His spirit was given only to warre

[McElmurry]

MacCoinnich, A. (2002) "His spirit was given only to warre": conflict and identity in the Scottish Gàidhealtachd, c. 1580- c. 1630.

In: Murdoch, S. and Mackillop, A. (eds.) Fighting for Identity: Scottish Military Experience, c. 1550-1900. Brill, Boston, pp. 133-162. ISBN 9789004128231

This paper provides a glimpse into issues which motivated clans to fight against each other, and either for or against the central government. I am not qualified to comment on it conclusions but it appears well cited.

http://eprints.gla.ac.uk/6908/1/6908.pdf

[Dale Seago]

Very interesting find -- thanks!

[mookien]

McElmurry: Thanks for the pointer, but the article is a bit too scholarly for me with my relatively limited knowledge of Scots/Gaels history. I'll have to read a 101-level Scottish history, or two, before I understand/appreciate the detail and nuances at this level.