Siege of Inverness (1689)

The Siege of Inverness, also known as the Siege of Inverness Castle, occurred in May 1689, shortly after the Jacobite rising in Scotland began following the deposition of James VII. The siege saw Jacobite forces, loyal to the deposed James, attempting to wrest control of Inverness Castle from the government forces loyal to William of Orange and Mary II.

The castle was held by a small garrison of around 80 men under the command of the Earl of Seaforth's brother. The Jacobite forces, largely made up of local Highlanders and led by figures such as Sir John Maclean, blockaded the castle, cutting off supplies and attempting to pressure the defenders into surrender.

After a short siege lasting only a few days, the government forces, facing dwindling provisions and the threat of a more prolonged engagement, surrendered the castle to the Jacobite forces. The Jacobites held Inverness Castle for a brief period, using it as a strategic base in the early stages of the rebellion. However, their control was short-lived, as government forces soon regained control of the area.

The Siege of Inverness (1689) was a minor but symbolic victory for the Jacobites, highlighting the early instability and challenges faced by the new Williamite regime in Scotland. It marked one of the first military actions of the Jacobite rising in the country.