Map of Dál Riata at its height, c. Dál Riata (also Dalriada or Dalriata) was a Gaelic overkingdom on the western seaboard of Scotland with some territory on the northern 580–600. Later territory of King Somerled ancestor of the MacDonalds. Somerled ( Old Norse Sumarliði, Scottish Gaelic Somhairle, commonly Anglicized from Gaelic as Sorley) was a military and political Pictish regions are marked in yellow. The Picts were a Confederation of tribes in what was later to become eastern and northern Scotland from Roman times until the 10th century

Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. Scottish clans (from Scottish Gaelic clann, "children" give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations The MacDonald clan has many separate branches:

These are the Clan Donald branches with extant chiefs, including the main Clan Donald followed by their Gaelic patronymics:

• Lord Macdonald who is the High Chief of Clan Donald whose ancestor was the Lord of the Isles. Baron Macdonald, of Slate in the County of Antrim, is a title in the Peerage of Ireland. The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic The MacDhomnhaill.
• MacDonald of Sleat MacUisdean. The MacDonalds of Sleat are a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald
• MacDonald of Clanranald. Mac Mhic Ailean.
• MacDonnell of Glengarry. Clan MacDonell of Glengarry is a branch of Clan Donald taking its name from Glen Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen Mac Mhic Alasdair.
• MacDonald of Keppoch. Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, also known as Clan Ranald of Lochaber, is a Scottish Clan. Mac Mhic Raghnaill.
• McDonell of Antrim chiefs hold the title Earl of Antrim. The McDonnells of Antrim are a branch in Ireland of the Highland Scottish clan, Clan Donald. Earl of Antrim is a title that has been created twice both times in the Peerage of Ireland and both times for members of the MacDonnell family originally of Scottish Mac Somhairle Buidhe.
• Clan MacAlister. Clan MacAlister is a Highland Scottish Clan and a branch of Clan Donald. MacAlasdair.

These are the other branches of the Clan Donald without extant chiefs:

• MacDonald of Ardnamurchan or MacIain of Ardnamurchan. The MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan also known as MacIain of Ardnamurchan are a branch of Clan Donald. Mac Iain Aird nam Murachan.
• MacDonald of Lochalsh now part of the Macdonalds of Sleat. The Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was a sub-branch of Clan Donald of MacDonald
• MacDonald of Glencoe Mac Iain Abrach. The MacDonalds of Glencoe also known as Clan Iain Arbrach are a branch of Clan Donald.
• MacDonald of Dunnyveg or McDonnells of the Glens or Clan Donald South. Clan Donald of Dunnyveg also known as Clan Donald South and sometimes referred to as MacDonnells or MacDonalds of the Glens was a branch of the main Clan Donald or Mac Iain Mhoir.

History

Origins of the Clan

Clan Donald traces its descent from Domhnall mac Raghnaill (d. Domhnall mac Raghnaill was a Hebridean chief from the late twelfth- and early thirteenth-century. circa 1250),^[1] whose father Reginald or Ranald was styled "King of the Isles" and "Lord of Argyll and Kintrye". Raghnall mac Somhairle ( Anglicisation: Ranald son of Somerled) (sometimes referred to as Reginald) (d ^[2] Ranald's father, Somerled was styled "King of the Hebrides", and was killed campaigning against Malcolm IV of Scotland at the Battle of Renfrew in 1164. Somerled ( Old Norse Sumarliði, Scottish Gaelic Somhairle, commonly Anglicized from Gaelic as Sorley) was a military and political Malcolm IV ( Mediaeval Gaelic: Máel Coluim mac Eanric; Modern Gaelic Maol Chaluim mac Eanraig) nicknamed Virgo, "the Maiden" ( The Battle of Renfrew in 1164 was a significant engagement between the Scottish crown and Somerled, the Gaelic king of the Hebrides which saw the death and defeat of the latter Clan Donald shares a descent from Somerled with Clan MacDougall, who trace their lineage from his elder son,Blake Donald. Clan MacDougall is a Highland Scottish clan who were the descendants of Dugald, son of Somerled, who ruled Lorne and the Isle of Mull ^[3]

Gaelic tradition gave Somerled a Celtic descent in the male line,^[2][4] as the medieval Seanachies traced his lineage through a long line of ancestors back to Colla Uais and Conn of the Hundred Battles. A seanchaí ( or - plural seanchaithe Other uses of the term Other uses of the term Since the Scots speak essentially the same Gaelic language as the Colla Uais, son of Eochaid Doimlén son of Cairbre Lifechair, was according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition a High King of Ireland. Conn Cétchathach ("of the Hundred Battles" pron /kɒn 'keːdxəθax son of Fedlimid Rechtmar, was according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition ^[5] Thus Clan Donald claimed to be both Clann Cholla and Siol Chuinn (Children of Colla and Seed of Conn). ^[6] Possibly the oldest piece of poetry attributed to the MacDonalds is a brosnachadh (an incitement to battle) which was said to have been written in 1411, on the day of the Battle of Harlaw. The Battle of Harlaw ( Cath Gairbheach in Gaelic) was fought near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on 24 July, ^[6] The first lines of the poem begin "A Chlanna Cuinn cuimhnichibh / Cruas an am na h-iorghaile," (Ye children of Conn remember hardihood in the time of battle). ^[6] A later poem made to John of Islay (1434 – 1503), last of the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, proclaims "Cennus Ghaoidheal do Chlainn Cholla, coir a fhogra," (The Headship of the Gael to the family of Colla, it is right to proclaim it), giving MacDonald's genealogy back to Colla Uais. This article refers to John II Lord of the Isles for John I see John of Islay Lord of the Isles John of Islay or John MacDonald The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic ^[6]

