Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald
Encyclopedia
Clan Macdonald of Clanranald is a Scottish clan
and a branch of Clan Donald
one of the largest Scottish clans. The founder of the Macdonalds of Clanranald is Reginald, 4th great-grandson of Somerled
. The Macdonalds of Clanranald descend from Reginald's elder son Allan and the MacDonells of Glengarry descend from his younger son Donald. The clan chief
of the Macdonalds of Clanranald is traditionally designated as The Captain of Clanranald and today both the chief and clan are recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms
, the heraldic judge in Scotland
.
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—one of the largest Scottish clans. The eponymous ancestor of Clan Donald is Donald
, son of Reginald
, son of Somerled
. Somerled, son of Gillebride was 12th century leader, styled as "king of the isles" and "king of Argyll", though his origins and ancestry are obscure. The Macdonalds of Clanranald descend from Donald's son, Angus Mor
and then from his son, Angus Og. Angus Og's son John
was the first Lord of the Isles
. John's first marriage was to Amie mac Ruari, heiress of Clan Ruaidhri
(which was founded by Ruaidhri
, elder brother to Donald, founder of Clan Donald). John later divorced Amie and married Margaret, daughter of Robert II
. The children from John's first marriage were passed over in the main succession and the chiefship of Clan Donald and the later Macdonald Lords of the Isles would go on to descend from John's second marriage. The Macdonalds of Clanranald and MacDonells of Glengarry both descend from John and Amie's eldest son, Reginald.
, Rum
, Uist
, Harris, the three pennylands of Sunart
and Letterlochette, the two pennylands of Ardgour
, the pennylands of Hawlaste and sixty merklands in Lochaber
. On John's death, Reginald's younger half-brother, Donald
, succeeded to the lordship of the isles and chiefship of Clan Donald. Reginald died in 1386 at Castle Tioram
and was buried at Relig Odhráin on Iona
. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Allan. According to the family seanachie
MacVuirich, Reginald's brother Godfrey took possession of the former Clan Ruaidhri lands of Uist and those on the mainland, leaving Reginald's sons the lands in Lochaber.
The era from Reginald down to his great-grandson Allan, son of Roderick, is by far the most obscure in the history of the clan. From the years 1372–1495, no charters of the family exist and it is impossible to know for certain exactly what territories it possessed. The earliest document to shed some light on this era is a charter granted by James V
to John Moidartach in 1531. It states that the lands granted had been held by his grandfather, Allan, son of Roderick, and his predecessors. The lands mentioned were the 27 merklands of Moidart, the 30 merklands of Arisaig, 21 merklands in Eigg, and the 30 merklands of Skirhough, in South Uist. According to Angus and Archibald Macdonald, it seems likely that this mere fragment of Ranald's original lands was all that the senior branch of Reginald's descendants had left by the time of Allan, 2nd of Clanranald.
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In 1427, James summoned parliament at Inverness
and summoned the area chiefs. Of those, Alexander, son of Godfrey (see above) and John MacArthur (of Clan Arthur) were immediately seized and executed. Allan seems to survived the purge of chiefs because his name is recorded in the Exchequer Rolls for the year 1428. This is the only contemporary record of Allan to exist, though his name appears in the genealogies and manuscript histories of the clan, nothing else is recorded of him. In consequence there is nothing to show whether he succeeded to his father's lands after the execution of Alexander, son of Godfrey. It is however likely that since he held a crown charter for the lands, then the king would have preferred him to other claimants. The descendants of Godfrey gradually decayed in power after the death of Alexander, yet still held the lands of North Uist. Allan is said to have fought at the Battle of Harlaw
in 1411, as did his brothers Donald and Dugald (who was slain). According to Macdonald and Macdonald, Allan likely died sometime between 1428–1430 at Castle Tioram and was buried at Relig Odhráin. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Roderick.
Roderick, 3rd of Clanranald, supported the Earl of Ross
against the Scottish crown
, joining him in the earl's 1492 expedition against Inverness. The MS History of the Mackintoshes states that Roderick collected a band of men "accustomed to live by rapine, fell upon Inverness, pillages and burnt the houses". In 1431, Roderick fought under Donald Balloch against the king's troops at Lochaber. In 1455, he was part of a Macdonald failed raid on Sutherland, in which the History of Clanranald states that while the Macdonalds were ultimately defeated in the engagement, Roderick succeeded in saving most of his men and returned to Castle Tioram. In 1469, the John II, Lord of the Isles
granted to his brother Hugh of Sleat
, much of the lands that were originally held by Ranald. These included the 30 merklands of Skirbough in South Uist, the 12 merklands of Benbecula, and the 60 merklands of North Uist. It also appears the Hugh of Sleat additionally held 24 merklands in Arisaig and 21 merklands in Eigg. In consequence on Roderick's death, his descendants were left with a heritage of disputed territories. Roderick died in 1481, was buried at Relig Odhráin, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Allan.
Allan, 4th of Clanranald, is regarded as one of the greater chiefs of the clan. He was one of the main supporters of Angus
, bastard son of John II, Lord of the Isles, during the Battle of Bloody Bay
. During the battle, which was located between Ardnamurchan
and Tobermory, Angus defeated his father. Following Angus' death, Allan supported Alexander of Lochaslsh, who would have likely been thought of as the presumptive heir of the lordship of the isles. Allan also supported Alexander of Lochalsh at the Battle of Blar Na Pairce in about 1488, against the Mackenzies
. In 1491 Alexander raised his standard and was joined by his kinsmen the MacDonalds of Keppoch, the Camerons and the Macdonalds of Clanranald. From Lochaber they marched through Badenoch, joined by members of Clan Chattan and Rose of Kilravock, with the intent of harrying the lands of the Earl of Huntly. From Badenoch the rebels then marched towards Inverness, taking possession and garrisoning it. The lands of Alexander Urquhart of Cromarty, who had opposed the Earl of Ross, were ravished and most of the booty carried off fell into the hands of the Macdonalds of Clanranald. The spoil gained by the clan was reckoned to have been 600 cows and oxen, 80 horses, 1000 sheep, 200 swine, and 500 bolls victual. The following year the clan was ordered by the Government to indemnify Urquhart and his tenants for the loss they sustained in the rebellion, however it is not known if any restitution was ever made by the rebels. When James IV
first visited the Highlands after fall of the lordship of the isles, Allan was one of the few chiefs to render his homage
. During the reign of Allan's chiefship, a dispute arose between himself, John Cathanach, and MacIan of Ardnamurchan, concerning the lands of Sunart. The Government ordered that the lands were to be maintained by the current tenants until the dispute was settled between the chiefs and the king's advisors. Very soon after this, Alexander of Lochalsh again raised a revolt. However, this time Allan refused to join, though it is likely he harassed Lochalsh's enemy—Mackenzie of Kintail. Nothing else is known of Allan's chiefship. Macdonald and Macdonald state that Allan died in 1505 at Blair Atholl
. He was succeeded by his son, Ranald Bane.
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John Moidartach, 8th of Clanranald, on the death of his father, possessed Moidart, Arasaig and Castle Tioram. In 1540 he was apprehended by James V
and placed in prison. Lord Lovat
and the Frasers
supported Ranald Gallda and the charters which had previously been held by John were revoked and granted to Ranald Gallda as heir of his father Allan. When John Moidartach was finally released from prison Ranald Gallda was forced to flee from Clanranald lands and took refuge with Lord Lovat. The Macdonalds of Clanranald then took the offensive and supported by the MacDonalds of Keppoch and Camerons raided into Fraser lands. They over-ran Lovat's lands of Stratherrick
and Abertarf and the Grant
's lands of Urquhart
and Glenmoriston
, taking Castle Urquhart. The whole district was plundered and the invaders planned to permanently occupy the newly won territories before they were forced to retreat with the arrival of the Earl of Huntly, Lovat, Grant and Ranald Gallda. As the Clanranald supporters of John Moidartach had fled from the scene, Ranald Gallda again occupied Moidart. John Moidartach's Clanranald supporters overtook Huntly and his followers near Kinlochlochy where the Battle of the Shirts
was fought on 15 July 1544. Lovat, the Master of Lovat and Ranald Gallda were slain and almost all of their followers as well. As as result of the victory, John Moidartach's hold of the Clanranald chiefship was maintained. John Moidartach died in 1584 and was buried at Howmore
, South Uist. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Allan.
In 1588, Allan, 9th of Clanranald quarrelled with Alexander Macdonald of Keppoch and killed his Keppoch's brother. Allan was never pardoned for the murder and never received any charters from the crown for his lands, yet he possessed them undisturbed for the duration of his life. Allan married a daughter of Alasdair Crotach
and his ill treatment of her was the cause of violent feuds between the Macdonalds of Clanranald and the Macleods. Allan's eldest son died before him. Allan died in 1593 and was buried at Islandfinnan. On his death he was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Angus. Angus, 10th of Clanranald was killed shortly after his succession to the chiefship, and was succeeded by his brother, Donald.
