Historic own goal

In the 16th century the story is told of a confrontation between the Earl of Argyll and Lord Huntly of Gordon. Argyll apparently employed a witch in his household . . . The witch told Argyll that if he fought with Huntly at that time, his harp would sound in Buchan - Gordon territory - and that his pipes would play in Strath bogie.

Argyll took this to mean that he would hold his victory celebrations in the Gordon lands, and launched his attack on Huntly at the battle of Balrinnes. But he had misinterpreted the witch's prophecy. The day was won by the Gordons who, amongst their other prisoners, took captive both Argyll's harper and his piper.

From Crann na dTeud, The Tree of Strings, A history of the harp in Scotland by Alison Kinnaird and Keith Sanger: Kinmore Music, EH 23 4SH, 1992