In late 1308, Robert the Bruce's forces wiped out the MacDougall army at the Battle of the Pass of Brander in Argyll, Scotland. The MacDougalls, supporters of the Comyns and enemies of Bruce, were routed in a narrow pass. This victory extended Bruce's control over the western Highlands and further weakened his Scottish opposition.

The Battle of the Pass of Brander was recounted in Scottish chronicle poetry, notably in John Barbour's 'The Bruce', as an example of Bruce's tactical genius and the loyalty of his forces. The narrow pass and the ambush tactics became a favorite subject for Highland poetry, celebrating the rugged landscape and the martial skills of the Scots. The battle's imagery influenced later Scottish poems about clan warfare and resilience.