Talk to shed light on key figures in Scottish history

A father and son duo who played key roles in the Scottish Wars of Independence will be the subject of a free lecture in Inverness next month.

Scottish-born Andrew Moray of Petty and his son Andrew Moray of Bothwell were leaders in the 13th and 14th century wars which took place after English forces invaded Scotland. The Scots eventually resisted the English with the country retaining its status as an independent nation so the wars are seen as a pivotal time in Scottish history. The Morays held land in Sutherland and Moray and had a castle at Avoch in the Black Isle.

The public lecture is being hosted by the University of the Highlands and Islands in collaboration with the Andrew de Moray Project. It will be delivered by Dr Iain MacInnes from the university’s’ Centre for History. Dr MacInnes said: “Although he was a co-guardian of Scotland with William Wallace, fighting alongside him in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, Andrew Moray of Petty remains a figure on the periphery of Scottish history.

“As we enter the period of the Second War of Independence, another Andrew Moray appears as a figure fighting for Scotland’s freedom, but is also someone few people know much about.

“This talk will, therefore, consider the place of these two men - father and son - within the history of this period and attempt to examine their importance as leaders of Scottish resistance to English conquest.”

Dr MacInnes’ lecture is being held in advance of the 100th anniversary of the publication of ‘The Scottish War of Independence: A Critical Study’ (1914). The book, written by Inverness historian Evan Macleod Barron, is one of the few which explores how the wars played out in northern Scotland. In doing so, it brought to light the understudied figure of Andrew Moray of Petty.

‘The Two Andrew Morays and the Scottish Wars of Independence (1296-1338)’, takes place from 5:15pm to 7pm on Wednesday 11 December at the University of the Highlands and Islands executive office, Ness Walk, Inverness.

To book a free place or enquire about video-conference facilities in your area, contact the university events team on 01463 279344 or at events@uhi.ac.uk