However a recent DNA study has shown that Somerled may have been of Norse descent in his male line. Deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) is a Nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known ^[7] By testing the Y-DNA of males bearing the surnames MacDonald, MacDougall, MacAlister, and their variants it was found that a substantial proportion of men tested shared the same Y-DNA and a direct paternal ancestor. In Human genetics, a Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroup is a Haplogroup defined by differences in the non- recombining portions of DNA from the ^[8] This distinct Y-chromosome found in Scotland has been regarded as showing Norse descent in the British Isles. The Y chromosome is the sex-determining Chromosome in most Mammals including Humans In mammals it contains the gene SRY, which triggers The British Isles (Irish variously Na hOileáin Bhriotanacha, Oileáin Iarthair Eorpa, Éire agus an Bhreatain Mhór; Ellanyn Goaldagh Eileanan ^[7]

Scottish-Norwegian War

The MacDonalds had always supported Norway. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional However, this alliance broke when the Norwegians were defeated at the Battle of Largs in 1263 by Scottish forces. The Battle of Largs was an engagement fought between the armies of Norway and Scotland near the present-day town of Largs in North Norway's King Haakon was defeated and his fleet was wrecked by the skilled manoeuvres of King Alexander III of Scotland and the Clan MacDougall. Alexander III ( Medieval Gaelic: Alaxandair mac Alaxandair; Modern Gaelic Alasdair mac Alasdair) (4 September 1241 – 19 March 1286 King of Scots Clan MacDougall is a Highland Scottish clan who were the descendants of Dugald, son of Somerled, who ruled Lorne and the Isle of Mull Three years later, the Norwegians submitted their last islands to the Scottish crown. Aonghas Mór, the son of Domhnall, then made peace with King Alexander III of Scotland.

Wars of Scottish Independence

MacDonald, Lord of the Isles

In the 14th century during the Wars of Scottish Independence the MacDonalds fought with Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic The Wars of Scottish Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th The Battle of Bannockburn ( Blàr Allt a' Bhonnaich in Gaelic (24 June 1314 was a significant Scottish victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence It was Donald's great grandson, Angus Og of Islay who was the 6th Lord of the Isles who sheltered King Robert the Bruce. Robert I King of Scots ( 11 July, 1274 &ndash 7 June, 1329) usually known in modern English as Robert the Bruce ( Angus led a small band of Islesmen at the Battle of Bannockburn. The Battle of Bannockburn ( Blàr Allt a' Bhonnaich in Gaelic (24 June 1314 was a significant Scottish victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence In recognition of Clan Donalds support King Robert the Bruce proclaimed that Clan Donald would always occupy the honored position on the right wing of the Scottish army.

Lord of the Isles begins

The clan takes its name 'Donald' from the name of the 1st Lord of the Isles who was the grandson of King Somerled who lived until 1269. The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic Somerled ( Old Norse Sumarliði, Scottish Gaelic Somhairle, commonly Anglicized from Gaelic as Sorley) was a military and political Donald's son was the original 'Mac' which means 'son of'. It was Donald's great grandson, Angus Og who was the 6th Lord of the Isles who sheltered King Robert the Bruce. Robert I King of Scots ( 11 July, 1274 &ndash 7 June, 1329) usually known in modern English as Robert the Bruce ( In recognition of Clan Donalds support King Robert the Bruce proclaimed that Clan Donald would always occupy the honored position on the right wing of the Scottish army.

In 1380 the Clan MacLean, Clan MacLeod and Clan Mackinnon were together all defeated in battle by Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, who vindicated his right as Lord of the Isles. Clan Maclean is a highland Scottish clan. History Gillean of the Battleaxe The founder of the clan was a Scots warlord descended from the royal House Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan. The Gaelic form is Clann Mhic Leòid. Clan Mackinnon or Clan Fingon is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the islands of Mull and Skye, in the Inner Hebrides The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic

15th century

Earldom of Ross

The title and territory of the Earl of Ross had originally been held by the Chief of Clan Ross. The Mormaer or Earl of Ross refers to the leader of a Medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the Oykell Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan. The original chiefs of the clan were the original Earls of Ross. However Angus Og's grandson, Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles married the first female heiress of the Earl of Ross. Donald, or properly Domhnall of Islay (died 1423 was the son and successor of John of Islay Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald. He later successfully claimed the position of Earl of Ross through marriage. This was secured by the Battle of Harlaw on 24 July 1411 where most of the highland clans supported Donald in preventing the Duke of Albany and his army of Scottish Lowlanders from claiming the position for himself. The Battle of Harlaw ( Cath Gairbheach in Gaelic) was fought near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on 24 July, Duke of Albany is a Peerage title that has occasionally been bestowed on the younger sons in the Scottish, and later the British Royal family, particularly However by 1415 the Earldom of Ross was lost as Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany had seized Dingwall Castle and Easter Ross. Murdoch Stewart Duke of Albany (1362 &ndash 24 May 1425) was Governor of Scotland (1420 - 1424 Domhnall prepared for war and proclaimed himself "Lord of Ross". Although Albany appointed his own son John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Buchan as the new Earl of Ross. John Stewart, Earl of Buchan, (c 1381 &ndash 17 August, 1424) was the son of Robert Stewart 1st Duke of Albany and his second wife Muriella However, later the MacDonald chiefs would again become the Earls of Ross, firstly Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross and then his son John of Islay, Earl of Ross who surrendered the earldom in 1476 to James Stewart, Duke of Ross. Alexander of Islay or Alexander MacDonald (died 1449 Alasdair MacDomhnaill or MacDhòmhnaill was a medieval Scottish nobleman who succeeded his father Domhnall of This article refers to John II Lord of the Isles for John I see John of Islay Lord of the Isles John of Islay or John MacDonald James Stewart Duke of Ross (March 1476 - January 1504 was the son of King James III of Scotland and Margaret of Denmark.

