SCOTLAND HISTORY

Clan MacKinnon:

Origins of the Clan:

The Clan MacKinnon is a branch of the great Alpin family. It decends from Alpin’s third son Prince Gregor, younger brother of Kenneth MacAlpin, first king of united Scotland. It was Alpin’s great-grandson Findanus, the 4th MacKinnon chief, who gave the clan its name. He was seized of the estate of the Tobermory in the Isle of Mull and Findanus Castle (Dunakin) in the Isle of Skye; this castle was the residence of the Lairds of MacKinnon till the 14th century, when Strathardill, also in Skye, became their seat. Findanus and his bride, the Norse princess nicknamed ‘Saucy Mary,’ ran a heavy chain from Skye to Lochalsh and levied a toll on all shipping passing up and down. It is from him that the MacKinnon chiefs obtained their Gaelic Patronymic.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence the MacKinnons assistance to the King Robert I of Scotland were rewarded with the grant of their Skye estate. And their eclasitical associations are still very evident on Iona; they are kin to Saint Columba and the last abbot on Iona was a notably worldly priest named John MacKinnon, known as the “Green Abbot.” The MacKinnon associations have always been Heberdian and historically in Skye, Iona, Arran, and Mull. It is in the Isle of Skye however that the majority of the clan estates came to be.

Clan conflicts:

In 1380 the Clan MacKinnon along with Clan MacLean and Clan MacLeod were defeated in battle by Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, who vindicated his right as Lord of the Isles. 1400, The MacLeans had become powerful associates of Macdonald Lord of the Isles. As a result tensions had incresed between the MacLeans and MacKinnons. The climax came on a day in the year 1400, when the Lord of the Isles, who had been hunting in Mull, set out to return to Ardtornish Castle, his stronghold on the opposite shore of the Sound of Mull. As Mackinnon was stepping into his galley to follow, Lachlan and Hector Maclean fell upon him and slew him. They then disarmed his men, and hastening after the Lord of the Isles, seized his galley and forced him to grant them an indemnity for the deed. A long feud continued between the MacLeans and MacKinnons. Of the feud with the Macleans which followed many incidents are related. On one occasion the young Chief of the Mackinnons was forced to seek refuge in Ireland. There the Earl of Antrim gave him forty men to support him. The party landed at Camus na fola, the Bloody Bay a couple of miles north-west of Tobermory in Mull, and to discover the whereabouts of his enemies Mackinnon paid a visit to an old woman of his clan who lived in a certain lonely glen. He told her he bad forty men to carry out an attack. She replied, " Do as I tell you, and you will have possession of your lands by sunrise." Following her counsel he took to the woods with his party, where each man cut and stripped a caber. Surrounding Ledaig House, where Duart and Lochbuie lay asleep, they planted their cabers in the ground, the Chief placing his before the door with his naked sword hung on it. In the morning the astonished Macleans, realising who had been their visitor, and that he could easily have taken their lives if he had wished, sent for Mackinnon and restored his lands. Battle of Doire Shuaig, In a desperate battle between the Clan MacKinnon and Clan MacLean at Doire Shaig the battle was going in MacKinnons favour. However a MacKinnon who had married a MacLean deserted with all his followers. The MacKinnons fled to a cavern but the MacLeans found it and smoked the place. Some of the MacKinnons managed to get in a boat and row to the Isle of Staffa where they hid the deserter Mackinnon in a great cave which is still known today as MacKinnons' Cave. He later escaped to Skye. Unfortunatly as a result the MacKinnons lost all of their lands. [edit] Civil War During the Civil War the Clan MacKinnon fought at the Battle of Inverlochy (1645) where they were victorious in support of the Royalist James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose. Later during the Civil War Chief Lauchlen MacKinnon raised a regiment in support of King Charles I which fought at the Battle of Worcester in 1650.

Jacobite Uprisings:

The MacKinnons have been throughout the majority of their history a small clan with a strong sense of honor, even to a fault as as evidenced with their conviction to the Jacobite cause in 1715 and 1745 after which they were dispossed of their lands. The Clan MacKinnon fought at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. Later men from the clan also fought at the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719. The MacKinnons supported in force Bonnie Prince Charlie during the 1745 rising and accompanied him throughout his campaigns. Part of the Clan MacKinnon army was at the Battle of Culloden another part instead stationed near Inverness. They were among the last to remain at arms. The MaKinnons also shelterd Bonnie Prince Charlie after the Battle of Culloden. After being out in 1745, the fortunes of the MacKinnons declined markedly until the mid 19th century, when all things Scottish came into vogue. Subsequently, they became successful in politics (with the MacKinnon chief becoming a Member of Parliament), the military, and business. However, this latter success is due to individual efforts since the historical family lands have been lost.

Clan Septs:

Whilst MacKinnon, McKinnon & Mac/McKinning are "sons of the fair born", MacKinvens & Loves are 'Sons of the Loved One' both owing prominence to Alpin. The McKinven and Love septs translate their name to the Gaelic as MacIonmhuinn.

Clan MacKintosh:

Origin of name:

Shaw, son of Duncan Macduff, accompanied King Malcolm IV of Scotland to Morayshire to suppress rebellion in 1160. In 1163 he was granted land in the Findhorn valley and made constable of Inverness Castle. Upon Shaw's death in 1179, his son, Shaw the second became chief and was confirmed by William I of Scotland, the Lion. Probably the earliest authentic history of MacKintosh is traceable to Shaw or Seach MACDUFF, a Cadet son of the third Earl of Fife. The son of MACDUFF, for his support of King Malcolm IV of Scotland, was awarded the lands of Petty and Breachley in Invernesshire and was appointed Constable of the Castle Thereto. Assuming the name "Mac-an-Toisch", which means "Son of the Thane or Chief", he began his own Clan.