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Donald, 11th of Clanranald married the daughter of Angus Macdonald of Dunnyveg and the Glens. His father-in-law's clan was then actively warring with the Macleans of Duart
and their chief Lachlan Mor Maclean of Duart
. The Macdonalds of Clanranald would have welcomed such an alliance as some years before, Lachlan Mor at the head of his clan and 100 mercenaries hired from the Spanish Armada
had ravaged the islands of Rum and Eigg. Working in co-operation with each other, the two Macdonald chiefs invaded Coll, Mull and Tiree, laying waste to the islands, and Donald returned to Castle Tioram with his galleys full of spoil. Lachlan Mor was at first unable to retaliate, but his time soon came. In the summer of 1594, Donald Gorm Mor Macdonald of Sleat and Ruariri Mor Macleod of Harris and Dunvegan each sailed for Ulster at the head of 500 men each. They force was intended to support Hugh O'Donnell who was besieging
Enniskillen Castle
. Later in 1595 another expedition of Hebredians was made to support the Irish rebels against the forces of Elizabeth I
. Donald Gorm Mor of Sleat raised a fighting force of 4,000 men and sailed to Ulster in a fleet of 50 galleys and 70 supply ships. The fleet was however blown off cource and was attacked off Rathlin Island
by 3 English frigate
s. 13 Macdonald galleys were sunk and another 12 or 13 were destroyed or captured off Copeland Island, at the entrance to Belfast Lough
. The same year, and likely as part of this operation, Donald and John Og MacIain of Ardnamurchan sailed for Ulster at the head of 2,000 men. The fleet of galleys sheltered for the night off the Sound of Mull
, possibly at Calve Island
near Tobermory. That night the Lachlan Mor, at the head of 1,200 men surprised the Macdonalds and killed 350 of them in the ensuring battle. Donald, and several other Macdonald chieftains were captured by the Macleans.
In 1601, the Macdonalds of Clanranald joined the MacDonnels of Glengarry in their constant warring with the Mackenzies of Kintail, ravaging and laying waste to the Kintail area. While the Macdonald fighting force was in the Kintail area, trouble was brewing in South Uist as Murdoch MacNeil of Barra
had taken possession of the lands of Boisdale under the pretext that they belonged to the MacNeils of Barra
. Donald led his fighting force down South Uist and fought the MacNeils at North Boisdale, killing most of them. The surviving MacNeils fled to the remoter islands of the Barra Isles
, where Murdoch was finally slain by the Macdonalds of Clanranald. Donald, like other Highland chiefs was in debt to the Scottish crown and other chiefs, and he was one of the chiefs who met with the kings' commishioners on Mull agreeing to give security for the king's rents; submit themselves to the laws of the realm. Donald was knight
ed at Holyrood
by James VI, in 1617. He died at Castle Tioram in 1618 and was succeeded by his son, John.
, joining Montrose and Alasdair MacColla
, son of Colla Ciotach, at the Battle of Inverlochy
in 1645. Soon after he returned to his lands to raise more of his clan to find the garrison of Mingarry had been attacked by the Earl of Argyll. He then defeated Argyll and reinforced the garrison. The Macdonalds of Clanranald then laid waste to the whole of Sunart and Ardnamurchan. John died in 1670 on Eriska, South Uist and was buried at Howmore on the same island. He was succeed by his only son, Donald.
Donald, 13th of Clanranald lived for the most part at Castle Tioram, on which he made extensive repairs. He died in 1686 at Canna, and was buried at Howmore. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Allan. Allan, 14th of Clanranald was educated at Inverness and also by university tutors at home. His principal residence, Castle Tioram, was garrisoned by William of Orange
after the Battle of Killiecrankie
in 1689 and was removed in 1698.
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Allan was mortally wounded at the Battle of Sheriffmuir
in 1715 and died at Drummond Castle
the next day. He was buried at Innerpeffray, which was the burial place of the Perth family. He was succeeded by his brother, Ranald. Ranald, 15th of Clanranald never married and died at Fauborg St Germains, in 1725 and was buried in Paris. He was succeeded by Donald Macdonald of Benbecula, to whom the forfeited Clanranald estates were later restored. Donald, 16th of Clanranald died in 1730 and was buried at Cladh Mhuire, Nunton. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Ranald. Ranald, 17th of Clanranald was born in 1692. He refused to aid Charles Edward Stuart
and the Jacobites during the 1745 Rebellion
. The chief however did not stop his eldest son and heir, Ranald, from doing so. He died at Nunton in 1766, where he was buried. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Ranald. Ranald, 18th of Clanranald was educated in France where he became acquainted with Charles Edward Stuart. While his father was still chief of the clan, Ranald was, along with Macdonald of Kinlochmoidart and his brother Macdonald of Glenaladale, the first to join Charles Edward Stuart in 1745. After deciding to join, Ranald raised 250 clansmen and after the raising of the standard at Glenfinnan
, Ranald lead 500 men to Dundee arriving there on 8 September and proclaimed James Francis Edward Stuart
as king. The Macdonalds of Clanranald were present at the Battle of Prestonpans
and the Battle of Falkirk
. The Clanranald regiment, led by Alasdair MacMhaighstir Alasdair
, which fought at the Battle of Culloden
in April 1746, consisted of 200 men. During the battle the Macdonald regiments were located on the Jacobite extreme left wing instead of their preferred place on the right wing. Popular legend has it that these regiments refused to charge when ordered to do so, due to the perceived insult of being placed on the left wing. The Clanranald regiment was disbanded at Fort Augustus
, two days after their defeat at Culloden. Following the defeat of the Jacobite rebellion, Ranald spent some time in France, before finally returning to Scotland. He died at Nunton in 1776, where he was buried. He was succeeded by his eldest son, John Moidartach. John Moidartach, 19th of Clanranald died in Edinburgh in 1794 and was buried at Holyrood. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Ranald George.
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Ranald George
, 20th of Clanranald was born in 1788. From 1813–1838, he sold almost all the traditional Clanranald lands for a total sum of over £213,211 and at the end only held onto the ruinous Castle Tioram. He died in London in 1874 and was buried at Brompton Cemetery
. He was succeeded by his son, Reginald John James George. Reginald John James George, 21st of Clanranald
was an admiral
in the Royal Navy
. He died in London, in 1899, and was succeeded by his son Allan Douglas. Allan Douglas, 22nd of Clanranald, was born in 1856 and was a captain in the Royal Artillery
. He was succeeded by his brother, Angus Roderick. The direct line of Clanranald chiefs became extinct in 1944, following the death of Angus Roderick, 23rd of Clanranald. The chiefship then passed into the line of the Macdonalds of Boisdale who are a branch of the clan. The current chief is Ranald Alexander Macdonald of Clanranald, 24th Chief and Captain of Clanranald, who was recognised as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms
in 1956, The current chief is a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
, and also the High Council of Clan Donald.
and also religious persecution at the hands of the Clanranald chief.
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Clan members and others living on the Clanranald estates also suffered from religious persecution at the hands of their own chief. In 1769, the chief of the Macdonalds of Clanranald attempted to forcibly convert
his tenants on South Uist to Presbyterianism
, threatening to remove them of his lands. In 1772, over 200 Roman Catholics mainly from the Clanranald estates of South Uist, Barra, Eigg and mainland western Inverness-shire emigrated to Prince Edward Island. The immigrants first settled at Scotchfort on the northeast side of the island, which had been established by a prominent tacksman
, John MacDonald of Glenaladale with the assistance of the Scottish Catholic Church
. The newly arrived immigrants however did not immediately escape religious persecution as Catholics were barred from holding land until 1780. The first winter hit the settlement hard and a year later a local minister wrote that they were in "great misery". In 1790–1791, a second wave of about 900 fresh emigrants from South Uist, Barra, Moidart, and Morar, settled in the area. Because of their late arrival, these new settlers also suffered from the first winter. At around the same time in 1791, another 650 emigrants from the Clanranald estates established themselves in Antigonish County
, Nova Scotia. Thses were soon joined by hundreds more Roman Catholics from the Western Isles in 1801 and 1802. On Prince Edward Island, MacDonald of Glenaladale attempted enforce what he thought were his feudal rights and newly arrived settlers were encouraged only to be tenants on his lands. However, once the more adventurous settlers got their bearings, many moved out of Scotchfort into better areas of the island, squatting upon those lands. In time Scotchport became not a place for permanent settlement, but a place for newly arrived to get their bearings and move out and acquire lands of their own.
Macdonald and Macdonald state that the Macdonalds of Knoydart were considered to descend from Allan, 2nd of Clanranald. Allan gave his son, Allan who was the first of the family, the 60 pennylands of Knoydart. Ranald, 7th of Knoydart was the last of the family to hold the lands of Knoydart. In about 1610, the men of Knoydart raided the lands of Laggan Auchindoun in Glengarry and in consequence of the reprecutions that followed the family eventually lost possession of their lands. Ranald is said to have been murdered by the men of Glengarry at a point which is called Rudha Raonuill.
