Costumed warriors brought a centuries-old north-east battle back to life at the weekend.
Groups at Archaeolink prehistory park at Oyne re-enacted events surrounding the Battle of Harlaw, which took place just a few miles away in 1411.
Members of Medieval Realm, Northern Alliance and Knights of Monymusk set up camp over the weekend, living as they would have done during the time and recreating scenes from the clash.
They represented Highland clansmen led by Donald, Lord of the Isles, and an army headed by the Earl of Mar that included citizens of Aberdeen who marched out with Provost Sir Robert Davidson to help protect the city.
The battle, which was fought around the slopes of the River Urie, just outside Inverurie, has achieved legendary status and become known as Reed Harla’ – or Red Harlaw – because the stream below ran red with the blood of the 2,000 who died on the field.
Harry Brechin, a founder member of Medieval Realm, said: “We could have come here and done another Bannockburn or Culloden but we feel it’s important that we recreate local history in the area.”
Mr Brechin, of Breda Park, near Alford, whose wife Pauline is also a member of the group, added: “We wanted to raise awareness that next year is the 600th anniversary of the battle itself.”
Source: The Press and Journal
