Some writers have mentioned it as a proof of the extraordinary genius of Montrose and Dundee that those captains, though not themselves of Gaelic race or speech, should have been able to form and direct confederacies of Gaelic tribes.

But in truth it was precisely because Montrose and Dundee were not Highlanders, that they were able to lead armies composed of Highland clans.

Had Montrose been chief of the Camerons, the Macdonalds would never have submitted to his authority.

Had Dundee been chief of Clanronald, he would never have been obeyed by Glengarry.

Haughty and punctilious men, who scarcely acknowledged the king to be their superior, would not have endured the superiority of a neighbour, an equal, a competitor.