The 'Maceachen' family of Macdonalds descends from Hector, second son of Roderick, 3rd of Clanranald (see 'MacEachan' sept listed below). Hector was granted by the lord of the isles, the lands of Kilmalew and others in the lordship of Morven. The Maceachens of Howbeg and Glenuig descend from Ranald, son of Hector 5th of Kilmalew. Ranald was the first of this family to occupy lands in Uist. A tack was given to the family by Clanranald in 17th century. In 1900, Angus and Archibald Macdonald state that there were still members of the family using the patronymic in Arisaig and Uist, though the gentlemen of the family assumed the surname Macdonald by the 18th century. The Macdonalds of Morar descend from Allan, eldest son of Dougall, 6th of Clanranald. In 1538, Allan and his brother Lachlan were granted the 14 merklands of Morar.
Scottish clan
Scottish clans , give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs recognised by the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which acts as an authority concerning matters of heraldry and Coat of Arms...
and a branch of Clan Donald
Clan Donald
Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. There are numerous branches to the clan. Several of these have chiefs recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; these are: Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan...
one of the largest Scottish clans. The founder of the Macdonalds of Clanranald is Reginald, 4th great-grandson of Somerled
Somerled
Somerled was a military and political leader of the Scottish Isles in the 12th century who was known in Gaelic as rí Innse Gall . His father was Gillebride...
. The Macdonalds of Clanranald descend from Reginald's elder son Allan and the MacDonells of Glengarry descend from his younger son Donald. The clan chief
Scottish clan chief
The Scottish Gaelic word clann means children. In early times, and possibly even today, clan members believed themselves to descend from a common ancestor, the founder of the Scottish clan. From its perceived founder a clan takes its name. The clan chief is the representative of this founder, and...
of the Macdonalds of Clanranald is traditionally designated as The Captain of Clanranald and today both the chief and clan are recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms
Lord Lyon King of Arms
The Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court, is the most junior of the Great Officers of State in Scotland and is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that country, issuing new grants of arms, and serving as the judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon, the oldest...
, the heraldic judge in Scotland
Scottish heraldry
Heraldry in Scotland, while broadly similar to that practised in England and elsewhere in western Europe, has its own distinctive features. Its heraldic executive is separate from that of the rest of the United Kingdom.-Executive:...
.
History of the Macdonalds of Clanranald
Origins
The Macdonalds of Clanranald are one of the branch clans of Clan DonaldClan Donald
Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. There are numerous branches to the clan. Several of these have chiefs recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; these are: Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan...
—one of the largest Scottish clans. The eponymous ancestor of Clan Donald is Donald
Domhnall mac Raghnaill
Domhnall mac Raghnaill was a Hebridean noble in the late 12th- and early 13th-century. He is the eponymous progenitor of Clan Donald . For this reason some traditions accumulated around him in the Later Middle Ages and Early Modern period...
, son of Reginald
Raghnall mac Somhairle
Ragnall mac Somairle, or Ragnall son of Somairle, was a late 12th century and possibly early 13th century magnate, seated on the western seaboard of Scotland. He was likely a younger son of Somairle mac Gilla Brigte, Lord of Argyll and his wife, Ragnhildr, daughter of Óláfr Guðrøðarson, King of...
, son of Somerled
Somerled
Somerled was a military and political leader of the Scottish Isles in the 12th century who was known in Gaelic as rí Innse Gall . His father was Gillebride...
. Somerled, son of Gillebride was 12th century leader, styled as "king of the isles" and "king of Argyll", though his origins and ancestry are obscure. The Macdonalds of Clanranald descend from Donald's son, Angus Mor
Aonghas Mór
Aonghas Mór , also known as Aonghas a Íle and Aonghas mac Domhnaill , was the son of Domhnall mac Raghnaill, eponymous progenitor of Clan Donald.Aonghas Mór has been called "the first MacDonald" by one historian, namely...
and then from his son, Angus Og. Angus Og's son John
John of Islay, Lord of the Isles
John of Islay was the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald. In 1336, he styled himself Dominus Insularum, "Lord of the Isles"; because this is the first ever recorded instance of the title in use, modern historians count John as the first of the later medieval Lords of the Isles, although...
was the first Lord of the Isles
Lord of the Isles
The designation Lord of the Isles is today a title of Scottish nobility with historical roots that go back beyond the Kingdom of Scotland. It emerged from a series of hybrid Viking/Gaelic rulers of the west coast and islands of Scotland in the Middle Ages, who wielded sea-power with fleets of...
. John's first marriage was to Amie mac Ruari, heiress of Clan Ruaidhri
Clan Macruari
Clan Macruari was a Scottish clan. The founder of Clan Macruari is Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill, a son of Raghnall mac Somhairle who was a son of Somhairle mac Gillebride. The lands of Clan Macruari were in Bute, Uist, Barra, Eigg, Rùm, and Garmoran....
(which was founded by Ruaidhri
Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill
Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill was a 13th-century Scottish magnate. The son of Raghnall, son of Somerled, he appears to have spent his career fighting, in both Ireland and in Scotland...
, elder brother to Donald, founder of Clan Donald). John later divorced Amie and married Margaret, daughter of Robert II
Robert II of Scotland
Robert II became King of Scots in 1371 as the first monarch of the House of Stewart. He was the son of Walter Stewart, hereditary High Steward of Scotland and of Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert I and of his first wife Isabella of Mar...
. The children from John's first marriage were passed over in the main succession and the chiefship of Clan Donald and the later Macdonald Lords of the Isles would go on to descend from John's second marriage. The Macdonalds of Clanranald and MacDonells of Glengarry both descend from John and Amie's eldest son, Reginald.
14th century
Reginald, 1st of Clanranald, succeeded through his mother, the majority of the old lands of Clan Ruaidhri. In 1371, his father John granted him the same lands and others on the mainland. The charter was confirmed the following year by Robert II and included the lands of EiggEigg
Eigg is one of the Small Isles, in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. It lies to the south of the Skye and to the north of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Eigg is long from north to south, and east to west. With an area of , it is the second largest of the Small Isles after Rùm.-Geography:The main...
, Rum
Rùm
Rùm , a Scottish Gaelic name often anglicised to Rum) is one of the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, in the district of Lochaber, Scotland...
, Uist
Uist
Uist or The Uists are the central group of islands in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.North Uist and South Uist are linked by causeways running via Benbecula and Grimsay, and the entire group is sometimes known as the Uists....
, Harris, the three pennylands of Sunart
Sunart
Sunart is a rural district and community in the south west of Lochaber in Highland, Scotland, on the shores of Loch Sunart, and part of the civil parish of Ardnamurchan...
and Letterlochette, the two pennylands of Ardgour
Ardgour
Ardgour is a district of Lochaber on Ardnamurchan peninisula on the western shore of Loch Linnhe, in Highland Scotland.The term Ardgour, together with Kingairloch, is applied to a large area of countryside around the village, from the Glensanda Superquarry, Kingairloch and Kilmalieu in the south...
, the pennylands of Hawlaste and sixty merklands in Lochaber
Lochaber
District of Lochaber 1975 to 1996Highland council area shown as one of the council areas of ScotlandLochaber is one of the 16 ward management areas of the Highland Council of Scotland and one of eight former local government districts of the two-tier Highland region...
. On John's death, Reginald's younger half-brother, Donald
Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles
Donald, or properly, Dómhnall Íle , was the son and successor of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald. The Lordship of the Isles was based in and around the Scottish west-coast island of Islay, but under Domhnall's father had come to include many of the other islands off the...
, succeeded to the lordship of the isles and chiefship of Clan Donald. Reginald died in 1386 at Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram is a ruined castle that sits on the tidal island Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart, Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. It is located west of Acharacle, approximately 80 kilometres from Fort William...
and was buried at Relig Odhráin on Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Allan. According to the family seanachie
Seanachie
A seanchaí is a traditional Irish storyteller/historian. A commonly encountered English spelling of the Irish word is shanachie.The word seanchaí, which was spelled seanchaidhe before the Irish-language spelling reform of 1948, means a bearer of "old lore"...
MacVuirich, Reginald's brother Godfrey took possession of the former Clan Ruaidhri lands of Uist and those on the mainland, leaving Reginald's sons the lands in Lochaber.
James V of Scotland
James V was King of Scots from 9 September 1513 until his death, which followed the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss...
to John Moidartach in 1531. It states that the lands granted had been held by his grandfather, Allan, son of Roderick, and his predecessors. The lands mentioned were the 27 merklands of Moidart, the 30 merklands of Arisaig, 21 merklands in Eigg, and the 30 merklands of Skirhough, in South Uist. According to Angus and Archibald Macdonald, it seems likely that this mere fragment of Ranald's original lands was all that the senior branch of Reginald's descendants had left by the time of Allan, 2nd of Clanranald.