Clan Conflicts

• In 1411 prior to the Battle of Harlaw The Clan Donald defeated the Clan MacKay at the Battle of Dingwall. The Clan Mackay ( Gaelic: Mac Aoidh) is an ancient and once powerful Scottish clan from the country's far north in the Scottish Highlands, but The Battle of Dingwall was a Scottish clan battle said to have taken place in the year 1411 in Dingwall in the Scottish Highlands. The Mackay then submitted to MacDonald and they joined forces and fought at Harlaw.

• The Battle of Split Allegiances 1429, was between forces led by Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross, 3rd Lord of the Isles, who was in pursuance of his claim to the Earldom of Ross and the Royalist army of King James I of Scotland. Alexander of Islay or Alexander MacDonald (died 1449 Alasdair MacDomhnaill or MacDhòmhnaill was a medieval Scottish nobleman who succeeded his father Domhnall of The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic James I ( December 10, 1394 &ndash February 21, 1437) was nominal King of Scots from April 4, 1406, and It is believed is that Donald Dubh, XI chief of Clan Cameron, rose in support of the Lord of the Isles, and that Cameron clansmen joined a "large force" (recorded as being 10,000 men) in sacking the town of Inverness and surrounding crown lands. Clan Cameron is a West Highland Scottish clan, with one main branch Lochiel and numerous cadet branches such as Erracht Clunes Glen Nevis and Fassifern On the return of their army to Lochaber they were intercepted by King James I with his large army. Donald Dubh Cameron, finding himself opposed to his Sovereign, led his men in deserting the Lord of the Isles and joined forces with the King. The Clan MacKintosh is also said to have done likewise and the Lord of the Isles army was defeated and sued for peace, with Alexander submitting to the King and being imprisoned afterwards. Clan Mackintosh is a Scottish clan from Inverness with strong Jacobite ties

• While chief Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross was imprisoned by King James I, the Clan MacDonald were led by Donald Balloch, the nephew of Alexander at the Battle of Inverlochy (1431), where the MacDonalds were victorious in defeating the Earl of Mar's army. Alexander of Islay or Alexander MacDonald (died 1449 Alasdair MacDomhnaill or MacDhòmhnaill was a medieval Scottish nobleman who succeeded his father Domhnall of The Battle of Inverlochy was fought in September 1431 after Alexander Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, had been imprisoned by King James I. The Mormaer or Earl of Mar was the provincial ruler of the province of Mar in north-eastern Scotland
• Battle of Blar-na-Pairc 1477, The Lord of the Isles had resigned the Earldom of Ross into the Kings hands. After this the MacDonald Islanders continually molested with incursions into the Clan MacKenzie territory. Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire. A MacDonald cousin called Gillespick MacDonald invaded the MacKenzie country with great hostility. The MacKenzies assembled their army and met the invading Islanders by the River of Conon, about two miles from Brayle, where there ensued a sharp and cruel skirmish. The Clan MacKenzie fought so hard and pressed the enemy so, that in the end the outnumbered Gillespick MacDonald was overthrown and most of his men slain or drowned in the river of Conon.

• Battle of Bloody Bay 1480. The Battle of the Bloody Bay ( Bagh na Fala was a naval battle fought near Tobermory, Scotland. The battle was fought between John of Islay, Earl of Ross, who was also Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald (Eoin MacDomhnaill) against his son Angus Og Macdonald (Aonghas Óg ). This article refers to John II Lord of the Isles for John I see John of Islay Lord of the Isles John of Islay or John MacDonald The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic John MacDonald of Islay, chief of Clan Donald was supported by men from the Clan MacLean, Clan MacLeod, and Clan MacNeil. Clan Maclean is a highland Scottish clan. History Gillean of the Battleaxe The founder of the clan was a Scots warlord descended from the royal House Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan. The Gaelic form is Clann Mhic Leòid. Clan MacNeil, also known in Scotland as Clan Niall, is a highland Scottish clan, particularly associated with the Outer Hebridean He was opposed by his son, Angus Og Macdonald, who was supported Allan Macruari, chief of the Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald. ^[9] and Domhnall Mac Aonghais (Donald Mac Angus) chief of the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch ^[10][11]
• The Battle of Skibo and Strathfleet 1480, John of Islay, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, accompanied by about five or six hundred of his clan, came into Sutherland and camped by Skibo Castle, whereupon Neil Murray of Clan Murray (son or grandson to Angus Murray, slain at Druimnacoub) was sent by John, Earl of Sutherland, to resist them, in case they harmed the inhabitants. Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, also known as Clan Ranald of Lochaber, is a Scottish Clan. This article refers to John II Lord of the Isles for John I see John of Islay Lord of the Isles John of Islay or John MacDonald Skibo Castle is located to the west of Dornoch in Sutherland, Highland, Scotland overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Clan Murray is a Highland Scottish clan. The Murrays were a great and powerful clan whose lands and cadet houses were scattered throughout Scotland. The title of Earl of Sutherland is an ancient one in the Peerage of Scotland, created circa 1230 Neil Murray, believing that the MacDonalds would go about spoiling the country, attacked the MacDonalds by Skibo and killed one of their chieftains, Donald Dow MacDonald, along with fifty others. MacDonald, with the rest of his company, escaped back into their own country. Shortly thereafter another company of MacDonald's came to Strathfleet in Sutherland and spoiled that part of the country in revenge for the death of their chieftain. However Robert Sutherland (John, Earl of Sutherland's brother), assembled an army from Clan Sutherland and attacked them upon the sands of Strathfleet. Clan Sutherland is a Highland Scottish clan whose traditional territory is located in the region of Sutherland in northern highlands of Scotland and was After a sharp and cruel skirmish, MacDonald's men were defeated.

