Alford July 2, 1645

On leaving Auldearn Montrose marched rapidly into Aberdeenshire to overtake a Covenanter army under under General Baillie (Baillie of Letham) and Alexander Lindsay, the Earl of Balcarres. This he did at Alford on the River Don where after the battle some 700 Covenanters lay dead on the field. Montrose suffered losses too, including Lord Gordon of Aboyne, the eldest son of the Marquis of Huntley. General Baillie meanwhile withdrew and made his way to Perth and pursued by Montroses forces.

Kilsyth 15 August 1645

Thinking that Montrose might be making for Edinburgh, General Baillie and Argyll formed another army of some 7000 foot soldiers and 1000 cavalry which was assembled at the village of Kilsyth. Alexander McColl was again an important factor this time by keeping the impetuous Clans in control who were squabbling over precedence in the battle. This concerned 700 Macleans and 500 Clanranald who had not fought at Alford who wanted honours like the Glengarry had gained previously.

On August 15, 1645, yet again Montrose was victorious, this time pursuing the fleeing Covenanters for 14 miles and leaving 3000 dead in his wake. Argyll this time fled to Queensferry where he took a boat to Newcastle. Many of the other Covenanter leaders took refuge in Stirling Castle.