15th century
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
and summoned the area chiefs. Of those, Alexander, son of Godfrey (see above) and John MacArthur (of Clan Arthur) were immediately seized and executed. Allan seems to survived the purge of chiefs because his name is recorded in the Exchequer Rolls for the year 1428. This is the only contemporary record of Allan to exist, though his name appears in the genealogies and manuscript histories of the clan, nothing else is recorded of him. In consequence there is nothing to show whether he succeeded to his father's lands after the execution of Alexander, son of Godfrey. It is however likely that since he held a crown charter for the lands, then the king would have preferred him to other claimants. The descendants of Godfrey gradually decayed in power after the death of Alexander, yet still held the lands of North Uist. Allan is said to have fought at the Battle of Harlaw
Battle of Harlaw
The Battle of Harlaw was a Scottish clan battle fought on 24 July 1411 just north of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. It was one of a series of battles fought during the Middle Ages between the barons of northeast Scotland against those from the west coast....
in 1411, as did his brothers Donald and Dugald (who was slain). According to Macdonald and Macdonald, Allan likely died sometime between 1428–1430 at Castle Tioram and was buried at Relig Odhráin. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Roderick.
Roderick, 3rd of Clanranald, supported the Earl of Ross
Earl of Ross
The Mormaer or Earl of Ross was the leader of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly.-Origins and transfers:...
against the Scottish crown
Scottish Crown
Scottish Crown can refer to:* Crown , see Scottish coinage* Crown of Scotland, part of the Honours of Scotland, kept at Edinburgh Castle* Scottish monarchy, see List of Scottish monarchs* The Crown...
, joining him in the earl's 1492 expedition against Inverness. The MS History of the Mackintoshes states that Roderick collected a band of men "accustomed to live by rapine, fell upon Inverness, pillages and burnt the houses". In 1431, Roderick fought under Donald Balloch against the king's troops at Lochaber. In 1455, he was part of a Macdonald failed raid on Sutherland, in which the History of Clanranald states that while the Macdonalds were ultimately defeated in the engagement, Roderick succeeded in saving most of his men and returned to Castle Tioram. In 1469, the John II, Lord of the Isles
John of Islay, Earl of Ross
John of Islay was a late medieval Scottish magnate. He was Earl of Ross and last Lord of the Isles as well as being Mac Domhnaill, chief of Clan Donald....
granted to his brother Hugh of Sleat
Hugh of Sleat
Hugh of Sleat was an illegitimate son of Alexander MacDonald, 10th Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles. Hugh was known as Ùisdean in Gaelic. Hugh was a member of the Highland and Island Clan Donald...
, much of the lands that were originally held by Ranald. These included the 30 merklands of Skirbough in South Uist, the 12 merklands of Benbecula, and the 60 merklands of North Uist. It also appears the Hugh of Sleat additionally held 24 merklands in Arisaig and 21 merklands in Eigg. In consequence on Roderick's death, his descendants were left with a heritage of disputed territories. Roderick died in 1481, was buried at Relig Odhráin, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Allan.
Allan, 4th of Clanranald, is regarded as one of the greater chiefs of the clan. He was one of the main supporters of Angus
Aonghas Óg
Aonghas Óg was a Scottish nobleman who was the last independent Lord of the Isles.-Biography:He was the bastard son of John of Islay, Earl of Ross . Aonghas became a rebel against both his father and against the Scottish crown...
, bastard son of John II, Lord of the Isles, during the Battle of Bloody Bay
Battle of Bloody Bay
The Battle of Bloody Bay, or Blàr Bàgh na Fala in Scottish Gaelic, was a naval battle fought near Tobermory, Scotland. It was fought on the coast of Mull two miles north of Tobermory, between John of Islay, Earl of Ross, the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald; and his son, Angus Og Macdonald...
. During the battle, which was located between Ardnamurchan
Ardnamurchan
Ardnamurchan is a peninsula in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, noted for being very unspoilt and undisturbed. Its remoteness is accentuated by the main access route being a single track road for much of its length.-Geography:...
and Tobermory, Angus defeated his father. Following Angus' death, Allan supported Alexander of Lochaslsh, who would have likely been thought of as the presumptive heir of the lordship of the isles. Allan also supported Alexander of Lochalsh at the Battle of Blar Na Pairce in about 1488, against the Mackenzies
Clan MacKenzie
Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire.-Origins:The Mackenzies, a powerful clan of Celtic stock, were not among the clans that originated from Norman ancestry. Descendants of the long defunct royal Cenél Loairn of Dál Riata, they...
. In 1491 Alexander raised his standard and was joined by his kinsmen the MacDonalds of Keppoch, the Camerons and the Macdonalds of Clanranald. From Lochaber they marched through Badenoch, joined by members of Clan Chattan and Rose of Kilravock, with the intent of harrying the lands of the Earl of Huntly. From Badenoch the rebels then marched towards Inverness, taking possession and garrisoning it. The lands of Alexander Urquhart of Cromarty, who had opposed the Earl of Ross, were ravished and most of the booty carried off fell into the hands of the Macdonalds of Clanranald. The spoil gained by the clan was reckoned to have been 600 cows and oxen, 80 horses, 1000 sheep, 200 swine, and 500 bolls victual. The following year the clan was ordered by the Government to indemnify Urquhart and his tenants for the loss they sustained in the rebellion, however it is not known if any restitution was ever made by the rebels. When James IV
James IV of Scotland
James IV was King of Scots from 11 June 1488 to his death. He is generally regarded as the most successful of the Stewart monarchs of Scotland, but his reign ended with the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Flodden Field, where he became the last monarch from not only Scotland, but also from all...
first visited the Highlands after fall of the lordship of the isles, Allan was one of the few chiefs to render his homage
Homage
Homage is a show or demonstration of respect or dedication to someone or something, sometimes by simple declaration but often by some more oblique reference, artistic or poetic....
. During the reign of Allan's chiefship, a dispute arose between himself, John Cathanach, and MacIan of Ardnamurchan, concerning the lands of Sunart. The Government ordered that the lands were to be maintained by the current tenants until the dispute was settled between the chiefs and the king's advisors. Very soon after this, Alexander of Lochalsh again raised a revolt. However, this time Allan refused to join, though it is likely he harassed Lochalsh's enemy—Mackenzie of Kintail. Nothing else is known of Allan's chiefship. Macdonald and Macdonald state that Allan died in 1505 at Blair Atholl
Blair Atholl
Blair Atholl is a small town in Perthshire, Scotland, built about the confluence of the Rivers Tilt and Garry in one of the few areas of flat land in the midst of the Grampian Mountains. The Gaelic place-name Blair, from blàr, 'field, plain', refers to this location...
. He was succeeded by his son, Ranald Bane.
16th century
Ranald Bane, like his father, was tried in the presence of the king and executed for an unrecorded crime. He died in 1509 at Perth and was succeeded by his eldest son, Dougall. Due to his cruelty towards his own clansfolk, Dougall was assassinated in 1520 by members of his clan and his sons were excluded from the succession of the chiefship. On his death the leadership of the clan transferred to his uncle, Alexander, son of Allan, 4th of Clanranald. Alexander, 7th of Clanranald lead the clan until his death, sometime before 1530. With the exclusion of Dougalls heirs, Ranald Gallda, son of Allan, 4th of Clanranald, became the nearest male heir to the chiefship.James V of Scotland
James V was King of Scots from 9 September 1513 until his death, which followed the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss...
and placed in prison. Lord Lovat
Lord Lovat
Lord Lovat is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created in 1458 for Hugh Fraser. The title descended in a direct line for nine sequential generations until the death of the ninth Lord in 1696. He was succeeded by his great-uncle, the tenth Lord...
and the Frasers
Clan Fraser
Clan Fraser is a Scottish clan of French origin. The Clan has been strongly associated with Inverness and the surrounding area since the Clan's founder gained lands there in the 13th century. Since its founding, the Clan has dominated local politics and been active in every major military conflict...
supported Ranald Gallda and the charters which had previously been held by John were revoked and granted to Ranald Gallda as heir of his father Allan. When John Moidartach was finally released from prison Ranald Gallda was forced to flee from Clanranald lands and took refuge with Lord Lovat. The Macdonalds of Clanranald then took the offensive and supported by the MacDonalds of Keppoch and Camerons raided into Fraser lands. They over-ran Lovat's lands of Stratherrick
Stratherrick
Stratherrick is a strath, a wide and shallow valley, situated above the south-eastern shore of Loch Ness, in the Scottish Highlands, Scotland. Much of the strath is covered by Loch Mhòr...
and Abertarf and the Grant
Clan Grant
-Origins:The Grants are one of the clans of Siol Alpin, and descend from the 9th century Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Scots; and also of Norse origin, from settlers who are the descents of Haakon inn Riki Sigurdarsson , Jarl of Hladr, Protector of Norway ,-Origins:The Grants are one of the clans of...
's lands of Urquhart
Urquhart, Moray
Urquhart is a small village in Moray, Scotland with a population of 420 . It is approximately five miles east of Elgin, and between the villages of Lhanbryde and Garmouth.-Barony of Urquhart History:...
and Glenmoriston
Glenmoriston
Glenmoriston or Glen Moriston is a river glen in the Scottish Highlands, that runs from Loch Ness, at the village of Invermoriston, westwards to Loch Cluanie, where it meets with Glen Shiel. The A887 and A87 roads pass through Glenmoriston....