• Battle of Drumchatt, 1497, By 1495 the Lordship of the Isles had been revoked from the MacDonalds by the crown. The Battle of Drumchatt was a Scottish clan battle that took place in the year 1497 Anarchy and violence swept into the Highlands as the Clan Campbell, Clan Gordon and others tore off strips of the MacDonald's land for themselves. Clan Campbell is historically one of the largest and most powerful Highland Scottish clans History Origins of the clan The origins of Clan Clan Gordon, also known as the House of Gordon, is a traditional Scottish clan name and it is now a common forename In 1495 King James IV of Scotland assembled an army at Glasgow. James IV ( 17 March 1473 &ndash 9 September 1513) was King of Scots from 11 June 1488 to his death Glasgow (ˈglæzgoʊ is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom Then on May 18th 1497 many of the Highland clan chiefs made their submissions to him, including the Clan MacKenzie and the Clan Munro chiefs. Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire. Clan Munro is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan name Munro or Rothach, Roich, or Mac an Rothaich in Gaelic means Ro - Man Soon after this Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh and his clan rebelled against the King. The Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was a sub-branch of Clan Donald of MacDonald He invaded the fertile lands of Ross-shire where he was defeated in battle and driven away by the Munros and MacKenzies at a place called Drumchatt. Ross-shire, or the County of Ross, ( Siorrachd Rois in Scottish Gaelic) is a former county of Scotland. He escaped southward amongst the Isles but was caught on the Island of Oronsay, Inner Hebrides by MacIian of Ardnamurchan and put to death. Oronsay ( Scottish Gaelic: Orasaigh) also sometimes spelt and pronounced Oransay by the local community is a small Tidal island The MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan also known as MacIain of Ardnamurchan are a branch of Clan Donald.

16th century

MacDonald of the Isles (MakDonnald of ye Ylis) tartan, as published in the Vestiarium Scoticum in 1842. Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours The Vestiarium Scoticum (full title Vestiarium Scoticum from the Manuscript formerly in the Library of the Scots College at Douay Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common

Lord of the Isles ends

The position of Lord of the Isles which the MacDonald chief had held since the 13th century had been revoked in 1495. However the MacDonalds remained a powerful clan and retained much of their lands until much violence broke out in the middle of the 16th century.

Clan Conflicts

• In 1513, during the Anglo-Scottish Wars the son of Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh led the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh against the English army at the Battle of Flodden Field. The Anglo-Scottish Wars were a series of wars fought between England and Scotland during the sixteenth century The Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was a sub-branch of Clan Donald of MacDonald The Battle of Flodden or Flodden Field was fought in the county of Northumberland, in northern England on September 9, 1513, On his return he attempted to take control of the government-held Urquhart Castle. Urquhart Castle ( Ordnance Survey) sits beside Loch Ness in Scotland along the A82 road, between Fort William and Inverness

• In 1544 the Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald fought against the Clan Fraser at the Battle of the Shirts on the shores of Loch Lochy. Clan Fraser (Clann Frisealach Clan Frasier is a Scottish clan of French origin The Battle of Kinloch-Lochy, also known as the Battle of the Shirts or Blar na Léine, was a 1544 battle in Scotland fought between branches of the Loch Lochy ( Scottish Gaelic, Loch Lochaidh) is a large freshwater Loch in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. Legend has it that only five Frasers and eight MacDonalds survived.

