This page is about midieval highland weaponry. The entries with an asterisk (*) are ones that aren't specific to the Scottish Highlands but were still used there in the Middle Ages.
The most famous weapon of the highlands was the claymore, so that's what I'll start with.
The most famous weapon of the highlands was the claymore, so that's what I'll start with.
The Highland Claymore
Claymore Replica
Weight: 4.9 - 6.2 lbs (2.2 - 2.8 kg)
Length: 3' 11" - 4' 7" (120 - 140 cm)
Blade Length: 3' 3" - 3' 9" (100 - 115 cm)
Blade Type: Double-edged
Hilt Type: Two Handed Cruciform (cross shape) with Pommel
The Highland Claymore was a Scottish variant of the two-handed longsword used from the 15th to 17th century and was used in the constant clan warfare and border fights against the British. Its most recognisable features are the hilt's forward-slanted quillons (arms) and quatrefoil terminations*. The word Claymore comes from the Scottish Gaelic claidheamh mòr, meaning "great sword".
*see Weapons Vocabulary at the bottom of the page
Sgian-Dubh
Length: 6"-7" (152-178 mm)
Blade Length: 3"-3.5" (76-89 mm)
Blade Type: Single-edged
Hilt Type: One Handed
The sgian-dubh is a small, single bladed knife that is actually part of the traditional dress of the Highlands (It's on this page because it's also a weapon). Sgian-Dubh means "black (covert) knife", because it is a hidden weapon traditionally worn tucked into the top of the owner's stockings. The tradition of wearing a sgian-dubh comes from the 17th century when it was unsafe to travel unarmed. It was tradition to leave all weapons at the door when visiting someone, but they would keep this knife on them, though moved to a more visible place to show trust. This was not to protect in case the host attacked, but in case the house was attacked. In those days it was never safe enough to go completely unarmed. Thie sgian-dubh is still part of traditional Highland dress today, though they are now almost completely for decoration and tradition.
Flail*
Weight: Varies Greatly
Length: Varies Greatly
The flail was originally an agricultural tool used to beat grains to seperate them from their chaff and shells. It also turned out to be a pretty good weapon. The flail was used as a weapon during several peasant uprisings, where they had nothing to fight with but farm equipment. Eventually, many different military versions of the flail evolved, some of which included metal studs, spikes, multiple heads, metal balls for heads, or any combination of those.
Longbow*
Height: Same as user
Range: 180-249 yards (165-228 meters)
The term "Longbow" was first used around 1500 referring to the English Longbow. The longbow had a long range and a lot of piercing power. Longbows were used to great success in the Hundred Years' War, especially the Battle of Agincourt.
Weapons Vocabulary
Some weapons terms you might want to know:
Hilt
Pommel
Quatrefoil
These decorations are not just found on swords. Quatrefoil designs are found as decoration in many places
Quillons
Notice how on a claymore the quillons are slanted toward the blade, rather than straight outward like on other weapons. On some claymores the quillons are slightly curved instead of tilted.
Blade
Fuller
These are commonly called blood grooves because of the mistaken belief that they are to allow blood to flow more freely from the wound. They are actually to reduce the weight of the blade and improve balance.
