The battle was referenced in the Annals of Ulster and the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba.
The battle was fought between Norse-Gael leader Ragnall ua Ímair and his allies against the forces of Constantín mac Áeda, King of Scotland together with those of Ealdred I of Bamburgh who had previously been driven from his lands by Ragnall.
The Historia de Sancto Cuthberto adds that English fought alongside Norsemen.
The Annals of Ulster informs us that the Norse army divided itself into four columns, in one of which may have been Jarl Ottir Iarla, a long-time ally of Ragnall.
This unit had remained hidden behind a hill and was commanded by Ragnall.