• Battle of the Spoiling Dyke 1578. The MacDonalds of Uist barred the doors of Trumpan Church, or Kilconan Church as it was once known, east of the shores of Ardmore Bay. They then set fire to the church full of worshipers. No one escaped alive except one girl who, although mortally wounded, managed to give the alarm. On hearing the news, the Chief of Clan MacLeod and his men set off for Ardmore bay where a battle ensued. Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan. The Gaelic form is Clann Mhic Leòid. The MacDonalds were killed almost to a man. The corpses of the MacDonalds were dragged and then buried in a turf dyke, and the incident remembered as the "Battle of the Spoiling Dyke". The atrocity by the MacDonalds was to exact vengeance on the MacLeods for their atrocity of the massacre of MacDonalds in cave on the island of Eigg a couple of years earlier. This again was a tit-for-tat revenge between the two feuding clans.
• The Battle of the Western Isles 1586, Donald Gorme chief of the Clan MacDonald of Sleat was travelling from the Isle of Skye to visit his cousin, Angus MacDonald of Kintyre. The MacDonalds of Sleat are a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald Skye or the Isle of Skye ( Scottish Gaelic An t-Eilean Sgitheanach əɲ tʰʲelan s̪kʲiə He landed with his company on the Isle of Jura, which partly belonged to Clan MacLean and partly to Angus MacDonald of Kintyre. Jura ( Scottish Gaelic Diùra) is an Island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, situated adjacent and to the north-east of Islay Clan Maclean is a highland Scottish clan. History Gillean of the Battleaxe The founder of the clan was a Scots warlord descended from the royal House By chance he landed in a part of the island belonging to MacLean. Two outlaws, MacDonald Herrach and Hutcheon Madgillespick, who had fallen out with Donald Gorme MacDonald, arrived also with a company of men. Understanding that Donald Gorme of Sleat was there, they secretly took away, by night, a number of cattle that belonged to the MacLeans. They then retired again to the sea, having raised a tumult against Donald Gorme by making the MacLeans believe that this was done by Donald Gorme MacDonald's men, who, lying at a place called Inver-knock-bhric, were suddenly invaded unawares under silence of the night neither suspecting or expecting any such matter by Sir Lauchlan MacLean and the entire Clan MacLean. Clan Maclean is a highland Scottish clan. History Gillean of the Battleaxe The founder of the clan was a Scots warlord descended from the royal House The MacLeans killed more than 60 of the Clan MacDonalds that night. Donald Gorme MacDonald escaped in a ship that lay in the harbour. Angus MacDonald of Kintyre, hearing of accident and falling out between his brother-in-law, MacLean (whose sister he had married) and his cousin, Donald Gorme MacDonald, travelled Skye to visit Donald Gorme MacDonald and to see by what means he could work a reconciliation between him and MacLean for the slaughter of Donald Gorme MacDonald's men at Inverknock-bhric. After a lot of political arguing, the two sides were made to make peace by the King.

• The Battle of the Isle of Islay 1598. Sir Lauchlan MacLean laid claim to the whole Isle of Islay. Clan Maclean is a highland Scottish clan. History Gillean of the Battleaxe The founder of the clan was a Scots warlord descended from the royal House However it had always been the ancient inheritance of the Clan Donald, at this time under Sir James MacDonald. Sir Lauchlan MacLean, actually James MacDonald's uncle, assembled his whole force and invaded the Isle of Islay. James being reasonable peacefully offered his uncle half of the Island for the MacLeans to own for Lauchlan's lifetime only. However Lauchlan MacLean refused all offers of peace unless his nephew gave him the entire Island. A cruel battle took place. James MacDonald's men were far inferior in number but had been trained well. The MacDonalds retreated so as to fight with the sun on their backs. The MacDonalds were eventually victorious and the MacLeans were defeated. Sir Lauchlan MacLean and about 280 of his men were killed, the rest chased to their boats. James MacDonald was seriously wounded after being shot through the body with an arrow; he was found after the battle amongst 30 dead MacDonalds. This brought an end to the feud between the MacDonalds and Clan MacLean. Clan Maclean is a highland Scottish clan. History Gillean of the Battleaxe The founder of the clan was a Scots warlord descended from the royal House However afterwards the King, not liking the MacDonalds, gave much of the land to Clan Campbell, later leading to a further feud. Clan Campbell is historically one of the largest and most powerful Highland Scottish clans History Origins of the clan The origins of Clan

17th Century & The Civil War

• The Battle of Siol Tormoit in 1601. Donald Gorm of the Clan MacDonald of Sleat had married the sister of Sir Rory MacLeod of the Harris. The MacDonalds of Sleat are a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan. The Gaelic form is Clann Mhic Leòid. For some reason Donald Gorm MacDonald did not like his wife. Sir Rory MacLeod sent a message to Donald Gorm MacDonald, asking him to return his sister. Donald Gorm not only refused to obey this request, but also divorced her, marrying instead the sister of Kenneth MacKenzie, Laird of Kintail. Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire. Sir Rory MacLeod took this disgrace (as he thought it) so highly that he assembled his men and invaded part of Donald Gorm MacDonald's lands in the Isle of Skye, which lands Sir Rory MacLeod claimed to be his. Donald Gorm MacDonald then assembled his forces and invaded MacLeod's lands of Harris, which he wasted and spoiled, carrying away their store and bestial and killing some of the inhabitants. Rory MacLeod and his men traveled to the Siol Tormoit, Isle of Uist (then Donald Gorm MacDonald's), sent his cousin, Donald Glas MacLeod, with some 40 men to spoil the island, and took much goods preserved in a church. John Macian-MacJames (a kinsman of Donald Gorm MacDonald), accompanied by 20 others, encountered Donald Glas MacLeod. After a sharp skirmish, they killed Donald Glas MacLeod and most of his company, rescuing the goods. Sir Rory, seeing the bad success of his men, retired home. Both sides continued to steal and slaughter. In end, Donald Gorm MacDonald assembled his whole force in the year of 1601 and invaded Sir Rory MacLeod's lands, drawing them into a fight. Sir Rory MacLeod was then in Argyle looking for advice from the Earl of Argyll against the Clan MacDonald. Alexander MacLeod (Sir Rory's brother) resolved to fight Donald Gorm MacDonald, even though his brother was absent. The battle lasted most of the day, both contending for victory with great obstinacy. The Clan MacDonald, in the end, defeated their enemies, taking Alexander MacLeod. The two side later made peace, and Alexander MacLeod was released.

