John of Lorn (Lame John), son of Alexander MacDougall (4th Chief), had gathered 'the barons of Argyll' and his men were 'a thousand weill or ma' to Bruce's few, although Bruce had the advantage of horses.

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Fierce fighting ensued, and with Bruce and his men becoming overwhelmed, Bruce ordered a withdrawal, pulling his men - and women - into a group and defending their backs as they fled.

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Three men of Lorn, described as the hardiest in the country, kept to their heels. They waited until he was in a narrow place and attacked, in one story seizing the bridle, or the stirrup, or mounting behind Bruce; in another gaining such a hold on his cloak that he could not break free.