Battle of Glen Affric

While on their journey to Mackenzie of Seaforth's lands in Kintail, the Rosses who were attended by just a small company of soldiers met three hundred men of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan Macrae in Glen Affric.^[2] Historian Alan Mackenzie says that the Rosses were "ambushed" at near Loch Affric.^[1] The Mackenzies and Macraes were commanded by Colonel Donald Murchison of Auchtyre and Lochalsh who had been sending the rents to Mackenzie of Seaforth in France.^[2][1]

A skirmish took place between the two sides in which the Rosses were outnumbered. William Ross of Easter Fearn was the first to be wounded by shots fired at him from his right.^[1] However, he continued to give orders to his troops to advance and clear the ground of lurking clansmen. They had some success in this respect and were able to proceed to a narrow gorge in Kintail which led into Loch Affric, where they were ambushed by Murchison's men.^[1] William Ross's son Walter Ross and also his nephew William Ross (son of his brother Robert Ross) were also wounded.^[2] Realizing that further resistance was useless William Ross met Colonel Murchison between the lines and discussion took place.^[2] The Rosses agreed to return home, promising never again to officiate as factors and as a token of sincerity handed their commissions to Donald Murchison.^[2]

Walter Ross died of his wounds.^[2] Colonel Murchison insisted on escorting his foes past a thicket where he alleged a "blood thirsty" party from the Clan Cameron lurked.^[1] On reaching Beauly, Walter Ross was buried in Beauly Priory.^[2] A second unsuccessful attempt was made by Government troops to seize Mackenzie of Seaforth's lands by force, in which the Battle of Coille Bhan was indecisive.^[1]