, taking Castle Urquhart. The whole district was plundered and the invaders planned to permanently occupy the newly won territories before they were forced to retreat with the arrival of the Earl of Huntly, Lovat, Grant and Ranald Gallda. As the Clanranald supporters of John Moidartach had fled from the scene, Ranald Gallda again occupied Moidart. John Moidartach's Clanranald supporters overtook Huntly and his followers near Kinlochlochy where the Battle of the Shirts
Battle of the Shirts
The Battle of the Shirts was a Scottish clan battle that took place in 1544 in the Great Glen, at the northern end of Loch Lochy. The Clan Donald and their allies the Clan Cameron fought the Clan Fraser and men from Clan Grant....
was fought on 15 July 1544. Lovat, the Master of Lovat and Ranald Gallda were slain and almost all of their followers as well. As as result of the victory, John Moidartach's hold of the Clanranald chiefship was maintained. John Moidartach died in 1584 and was buried at Howmore
Howmore
Howmore lies on the island of South Uist to the southwest of Loch Druidibeg. The mountain of Haarsal rises to 139 m to the east and immediately south is the smaller settlement of Howbeg....
, South Uist. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Allan.
In 1588, Allan, 9th of Clanranald quarrelled with Alexander Macdonald of Keppoch and killed his Keppoch's brother. Allan was never pardoned for the murder and never received any charters from the crown for his lands, yet he possessed them undisturbed for the duration of his life. Allan married a daughter of Alasdair Crotach
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod is considered to be the eighth chief of Scottish Clan MacLeod. He was the son of the seventh chief William Dubh and succeeded his father in 1480, following William Dubh's death at the Battle of Bloody Bay. He was the first MacLeod chief not to be buried on the island of...
and his ill treatment of her was the cause of violent feuds between the Macdonalds of Clanranald and the Macleods. Allan's eldest son died before him. Allan died in 1593 and was buried at Islandfinnan. On his death he was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Angus. Angus, 10th of Clanranald was killed shortly after his succession to the chiefship, and was succeeded by his brother, Donald.
Clan MacLean
Clan Maclean is a Highland Scottish clan. They are one of the oldest clans in the Highlands and owned large tracts of land in Argyll as well as the Inner Hebrides. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength and courage in battle. They were involved in many clan skirmishes with...
and their chief Lachlan Mor Maclean of Duart
Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean
Sir Lachlan Mór Maclean or Lachlan the Great, was the 14th Clan Chief of Clan MacLean from late 1573 or early 1574 until 1598.Mór or Mor translates as great in English, or magnus in Latin, when added to a name in Scottish Gaelic....
. The Macdonalds of Clanranald would have welcomed such an alliance as some years before, Lachlan Mor at the head of his clan and 100 mercenaries hired from the Spanish Armada
Spanish Armada
This article refers to the Battle of Gravelines, for the modern navy of Spain, see Spanish NavyThe Spanish Armada was the Spanish fleet that sailed against England under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, with the intention of overthrowing Elizabeth I of England to stop English...
had ravaged the islands of Rum and Eigg. Working in co-operation with each other, the two Macdonald chiefs invaded Coll, Mull and Tiree, laying waste to the islands, and Donald returned to Castle Tioram with his galleys full of spoil. Lachlan Mor was at first unable to retaliate, but his time soon came. In the summer of 1594, Donald Gorm Mor Macdonald of Sleat and Ruariri Mor Macleod of Harris and Dunvegan each sailed for Ulster at the head of 500 men each. They force was intended to support Hugh O'Donnell who was besieging
Siege
A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault. The term derives from sedere, Latin for "to sit". Generally speaking, siege warfare is a form of constant, low intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static...
Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle is situated in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It was originally built in the 16th century and now houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the regimental museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.-History:...
. Later in 1595 another expedition of Hebredians was made to support the Irish rebels against the forces of Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...
. Donald Gorm Mor of Sleat raised a fighting force of 4,000 men and sailed to Ulster in a fleet of 50 galleys and 70 supply ships. The fleet was however blown off cource and was attacked off Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is an island off the coast of County Antrim, and is the northernmost point of Northern Ireland. Rathlin is the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland, with a rising population of now just over 100 people, and is the most northerly inhabited island off the Irish coast...
by 3 English frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
s. 13 Macdonald galleys were sunk and another 12 or 13 were destroyed or captured off Copeland Island, at the entrance to Belfast Lough
Belfast Lough
Belfast Lough is a large, natural intertidal sea lough at the mouth of the River Lagan on the east coast of Northern Ireland. The inner part of the lough comprises a series of mudflats and lagoons. The outer lough is restricted to mainly rocky shores with some small sandy bays...
. The same year, and likely as part of this operation, Donald and John Og MacIain of Ardnamurchan sailed for Ulster at the head of 2,000 men. The fleet of galleys sheltered for the night off the Sound of Mull
Mull
-Places:*Isle of Mull, Scottish island in the Inner Hebrides*Sound of Mull, between the island and the rest of Scotland*Mull , Anglicisation of Gaelic Maol, hill or promontory**Mull of Galloway, Scotland**Mull of Kintyre, Scotland...
, possibly at Calve Island
Calve Island
Calve Island is an uninhabited island on the east coast of the Isle of Mull in Argyll and Bute on the west coast of Scotland. It provides some shelter for Tobermory Bay and is separated from Mull by a tidal channel. The island is a mile in length...
near Tobermory. That night the Lachlan Mor, at the head of 1,200 men surprised the Macdonalds and killed 350 of them in the ensuring battle. Donald, and several other Macdonald chieftains were captured by the Macleans.
In 1601, the Macdonalds of Clanranald joined the MacDonnels of Glengarry in their constant warring with the Mackenzies of Kintail, ravaging and laying waste to the Kintail area. While the Macdonald fighting force was in the Kintail area, trouble was brewing in South Uist as Murdoch MacNeil of Barra
Barra
The island of Barra is a predominantly Gaelic-speaking island, and apart from the adjacent island of Vatersay, to which it is connected by a causeway, is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.-Geography:The 2001 census showed that the resident population was 1,078...
had taken possession of the lands of Boisdale under the pretext that they belonged to the MacNeils of Barra
Clan MacNeil
Clan MacNeil, also known in Scotland as Clan Niall, is a highland Scottish clan, particularly associated with the Outer Hebridean island of Barra. The early history of Clan MacNeil is obscure, however despite this the clan claims to descend from the legendary Niall of the nine hostages...
. Donald led his fighting force down South Uist and fought the MacNeils at North Boisdale, killing most of them. The surviving MacNeils fled to the remoter islands of the Barra Isles
Barra Isles
The Barra Isles, also known as the Bishop's Isles as they were historically owned by the Bishop of the Isles, are a small archipelago of islands in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. They lie south of the island of Barra, for which they are named. The group consists of nine islands, and numerous...
, where Murdoch was finally slain by the Macdonalds of Clanranald. Donald, like other Highland chiefs was in debt to the Scottish crown and other chiefs, and he was one of the chiefs who met with the kings' commishioners on Mull agreeing to give security for the king's rents; submit themselves to the laws of the realm. Donald was knight
Knight
A knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....
ed at Holyrood
Holyrood, Edinburgh
Holyrood is an area in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Lying east of the city centre, at the end of the Royal Mile, Holyrood was once in the separate burgh of Canongate before the expansion of Edinburgh in 1856...
by James VI, in 1617. He died at Castle Tioram in 1618 and was succeeded by his son, John.
17th century
John, 12th of Clanranald, took part in the wars with MontroseJames Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose
James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose was a Scottish nobleman and soldier, who initially joined the Covenanters in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, but subsequently supported King Charles I as the English Civil War developed...
, joining Montrose and Alasdair MacColla
Alasdair MacColla
Alasdair Mac Colla was a Scottish soldier. His full name in Scottish Gaelic was Alasdair Mac Colla Chiotaich Mac Domhnuill . He is sometimes mistakenly referred to in English as "Collkitto", a nickname that properly belongs to his father. He fought in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, most notably...
, son of Colla Ciotach, at the Battle of Inverlochy
Battle of Inverlochy (1645)
The Battle of Inverlochy was a battle of the Scottish Civil War in which Montrose routed the pursuing forces of the Marquess of Argyll....
in 1645. Soon after he returned to his lands to raise more of his clan to find the garrison of Mingarry had been attacked by the Earl of Argyll. He then defeated Argyll and reinforced the garrison. The Macdonalds of Clanranald then laid waste to the whole of Sunart and Ardnamurchan. John died in 1670 on Eriska, South Uist and was buried at Howmore on the same island. He was succeed by his only son, Donald.
Donald, 13th of Clanranald lived for the most part at Castle Tioram, on which he made extensive repairs. He died in 1686 at Canna, and was buried at Howmore. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Allan. Allan, 14th of Clanranald was educated at Inverness and also by university tutors at home. His principal residence, Castle Tioram, was garrisoned by William of Orange
William III of England
William III & II was a sovereign Prince of Orange of the House of Orange-Nassau by birth. From 1672 he governed as Stadtholder William III of Orange over Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel of the Dutch Republic. From 1689 he reigned as William III over England and Ireland...
after the Battle of Killiecrankie
Battle of Killiecrankie
-References:*Reid, Stuart, The Battle of Kiellliecrankkie -External links:* *...
in 1689 and was removed in 1698.
