Messages were sent off by the besiegers to Edinburgh, and by the besieged to Lochaber, [356] In both places the tidings produced great agitation.

Mackay and Dundee agreed in thinking that the crisis required prompt and strenuous exertion.

On the fate of Blair Castle probably depended the fate of all Athol.

On the fate of Athol might depend the fate of Scotland.

Mackay hastened northward, and ordered his troops to assemble in the low country of Perthshire.