• Variance 1602. A feud between Lord Kintail MacKenzie and the MacDonald's Laird of the Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry led to the MacDonalds being attacked by the MacKenzies. Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire. Clan MacDonell of Glengarry is a branch of Clan Donald taking its name from Glen Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen A few MacDonalds were killed at Variance. The MacKenzies wanted the MacDonald Laird of Glengarry to appear before the Justice court at Edinburgh for previous crimes against them. Meanwhile two more MacDonalds were killed. Glengarry MacDonald did not appear in court on the arranged date but went about his own hand to revenge the slaughter of his clansmen. As he did not appear in court the MacKenzies wasted the MacDonald country of Morar. The two sides met and a battle took place with great slaughter on both sides. After this they came to an agreement to obtain peace where Glengarry MacDonald was glad to requite and renounce to the Lord MacKenzie of Kintail, and give him the inheritance of the lands of Strome.
• The Wars of the Three Kingdoms of 1644-47 was in large part a clan war between the MacDonalds and Clan Campbell. Scotland in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms covers Scotland 's involvement in the wider conflict known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms between 1644 and 1650 the MacDonalds sided with the Royalists in the English Civil War and the Irish Confederate Catholics in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The English Civil War (1642-1651 was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists. Confederate Ireland refers to the period of Irish self-government between the Rebellion of 1641 and the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in 1649 The Wars of the Three Kingdoms (sometimes known as the Wars of the Three Nations) formed an intertwined series of conflicts that took place in Scotland, The Campbells sided with the Scottish Covenanters. The Covenanters formed an important movement in the religion and politics of Scotland in the 17th century A MacDonald clansman, Alasdair MacColla raised an Irish force in 1644 and landed in Scotland, with the aim of linking up with the Scottish Royalists and taking back the lands that Clan Donald had lost to the Campbells. Alasdair MacColla (c 1610&ndash1647 was a Scottish - Irish soldier After a year of campaigning around Scotland, in which MacColla's men ravaged the Campbell lands, the two sides met at the Battle of Inverlochy (1645). The Battle of Inverlochy was fought on 2 February 1645 and forms part of Scottish Civil War. This battle was between the Scottish Argyll government forces of Clan Campbell led by Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll and the Royalist forces of the Marquess of Montrose mainly made up of Irish O'Kanes, O'Neills, Ulster Irish Clan MacDonald, Clan MacLean and other MacDonalds. Clan Campbell is historically one of the largest and most powerful Highland Scottish clans History Origins of the clan The origins of Clan Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess of Argyll, 8th Earl of Argyll, chief of Clan Campbell, (1607 &ndash 27 May 1661) was the De facto James Graham 1st Marquess of Montrose (October 1612 - 21 May 1650) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier who initially joined the Clan Maclean is a highland Scottish clan. History Gillean of the Battleaxe The founder of the clan was a Scots warlord descended from the royal House Through cunning tactics the Royalist force of 1500 MacDonalds, Irish and MacLeans defeated the Argyll Campbell force of 3000.

• In 1645 during the Civil War, Kinlochaline Castle of the Clan MacInnes was attacked and burned by MacDonalds serving under James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Kinlochaline Castle is a 12th century Scottish fortress in Morvern, Lochaber, Highland. Clan MacInnes is a Scottish clan from the highlands. As there is currently no Clan Chief it is regarded as an Armigerous clan. James Graham 1st Marquess of Montrose (October 1612 - 21 May 1650) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier who initially joined the

• Battle of Mulroy, 1668, The Clan MacDonald of Keppoch and Clan Cameron defeat the Clan MacKintosh and Clan MacKenzie

• Massacre of Glencoe, 1692, 38 unarmed MacDonalds from the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were murdered in the Massacre of Glencoe when an initiative to suppress Jacobitism was entangled in the long running feud between Clan MacDonald and Clan Campbell. The Battle of Mulroy was fought in August 1688 in the Lochaber district of Scotland between the Chattan Confederation led by the Clan MacKintosh Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, also known as Clan Ranald of Lochaber, is a Scottish Clan. Clan Cameron is a West Highland Scottish clan, with one main branch Lochiel and numerous cadet branches such as Erracht Clunes Glen Nevis and Fassifern Clan Mackintosh is a Scottish clan from Inverness with strong Jacobite ties Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire. The Massacre of Glencoe occurred in Glen Coe, Scotland, in the early morning of 13 February 1692, during the era of the "Glorious The MacDonalds of Glencoe also known as Clan Iain Arbrach are a branch of Clan Donald. Jacobitism was (and to a limited extent remains the political movement dedicated to the restoration of the Stuart kings to the thrones of England, Scotland Clan Campbell is historically one of the largest and most powerful Highland Scottish clans History Origins of the clan The origins of Clan The slaughter of the host MacDonalds at the hands of their Campbell guests was a major affront to Scottish Law and Highland tradition.

18th century & Jacobite Uprisings

• During the Jacobite risings of 1715 the British Government forces, including some units drawn from Clan Campbell fought against the Jacobite rebels, made up, amongst others, of the men of Clan Donald who were under MacDonald of Keppoch and the Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald whose chief was killed. The Jacobite Risings were a series of uprisings rebellions and wars in the kingdoms of England, Kingdom of Scotland (later the United Kingdom of Great Britain Clan Campbell is historically one of the largest and most powerful Highland Scottish clans History Origins of the clan The origins of Clan Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, also known as Clan Ranald of Lochaber, is a Scottish Clan. However there were in fact some Campbells who took the Jacobites's side, led by the son of Campbell of Glenlyon whose father had commanded the government troops at the Massacre of Glencoe 22 years earlier. The two young men buried the hatchet and swore to be brothers in arms, fighting side by side in the Battle of Sheriffmuir. The Battle of Sheriffmuir ( Scottish Gaelic:) was an engagement in 1715 at the height of the Jacobite rebellion in England and The British forces defeated the Jacobites.

