Dunrobin Castle (13)
The history of the 9th Earl of Sutherland was overshadowed by the fact that he inherited his father's mental illness.  His sister, Elizabeth, was probably older than him as at their father's death she had apparently been married for some time, her eldest son being then (1518) of marriageable age.  John Sutherland, 9th Earl of Sutherland was described as &quot;weak of judgement, deprived of natural witt and understanding, being able to governe neither himself nor others; bot his sister Lady Elizabeth Southerland (the wyff of Adam Gordon of Aboyn) was full of spirit and witt.&quot;

Adam Gordon, the son of George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly, seeing Earl John's incapacity, began to prudently try and bring about a settlement of the estate in favour of his wife and himself.  On the 9th earl's death in 1514, his sister Elizabeth's claim to the earldom was opposed by her younger half-brother Alexander Sutherland.  Alexander was encouraged in this by John Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver, chief of the Clan Mackay, whose sister Alexander married.  While Adam Gordon was visiting Aberdeenshire, Alexander Sutherland laid siege to Dunrobin Castle, which he eventually succeeded in taking, but from there, things went downhill for him.  The Gordons soon recovered Dunrobin and pursuing Alexander northwards, defeated and captured him at the Battle of Alltachuilain in 1519.  Alexander's head is said to have been placed on a spear on the top of Dunrobin Castle, although I could see no sign of it with my drone!
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