What is schiltrons?

The Schiltron formation was a popular tactical formation used by Scottish armies in the Middle Ages. The word Schiltron is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term, “Sgioltradh,” which means “square” or “shield.” The formation consisted of heavily armed soldiers forming a tight circular formation with their spears pointed outwards to create a hedge of sharp points that could repel cavalry attacks and other aggressive troop movements. The defensive formation was commonly used by the Scottish during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th century, as well as during the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The effectiveness of the Schiltron formation lay in its ability to neutralize the attackers’ ability to use their charge effectively, as the hedge-like structure could halt rapid charges, causing them to lose momentum and become vulnerable to counter-attacks.