18th century
Battle of Sheriffmuir
The Battle of Sheriffmuir was an engagement in 1715 at the height of the Jacobite rebellion in England and Scotland.-History:John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, standard-bearer for the Jacobite cause in Scotland, mustered Highland chiefs, and on 6 September declared James Francis Edward Stuart as King...
in 1715 and died at Drummond Castle
Drummond Castle
Drummond Castle is located in Perthshire, Scotland. The castle is best known for its gardens, described by Historic Scotland as "the best example of formal terraced gardens in Scotland." It is situated in Muthill parish, south of Crieff. The castle comprises a tower house built in the late 15th...
the next day. He was buried at Innerpeffray, which was the burial place of the Perth family. He was succeeded by his brother, Ranald. Ranald, 15th of Clanranald never married and died at Fauborg St Germains, in 1725 and was buried in Paris. He was succeeded by Donald Macdonald of Benbecula, to whom the forfeited Clanranald estates were later restored. Donald, 16th of Clanranald died in 1730 and was buried at Cladh Mhuire, Nunton. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Ranald. Ranald, 17th of Clanranald was born in 1692. He refused to aid Charles Edward Stuart
Charles Edward Stuart
Prince Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Sylvester Severino Maria Stuart commonly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie or The Young Pretender was the second Jacobite pretender to the thrones of Great Britain , and Ireland...
and the Jacobites during the 1745 Rebellion
Jacobite rising
The Jacobite Risings were a series of uprisings, rebellions, and wars in Great Britain and Ireland occurring between 1688 and 1746. The uprisings were aimed at returning James VII of Scotland and II of England, and later his descendants of the House of Stuart, to the throne after he was deposed by...
. The chief however did not stop his eldest son and heir, Ranald, from doing so. He died at Nunton in 1766, where he was buried. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Ranald. Ranald, 18th of Clanranald was educated in France where he became acquainted with Charles Edward Stuart. While his father was still chief of the clan, Ranald was, along with Macdonald of Kinlochmoidart and his brother Macdonald of Glenaladale, the first to join Charles Edward Stuart in 1745. After deciding to join, Ranald raised 250 clansmen and after the raising of the standard at Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan is a village in Lochaber area of the Highlands of Scotland. It is located at the northern end of Loch Shiel, at the foot of Glenfinnan.- Glenfinnan Monument :...
, Ranald lead 500 men to Dundee arriving there on 8 September and proclaimed James Francis Edward Stuart
James Francis Edward Stuart
James Francis Edward, Prince of Wales was the son of the deposed James II of England...
as king. The Macdonalds of Clanranald were present at the Battle of Prestonpans
Battle of Prestonpans
The Battle of Prestonpans was the first significant conflict in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The battle took place at 4 am on 21 September 1745. The Jacobite army loyal to James Francis Edward Stuart and led by his son Charles Edward Stuart defeated the government army loyal to the Hanoverian...
and the Battle of Falkirk
Battle of Falkirk (1746)
During the Second Jacobite Rising, the Battle of Falkirk Muir was the last noteworthy Jacobite success.-Background:...
. The Clanranald regiment, led by Alasdair MacMhaighstir Alasdair
Alasdair MacMhaighstir Alasdair
Alasdair mac Mhaighstir Alasdair was a Scottish poet, lexicographer, political writer and memoirist, respected as perhaps the finest Gaelic language poet of the 18th century...
, which fought at the Battle of Culloden
Battle of Culloden
The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Taking place on 16 April 1746, the battle pitted the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart against an army commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, loyal to the British government...
in April 1746, consisted of 200 men. During the battle the Macdonald regiments were located on the Jacobite extreme left wing instead of their preferred place on the right wing. Popular legend has it that these regiments refused to charge when ordered to do so, due to the perceived insult of being placed on the left wing. The Clanranald regiment was disbanded at Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus is a settlement in the Scottish Highlands, at the south west end of Loch Ness. The village has a population of around 646 ; its economy is heavily reliant on tourism....
, two days after their defeat at Culloden. Following the defeat of the Jacobite rebellion, Ranald spent some time in France, before finally returning to Scotland. He died at Nunton in 1776, where he was buried. He was succeeded by his eldest son, John Moidartach. John Moidartach, 19th of Clanranald died in Edinburgh in 1794 and was buried at Holyrood. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Ranald George.
19th century to present
Ranald George Macdonald
Ranald George Macdonald was a Scottish clan chief and Member of Parliament.He was the 19th Chief of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. He married Caroline Anne, daughter of Richard Edgcumbe, 2nd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, on 13 February 1812 and had issue.He was elected to Parliament for Plympton Erle on...
, 20th of Clanranald was born in 1788. From 1813–1838, he sold almost all the traditional Clanranald lands for a total sum of over £213,211 and at the end only held onto the ruinous Castle Tioram. He died in London in 1874 and was buried at Brompton Cemetery
Brompton Cemetery
Brompton Cemetery is located near Earl's Court in South West London, England . It is managed by The Royal Parks and is one of the Magnificent Seven...
. He was succeeded by his son, Reginald John James George. Reginald John James George, 21st of Clanranald
Reginald Macdonald
Admiral Sir Reginald John James George Macdonald KCB KCSI was a Royal Navy officer who went on to be Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station.-Naval career:...
was an admiral
Admiral (United Kingdom)
Admiral is a senior rank of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, which equates to the NATO rank code OF-9, outranked only by the rank Admiral of the Fleet...
in the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
. He died in London, in 1899, and was succeeded by his son Allan Douglas. Allan Douglas, 22nd of Clanranald, was born in 1856 and was a captain in the Royal Artillery
Royal Artillery
The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery , is the artillery arm of the British Army. Despite its name, it comprises a number of regiments.-History:...
. He was succeeded by his brother, Angus Roderick. The direct line of Clanranald chiefs became extinct in 1944, following the death of Angus Roderick, 23rd of Clanranald. The chiefship then passed into the line of the Macdonalds of Boisdale who are a branch of the clan. The current chief is Ranald Alexander Macdonald of Clanranald, 24th Chief and Captain of Clanranald, who was recognised as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms
Lord Lyon King of Arms
The Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court, is the most junior of the Great Officers of State in Scotland and is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that country, issuing new grants of arms, and serving as the judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon, the oldest...
in 1956, The current chief is a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is the organisation of the Chiefs of many prominent Scottish Clans. The SCSC is the definitive and authoritative body for information on the Scottish Clan System.-History:...
, and also the High Council of Clan Donald.
Effects of the Highland Clearances
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the common members of the clan and other families living on the Clanranald estates, suffered grievously from the Highland ClearancesHighland Clearances
The Highland Clearances were forced displacements of the population of the Scottish Highlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. They led to mass emigration to the sea coast, the Scottish Lowlands, and the North American colonies...
and also religious persecution at the hands of the Clanranald chief.
Forced conversion
A forced conversion is the religious conversion or acceptance of a philosophy against the will of the subject, often with the threatened consequence of earthly penalties or harm. These consequences range from job loss and social isolation to incarceration, torture or death...
his tenants on South Uist to Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism refers to a number of Christian churches adhering to the Calvinist theological tradition within Protestantism, which are organized according to a characteristic Presbyterian polity. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures,...
, threatening to remove them of his lands. In 1772, over 200 Roman Catholics mainly from the Clanranald estates of South Uist, Barra, Eigg and mainland western Inverness-shire emigrated to Prince Edward Island. The immigrants first settled at Scotchfort on the northeast side of the island, which had been established by a prominent tacksman
Tacksman
A tacksman was a land-holder of intermediate legal and social status in Scottish Highland society.-Tenant and landlord:...
, John MacDonald of Glenaladale with the assistance of the Scottish Catholic Church
Roman Catholicism in Scotland
Roman Catholicism in Scotland , overseen by the Scottish Bishops' Conference, is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, the Christian Church in full communion with the Pope, currently Pope Benedict XVI. After being firmly established in Scotland for a millennium, Catholicism was outlawed following...
. The newly arrived immigrants however did not immediately escape religious persecution as Catholics were barred from holding land until 1780. The first winter hit the settlement hard and a year later a local minister wrote that they were in "great misery". In 1790–1791, a second wave of about 900 fresh emigrants from South Uist, Barra, Moidart, and Morar, settled in the area. Because of their late arrival, these new settlers also suffered from the first winter. At around the same time in 1791, another 650 emigrants from the Clanranald estates established themselves in Antigonish County
Antigonish County, Nova Scotia
Antigonish County, Nova Scotia is a county in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It is located in northern Nova Scotia on the Northumberland Strait and its county seat is the town of Antigonish.-History:...
