executed for his crimes.
Image of Dunvegan castle by Emilie Schieve.
This post is part of the Kilravock Stories Exhibition, now on display at Nairn Museum until 25th September 2026. Explore the history of Clan Rose, Kilravock Castle, and the rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands.
References
For a full transcription of this letter see page 222 of A genealogical deduction of the family of Rose of Kilravock : Spalding Club (Aberdeen, Scotland) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
https://www.scribd.com/document/225397447/History-Macleod-s
https://www.dunvegancastle.com/