• The Clan Donald fought on the side of the Jacobites during the 1745-1746 uprisings with three regiments from Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald, Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch and the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe fighting at the Battle of Prestonpans, Battle of Falkirk (1746) and the Battle of Culloden. Clan MacDonell of Glengarry is a branch of Clan Donald taking its name from Glen Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, also known as Clan Ranald of Lochaber, is a Scottish Clan. The MacDonalds of Glencoe also known as Clan Iain Arbrach are a branch of Clan Donald. The Battle of Prestonpans was the first significant conflict in the second Jacobite Rising. During the Second Jacobite Rising, the Battle of Falkirk Muir ( Scottish Gaelic:) was the last noteworthy Jacobite success The Battle of Culloden (Blàr Chùil Lodair (16 April 1746 was the final clash between the French-supported Jacobites and the Hanoverian A number of MacDonalds were killed at Culloden although many of them left the field after seeing the slaughter of other clans who charged the government lines before them.

• The Clan MacDonald of Sleat branch did not take part in the Jacobite Uprisings therefore the Sleat possessions remained intact. The MacDonalds of Sleat are a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald

MacDonald's Castles

Castles that have been in possession of the MacDonalds over the centuries have included:

• Finlaggan Castle is located on an island, on Loch Finlaggan, on the Isle of Islay. Finlaggan ( Scottish Gaelic: Port an Eilein) is a historic site on the Eilean Mòr in Loch Finlaggan. Islay (ˈaɪlə Ìle, ˈiːʎə a Scottish Island, known as "The Queen of the Hebrides" ( Banrìgh nan Eilean) is the southernmost It was the seat of the chief of Clan Donald, Lord of the Isles. The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic [1]
• Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye was built in 1825 and today houses a MacDonald Clan centre which is open to the public. Armadale Castle is a ruined Country house in Armadale Isle of Skye, former home of the MacDonalds of Sleat Skye or the Isle of Skye ( Scottish Gaelic An t-Eilean Sgitheanach əɲ tʰʲelan s̪kʲiə
• Knock Castle (Isle of Skye) is a ruined Macdonald castle located on the Isle of Skye. Knock Castle, also known as Caisteal Chamuis ( Castle Camus) is a former Stronghold of the MacDonalds. Skye or the Isle of Skye ( Scottish Gaelic An t-Eilean Sgitheanach əɲ tʰʲelan s̪kʲiə
• Duntulm Castle is a ruined Macdonald castle located on the Isle of Skye. Duntulm Castle stands ruined on the north coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland near the hamlet of Duntulm. Skye or the Isle of Skye ( Scottish Gaelic An t-Eilean Sgitheanach əɲ tʰʲelan s̪kʲiə
• Aros Castle is a ruined MacDonald castle located on the Isle of Mull. The Isle of Mull (or simply Mull; Muile in Scottish Gaelic) is the second largest Island of the Inner Hebrides, off the [2]
• Claig Castle is a ruined MacDonald castle located on the Isle of Jura. Claig Castle was a stronghold of the Clan Donald or MacDonald in the south of Scotland. Jura ( Scottish Gaelic Diùra) is an Island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, situated adjacent and to the north-east of Islay
• Kildonan Castle is a ruined MacDonald castle located on the Isle of Arran. Kildonan Castle stands in the small village of Kildonan on the southern coast of the Isle of Arran in Scotland. The Isle of Arran ( Scots Gaelic: Eilean Arainn) is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, with an area of 430 km² (167 square
• Ardtornish Castle is a ruined MacDonald castle located on the peninsuala Morvern. Ardtornish Castle is situated in Morvern, on the west coast of Scotland. Not to be confused with Morven Morvern is a peninsula in south west Lochaber, on the west coast of Scotland.
• Dunaverty Castle is a ruined MacDonald castle, off the coast of Kintyre, known as Blood Rock because of the incident known as the Dunaverty Massacre which took place there. Dunaverty Castle is a castle at Southend Kintyre in Scotland and was once a fort belonging to the Clan Donald or MacDonald. Kintyre ( Scottish Gaelic: Cinn Tìre kʲiɲˈtʲiːɾʲə is a peninsula in western Scotland, in the south-west of Argyll and Bute. In Kintyre, Scotland, at Dunaverty Castle in 1647, after the Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss, the remaining men of MacDonald 's army surrendered
• Castle Tioram, Loch Moidart, Lochaber was the seat of the Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald. Castle Tioram (pronounced " Chee-rum " from Scottish Gaelic "Caisteal Tioram" meaning "dry castle" is a ruined castle District of Lochaber
• Borve Castle was another castle of the MacDonalds of Clan Ranald. [3]
• Ormiclate Castle was another castle of the MacDonalds of Clan Ranald. [4]
• Invergarry Castle, built on the Raven's Rock was the seat of the Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry. Invergarry Castle in the Scottish Highlands was the seat of the Chiefs of the Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry, a powerful branch of the Clan Donald. Clan MacDonell of Glengarry is a branch of Clan Donald taking its name from Glen Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen [5].
• Strome Castle on the shore of Loch Carron was an earlier castle of the MacDonnells of Glengarry. Strome Castle is a ruined castle on the shore of Loch Carron in Stromemore, 3 Loch Carron ( Scottish Gaelic: "Loch Carrann" is a Sea loch on the west coast of Ross and Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands.
• Dunluce Castle in Ireland was the seat of the Clan MacDonnell of Antrim, Earls of Antrim. Dunluce Castle ( Dún Lios in Irish) literally translated as the Hill fort of the fairy fort is one of the most extensive ruins of a medieval Castle Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world The McDonnells of Antrim are a branch in Ireland of the Highland Scottish clan, Clan Donald.
• Glenarm Castle in Ireland was another castle of the MacDonnells of Antrim. Glenarm Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is the ancestral home of the Earls of Antrim. Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world
• Dunyvaig Castle on the Isle of Islay was the seat of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. Dunyvaig Castle, (Dun Naomhaig is located on the south side of Islay, upon the shore of Lagavulin Bay, 4 Km from Port Ellen. Islay (ˈaɪlə Ìle, ˈiːʎə a Scottish Island, known as "The Queen of the Hebrides" ( Banrìgh nan Eilean) is the southernmost Clan Donald of Dunnyveg also known as Clan Donald South and sometimes referred to as MacDonnells or MacDonalds of the Glens was a branch of the main Clan Donald or [6] [7]
• Dunscaith Castle on the Isle of Skye was the seat of the Clan MacDonald of Sleat. Dunscaith Castle also known as Dun Sgathaich Castle, Dun Scaich, and Tokavaig is a Castle in the north of Scotland. Skye or the Isle of Skye ( Scottish Gaelic An t-Eilean Sgitheanach əɲ tʰʲelan s̪kʲiə The MacDonalds of Sleat are a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald
• Mingarry Castle in Kilchoan, Lochaber was the seat of the Clan MacDonald of Ardnamurchan. Mingarry Castle (or Mingary Castle) ( Caisteal Mhìogharraidh in Gaelic) is a Castle situated a mile south-east of the small village of Kilchoan ( Cille Chòmhain in Gaelic is a village on the Scottish peninsula of Ardnamurchan, in Lochaber, Highland. The MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan also known as MacIain of Ardnamurchan are a branch of Clan Donald.