, Nova Scotia. Thses were soon joined by hundreds more Roman Catholics from the Western Isles in 1801 and 1802. On Prince Edward Island, MacDonald of Glenaladale attempted enforce what he thought were his feudal rights and newly arrived settlers were encouraged only to be tenants on his lands. However, once the more adventurous settlers got their bearings, many moved out of Scotchfort into better areas of the island, squatting upon those lands. In time Scotchport became not a place for permanent settlement, but a place for newly arrived to get their bearings and move out and acquire lands of their own.
Clan profile
- Clan chief: Traditionally the chiefsScottish clan chiefThe Scottish Gaelic word clann means children. In early times, and possibly even today, clan members believed themselves to descend from a common ancestor, the founder of the Scottish clan. From its perceived founder a clan takes its name. The clan chief is the representative of this founder, and...
of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald have been styled as "The Captain of Clanranald". The Highland or Gaelic designation of the chiefs of the clan is Mac Mhic Ailein. The current chief of the clan is Ranald Alexander Macdonald of Clanranald, who is the 24th Chief and Captain of Clanranald. The current chief's sloinneadh or pedigree is Ragnhaill Alasdair mac Coinneach Alasdair mhic Tearlach 'ic Raibheart 'ic Raibheart 'ic Cailein 'ic Alasdair 'ic Domhnaill 'ic Ragnhaill Og 'ic Ragnhaill 'ic Ailein 'ic Iain Muideartach 'ic Alasdair 'ic Ailein 'ic Ruairidh 'ic Ailein 'ic Ragnhaill 'ic EoinJohn of Islay, Lord of the IslesJohn of Islay was the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald. In 1336, he styled himself Dominus Insularum, "Lord of the Isles"; because this is the first ever recorded instance of the title in use, modern historians count John as the first of the later medieval Lords of the Isles, although...
'ic Aonghais Og 'ic Aonghais MhorAonghas MórAonghas Mór , also known as Aonghas a Íle and Aonghas mac Domhnaill , was the son of Domhnall mac Raghnaill, eponymous progenitor of Clan Donald.Aonghas Mór has been called "the first MacDonald" by one historian, namely...
'ic DomhnaillDomhnall mac RaghnaillDomhnall mac Raghnaill was a Hebridean noble in the late 12th- and early 13th-century. He is the eponymous progenitor of Clan Donald . For this reason some traditions accumulated around him in the Later Middle Ages and Early Modern period...
'ic RagnhaillRaghnall mac SomhairleRagnall mac Somairle, or Ragnall son of Somairle, was a late 12th century and possibly early 13th century magnate, seated on the western seaboard of Scotland. He was likely a younger son of Somairle mac Gilla Brigte, Lord of Argyll and his wife, Ragnhildr, daughter of Óláfr Guðrøðarson, King of...
'ic SomhairleSomerledSomerled was a military and political leader of the Scottish Isles in the 12th century who was known in Gaelic as rí Innse Gall . His father was Gillebride...
. - Chiefly arms: The current chief's coat of armsCoat of armsA coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
is blazoned: quarterly, 1st, argentArgentIn heraldry, argent is the tincture of silver, and belongs to the class of light tinctures, called "metals". It is very frequently depicted as white and usually considered interchangeable with it...
, a lion rampant gulesGulesIn heraldry, gules is the tincture with the colour red, and belongs to the class of dark tinctures called "colours". In engraving, it is sometimes depicted as a region of vertical lines or else marked with gu. as an abbreviation....
, armed OrOr (heraldry)In heraldry, Or is the tincture of gold and, together with argent , belongs to the class of light tinctures called "metals". In engravings and line drawings, it may be represented using a field of evenly spaced dots...
; 2nd, Or, a dexter hand couped in fess holding a cross-crosslet fitchee in pale all gulesGulesIn heraldry, gules is the tincture with the colour red, and belongs to the class of dark tinctures called "colours". In engraving, it is sometimes depicted as a region of vertical lines or else marked with gu. as an abbreviation....
; 3rd, Or, a lymphadLymphadthumb|200pxA Lymphad or galley is a charge used primarily in Scottish heraldry. It is a single masted ship propelled by oars. In addition to the mast and oars, the Lymphad has three flags and a basket. The word comes from the Scottish Gaelic long fhada, meaning a long ship or birlinn...
her oars saltireways sableSableThe sable is a species of marten which inhabits forest environments, primarily in Russia from the Ural Mountains throughout Siberia, in northern Mongolia and China and on Hokkaidō in Japan. Its range in the wild originally extended through European Russia to Poland and Scandinavia...
, and in base undy vertVertThe colour green is commonly found in modern flags and coat of arms, and to a lesser extent also in the classical heraldry of the Late Middle Ages and the Early Modern period....
a salmonSalmonSalmon is the common name for several species of fish in the family Salmonidae. Several other fish in the same family are called trout; the difference is often said to be that salmon migrate and trout are resident, but this distinction does not strictly hold true...
naiant argent; 4th, argent, an oak tree vert surmounted of an eagle displayed Or. Above the shield is placed a chapeau azureAzureIn heraldry, azure is the tincture with the colour blue, and belongs to the class of tinctures called "colours". In engraving, it is sometimes depicted as a region of horizontal lines or else marked with either az. or b. as an abbreviation....
furred ermineErmineErmine has several uses:* A common name for the stoat * The white fur and black tail end of this animal, which is historically worn by and associated with royalty and high officials...
and theron an helmHelmet (heraldry)In heraldic achievements, the helmet or helm is situated above the shield and bears the torse and crest. The style of helmet displayed varies according to rank and social status, and these styles developed over time, in step with the development of actual military helmets...
befitting his degree with a mantling gules doubled Or, and on a wreathTorseIn heraldry, a torse or wreath is a twisted roll of fabric laid about the top of the helm and the base of the crest, from which the mantling hangs....
of these liveries argent and gules is set for crest a triple-towered castle argent, masoned sable and issuing from the centre tower a dexter arm in armour embowed grasping a sword all proper, and in an Escrol over the same this motto "my hope is constant in thee". On a compartment whereon is this word "dh'aindeoin co theireadhe e" are placed for Supporters two bears each having two arrows pierced through his body all proper. The chief's heraldic standard is blazoned: the arms of Macdonald of Clanranald in the hoist and of two tracts argent and gules, upon which is depicted the crest in the first and second compartments, and two sprigs of common heather in the third compartment, along with the motto "dh' aindeòin cò theireadh e'" in letters gules upon two transverse bands argent. The chief's sloganSlogan (heraldry)A slogan is used in Scottish heraldry as a heraldic motto or a secondary motto. It usually appears above the crest on a coat of arms, though sometimes it appears as a secondary motto beneath the shield...
of dh' aindeòin cò theireadh e has been translated from Scottish Gaelic as "gainsay who dare", and "in spite of all opposition". - Clan member's crest badge: The crest badgeScottish crest badgeA Scottish crest badge is a heraldic badge worn to show allegiance to an individual or membership in a specific Scottish clan. Crest badges are commonly called clan crests, but this is a misnomer; there is no such thing as a collective clan crest, just as there is no such thing as a clan coat of...
suitable for members of the clan contains the chief's heraldic crest and motto. The crest is: A triple-towered castle Argent masoned Sable, and issuing from the centre tower a dexter arm in armour embowed grasping a sword all Proper. The motto is MY HOPE IS CONSTANT IN THEE. - Clan badge: The clan badge or plant badgeClan badgeA clan badge, sometimes called a plant badge, is a badge or emblem, usually a sprig of a specific plant, that is used to identify a member of a particular Scottish clan. They are usually worn in a bonnet behind the Scottish crest badge, or attached at the shoulder of a lady's tartan sash...
attributed to the clan is common heath. This plant is attributed to the other Macdonald clans and some other associated clans such as Clan MacIntyreClan MacintyreClan MacIntyre is a Scottish clan. The name MacIntyre , means "son of the carpenter." Although no documented history of the clan exists, it is most commonly said to descend from Maurice Mac Neil a nephew of Somerled, the great 12th century leader of the Scottish Gaels...
and the Macqueens of Skye. - Pipe music: The bagpipe tune Spaidsearachd Mhic Mhic Ailein (translation from Scottish Gaelic: "Clanranald's March") has been attributed to the clan, as well as Failte Clann Raounil and the Cruinneachadh (or Gathering).
- Tartan: A tartanTartanTartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns...
was attributed to the clan in the Sobieski Stuarts' collection of tartans known as the Vestiarium ScoticumVestiarium ScoticumThe Vestiarium Scoticum was first published by William Tait of Edinburgh in a limited edition in 1842...
, published in 1842. Today the Vestiarium is considered a hoax, yet many of the forged tartans within exist today as clan tartans.
Branches of the clan
There are several branches of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald; these include the Macdonalds of Glenaladale, the Macdonalds of Kinlochmoidart, the Macdonalds of Boisdale, and also a certain family of Maceachainn/Macdonalds. The Macdonalds of Glenaladale descend from John Og, second son of John Moidartach, 8th of Clanranald. They were known in Gaelic as Clann Mhic Ian Oig. The Macdonalds of Kinlochmoidart descend from John, fourth son of Allan, 8th of Clanranald. The Macdonalds of Boisdale descend from Donald of Benbecula, 16th of Clanranald.Macdonald and Macdonald state that the Macdonalds of Knoydart were considered to descend from Allan, 2nd of Clanranald. Allan gave his son, Allan who was the first of the family, the 60 pennylands of Knoydart. Ranald, 7th of Knoydart was the last of the family to hold the lands of Knoydart. In about 1610, the men of Knoydart raided the lands of Laggan Auchindoun in Glengarry and in consequence of the reprecutions that followed the family eventually lost possession of their lands. Ranald is said to have been murdered by the men of Glengarry at a point which is called Rudha Raonuill.