Clan Chief

The current chief of Clan Donald is the Right Honourable Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald, 8th Lord Macdonald, Chief of the Name and Arms of Macdonald, High Chief of Clan Donald and 34th hereditary Chief of Clan Donald. He descends directly from the ancient Kings and Lords of the Isles. The designation Lord of the Isles (Triath nan Eilean or Rí Innse Gall now a Scottish title of nobility, emerged from a series of hybrid Viking / Gaelic [8]

Clan profile

• Gaelic Name: MacDhomhnuill.
• Motto: Per mare per terras (By sea and by land).
• Plant Badge: Heather.
• Lands: The Western Isles.
• Origin of Name: Gaelic, Domhnull (World ruler).

Septs of Clan Donald

• Septs of Clan Donald include the following. A sept is an English word for a division of a Family, especially a division of a clan. Other branches of Clan Macdonald have different septs.

Alexander, Beath, Beaton, Bethune, Bowie, Colson, Connall, Connell,Cram,Crum, Danalds, Darroch, Donald, Donaldson, Donillson, Donnelson, Drain, Galbraith, Gilbride, Gorrie, Gowan, Gowrie, Hawthorn, Hewison, Houstoun, Howison, Hughson, Hutcheonson, Hutchinson, Hutchison, Isles, Kellie, Kelly, Kinnell, Mac a' Challies, MacBeth, MacBeath, MacBheath, MacBride, MacBryde, ^[12] MacCaishe, MacCall, MacCash, MacCeallaich, MacCodrum, MacColl, MacConnell, MacCook, MacCooish, MacCrain, MacCuag, MacCuish, MacCuitein, MacCutcheon, MacDaniell, Macdrain, MacEachern, MacElfrish, MacElheran, MacGorrie, MacGorry, MacGoun, MacGowan, MacGown, MacHugh, MacHutchen, MacHutcheon, MacIan, Macilreach, Macilriach, Macilleriach, Macilrevie, Macilvride, Macilwraith, MacKean, MacKellachie, MacKellaig, MacKelloch, MacKiggan, MacKinnell, MacLairish, MacLardie, MacLardy, MacLarty, MacLaverty, MacLeverty, MacMurchie, MacMurdo, MacMurdoch, MacO'Shannaig, MacQuistan, MacQuisten, MacRaith, MacRorie, MacRory, MacRuer, MacRurie(MacRury- Contester of the Lord of the Isles), MacShannachan, MacSorley, MacSporran, MacSwan, MacWhannell, Martin, May, McReyolds, McRuer, Murchie, Murchison, Murdoch, Murdoson, O'Drain, O'May, O'Shannachan, O'Shaig, O'Shannaig, Patton, Purcell, Revie, Reoch, Riach, Rorison, Shannon, Sorley, Sporran, Train, Whannel, Wilkie, Wilkinson, Wilkins. Bowie is a Scots surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic word buie (pronounced approximately boe-ay) meaning yellow-haired. Shannon The name has relatives Shane Shayne and Sian. People Surname Bob Shannon, wrote first bulletin board system (BBS for

See also

• Lord of the Isles
• Clan MacDonald of Sleat
• Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald
• Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry
• Clan MacDonald of Keppoch
• Macdonald (surname article)

Notes

References

External links

• The High Council of Clan Donald Chiefs
• The Clan Donald Society of Edinburgh
• Clan Donald-The Highland Connection
• Armadale Castle & Museum of the Isles, the Clan Donald Centre
• Clan Donald USA
• Clan Donald DNA Project
• clandonald-heritage