The 'Maceachen' family of Macdonalds descends from Hector, second son of Roderick, 3rd of Clanranald (see 'MacEachan' sept listed below). Hector was granted by the lord of the isles, the lands of Kilmalew and others in the lordship of Morven. The Maceachens of Howbeg and Glenuig descend from Ranald, son of Hector 5th of Kilmalew. Ranald was the first of this family to occupy lands in Uist. A tack was given to the family by Clanranald in 17th century. In 1900, Angus and Archibald Macdonald state that there were still members of the family using the patronymic in Arisaig and Uist, though the gentlemen of the family assumed the surname Macdonald by the 18th century. The Macdonalds of Morar descend from Allan, eldest son of Dougall, 6th of Clanranald. In 1538, Allan and his brother Lachlan were granted the 14 merklands of Morar.
Associated families or septs
The following is a list of names associated with Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. For the family/surname to be associated with the clan the name/family must be related to clan or to have been located on the traditional Clanranald lands.| Names | Notes |
|---|---|
| Allan, Burke | Allan is descended from Allan son of Allanson from the West Highlands which allied themselves with Clanranald and were known to be skilled and noble warriors. Only Burkes originally from Antrim that went to the Clanranald estates of Uist and Benbecula. |
| Lynn | Only those from South Uist and Benbecula. They derive their name from the Gaelic O'Fhloinn or O'Loinn. These Lynns and Burkes went to the Clanranald estates in the train of Fionnsgoth Burke, bride of Ranald Mor, 1st of Benbecula. |
| MacCellach, MacCulloch (must be Mac Cellaigh), MacKelloch, Kelly (must be Mac Cellaigh). | Only those from the West Highlands and Hebrides which allied themselves with Clanranald. Their name is from Mac Cellaigh. |
| MacCormick | Only those who went to South Uist from Ireland in the 18th century as missionaries. |
| MacCuithein, MacKeithan, MacWhithee, MacQueen (must be Mac Cuithein or MacCuinn; see note). | The MacQueens of Benbecula and South Uist are associated with Clanranald and Clan Donald North. They were originally MacCuitheins from Skye (Clann ic Cuithein), not MacQueens from Skye. Today the usual American spelling of this name is MacKeithan. |
| MacDougall | There is only one family of MacDougalls associated with the Clanranald—and it is from North Uist. All other MacDougalls are of Clan MacDougall Clan MacDougall Clan MacDougall is a Highland Scottish clan consisting of the descendants of Dubgall mac Somairle, son of Somerled, who ruled Lorne and the Isle of Mull in Argyll in the 13th century... . The Clanranald MacDougalls derived their name from Dugald, son of Ranald, 1st of Clanranald. |
| MacEachan, MacGachen, MacGeachie, McGeachie, MacKeachan, MacKechnie, MacKichan, MacAichan, McGechan, McGechaen. | Those of West Highlands and Islands may be associated with Clanranald, except those from Islay and Kintyre who are associated with Clan Donald South. Note that there are other MacEachans associated with Clan Maclean Clan MacLean Clan Maclean is a Highland Scottish clan. They are one of the oldest clans in the Highlands and owned large tracts of land in Argyll as well as the Inner Hebrides. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength and courage in battle. They were involved in many clan skirmishes with... , and descend from a Maclean chief of that clan. There are also other MacEachans who are really MacEacherns. Thr Clanranald MacEachans are traditionally thought to derive their name from Hector, 2nd son of Roderick, 3rd of Clanranald. |
| MacGillies, Gillis, Gill (must be Mac Gille Iosa). | Only those from South Morar are associated with Clanranald. |
| MacGorrie, Currie/Curry/McCurry/Godfrey/Jeffrey (must be Mac Goraidh; see note). | Only those from Benbecula and South Uist are associated with Clanranald. Only those from Benbecula and North Uist are associated with Clan Donald North. Note that most of the West Highland and Hebridean names of Currie/Curry/McCurry may be Mac Mhuirich, see 'MacMhuirich' below). |
| MacGowan, Gowan (must be Mac a ghobhainn; see note), Smith (see note). | Only those from the West Highlands and Islands are associated with Clan Donald North, Clanranald and Clan Donald South. Their name is from Mac a ghobhainn ("son of the smith"). There is only one Smith family associated with Clan Donald and it is found on South Uist. |
| MacIllimhicall, MacMichael, MacMitchell, Michael/Michaelson/Mitchell/Mitchelson/Carmichae] (must be Mac Gille Mhicheil; from Clanranald lands; see note). | Only those from Clanranald lands are associated with Clanranald. Only those from Islay and Kintyre are associated with Clan Donald South. Their name is from Mac Gille Mhicheil ("son of the servant of St. Michael"). |
| MacInnes, MacGinnis | See Clan MacInnes Clan MacInnes Clan MacInnes is a Scottish clan from the highlands. As there is currently no clan chief, it is currently regarded as an Armigerous clan.-Origins of the name:... . Only those from the West Highlands and Hebrides are associated with Clanranald, MacDonnell of Glengarry, Clan Donald North and South. |
| MacIntyre, MacEntire, Wright (must be Mac an t-saoir). | See Clan MacIntyre Clan Macintyre Clan MacIntyre is a Scottish clan. The name MacIntyre , means "son of the carpenter." Although no documented history of the clan exists, it is most commonly said to descend from Maurice Mac Neil a nephew of Somerled, the great 12th century leader of the Scottish Gaels... . The family is said to be of the same stock as Clan Donald. Associated with Clanranald, MacDonnell of Glengarry, Clan Donald North and South. Their name is from Mac an t-saoir ("son of the carpenter"). |
| MacIsaac, MacKessock, Isaacson/Kessock (must be Mac Iosaig; from Clanranald lands). | Those associated with Clan Donald were originally from Moidart. Their name is from Mac Iosaig. Those from South Uist are associated with Clanranald; from North Uist are associated with Clan Donald North; those from Islay and Kintyre are associated with Clan Donald South. |
| MacKenabry | Only those from Rum. The name is from Mac Iain Abraich ("son of John of Lochaber"). |
| MacLellan, MacClellan, MacGillelan, Gililan (must be Mac Gille Fhaolain and from Morar). | Only those from South Morar and South Uist are associated with Clanranald. Those from North Morar are associated with the MacDonnells of Glengarry; those from Islay and Kintyre with Clan Donald South; those from North Uist with Clan Donald North. |
| MacLulich, MacCulloch (must be Mac Lulaich). | Only those from the West Highlands, Hebrides and Antrim may be associated with Clan Donald South, Clanranald, and Clan Donald North. They derive their name from Mac Lulaich ("son of Lulach"). There is no relationship with those from Eastern Ross. |
| MacManechin, Monk (must be Mac Manach). | Only those from Benbecula are associated with Clan Donald North and Clanranald. Those from North Uist are associated with Clan Donald North. Their name is from Mac Manach ("son of the monk"). |
| MacMhuirich, MacBurie, MacMurrich, MacVurrich, MacWurie, Currie/Curry/MacCurry (must be Mac Mhuirich). | The name is found throughout Clanranald however it is also associated with Clan Donald South in Islay, Kintyre, Jura and Antrim. The family descends from the hereditary bards to the Lord of the Isles and later to Clanranald. Note that most of the West Highland and Island names Currie/Curry/McCurry may be of this group, however others are actually derived from Mac Goraidh (see 'MacGorrie' above). |
| MacQuilly | Those from Eigg are associated with Clanranald. Their name is derived from Mac Choiligh ("son of the cock"). |
| MacRuairi, MacRory, MacRury MacCrory, Rorieson, Rory (must be Mac Ruairidh). | Those from the West Highlands and Islands are associated with Clanranald, Clan Donald South and Clan Donald North. |
| MacVarish, MacWarish, MacMoris (only those from Moidart). | Only those from Moidart. Their name is derived from Mac Bharrais. |
| Park | Only Parks from the West Highlands and Islands or Antrim which were originally Chlann ic Phairce are connected with Clan Donald. According to Clan Donald USA Inc., only about 1 in 20 Parks may have a connection with Clan Donald. Only those from South Uist are associated with Clanranald. |
See also
- Clan DonaldClan DonaldClan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. There are numerous branches to the clan. Several of these have chiefs recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; these are: Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan...
, of which the Macdonalds of Clanranald are a branch - Castle TioramCastle TioramCastle Tioram is a ruined castle that sits on the tidal island Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart, Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. It is located west of Acharacle, approximately 80 kilometres from Fort William...
, the traditional seat of the chiefs of the Macdonalds of Clanranald