Scottish-Norwegian War:

The Clan MacKintosh fought at the Battle of Largs in 1263 in support of King Alexander III of Scotland against King Haakon IV of Norway. Sadly the fifth Chief of the Clan MacKintosh was killed that day, he was called Farquhar MacKintosh. Other Accounts state that he was killed in a duel in 1265 leaving his infant son Angus as Chief of the clan. In 1291, Angus, sixth chief of MacKintoch, married Eve, the heiress of Clan Chattan. This marriage brought the Chattan lands of Glenloy and Loch Arkaig under MacKintosh control. Since this time, the Clan Chattan has been led by the MacKintoshes, although this has been challenged unsuccessfully by the MacPhersons.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

Chief Angus MacKintosh later supported Robert I of Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence. He led the clan against the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. He is placed second in the list of chiefs given by General Stewart of Garth as present in this battle.

14th Century & Clan Conflicts:

Clan Mackintosh were involved in many clan battles mostly against Clan Cameron with whom they had an extensive feud which lasted over 350 years:

The Battle of Drumlui 1337: A dispute between the clan Mackintosh and Clan Cameron over land at Glenlui and Loch Arkaig. The lands had previously been undisputidly owned by the Camerons for many years until they were demanded by William Mackintosh, son of Angus, 6th Chief of Clan Mackintosh. The Mackintoshes appealed to the sword and a battle was fought at Drumlui. The Camerons were defeated under the leadership of Donald Alin Mhic Evin Mhic Evin. This battle led to a very long lasting feud with the two clans constantly attacking each other.

The Battle of Invernahoven 1370 or 1387: The Camerons numbering approximately 400 men were returning home with the booty they had acquired after a raid at Badenoch. They were overtaken at Invernahavon by a body of Chattan Confederation led by Lachlan, Laird of Macintosh. The Chattan Confederation forces consisted of the Mackintoshes, Davidsons and Macphersons. As a result of a disagreement as to whether the Davidsons or Macphersons would occupy the right wing which was the post of honour, the Macphersons withdrew in disgust from the army. The combined numbers of the Clan Chatten confederation had outnumberd the Camerons but with the loss of the Macphersons the Camerons now had a greater number. The battle resulted in a defeat for the Clan Chatton confederation (Mackintosh and Davidson). It is said that an allie of Cameron known as Charles MacGilony led the clan into battle and is believed to have changed the outcome of the day with his uncanny ability as an archer. At this point, possibly the next morning the Macphersons changed their minds and decided to rejoin the Chatton confederation attacking the Camerons with such vigor that they changed the victory into defeat, and put the Camerons "to flight" towards Drumouchter, skirting the end of Loch Ericht, and then westwards in the direction of the River Treig. The Mackintoshes later claimed that the Macphersons were coaxed into the battle by a man from clan Mackintosh who turned up at Macphersons camp pretending to be from Clan Cameron and calling the Macphersons cowards. The Macphersons then attacked the Camerons camp making a dreadful slaughter of them, even killing the Cameron's uncanny archer Charles MacGilony at a place now called Charles's Valley, or in Gailic Coire Thearlaich.

Battle of The North Inch 1396: In the aftermarth of the battle of Invernahoven the Camerons did not wait long to take their revenge on the MacKintoshes and their Clan Chattan Confederation. The feud betwwen them had become so fierce and bloody that the King Robert III was made aware of it. The King sent two of his Generals to the Highlands to try and resolve the problem, they found it would not be possible to execute the King's orders without loss of the King's own men. The King brought the two rival Chiefs of Clan Cameron and Clan MacKintosh together and decided it would be resolved by the sword. The king ordered part of the river near the City of Perth to be enclosed with a deep ditch in the form of an amphitheatre with seats and benches for the spectators. His majesty himself sitting as the judge on the field. Crowds and combatants appeared. The clans chose thirty of their best warriors each to take part. A battle was fought that was so bloody and horrible that the crowds and even the King himself were seized with an inexpressible horror. Four of the MacKintoshes survived the battle but they were all fatally or mortally wounded. One Cameron survived and escaped by swimming across the River Tay. This was also known as "Battle of the Thirty", a mass trial by combat, which was held under the judicial control of the King in 1396 on the North Inch of Perth, in which Clan MacKintosh regained all their lands that had been taken from them. The battle had been orchistrated by the King to end the feud bettween these two rival clans but it did nothing but make it worse and more battles between them were fought.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

1411, The Clan MacKintosh fought at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411, along with many other Highland clans. Other clans of the Chattan Confederation who fought under the standard of 'MacKintosh' as the MacKintosh Chief was captain of the Chattan Confederation.

1424, Feud with the Clan Comyn: It was in the time of this chief that the Mackintoshes finished their feud with the Comyns. During the lawless times under Murdoch, Duke of Albany, Alexander Comyn is said to have seized and hanged certain young men of the Mackintoshes on a hillock near the castle of Rait. Mackintosh replied by surprising and slaying a number of the Comyns in the castle of Nairn. Next the Comyns invaded the Mackintosh country, besieged the chief and his followers in their castle in Loch Moy, and proceeded to raise the waters of the loch by means of a dam, in order to drown out the garrison. One of the latter, however, in the night-time managed to break the dam, when the waters rushed out, and swept away a large part of Comyn’s besieging force encamped in the hollow below. Thus foiled, the Comyns planned a more crafty revenge. Pretending a desire for peace, they invited the chief men of the Mackintoshes to a feast at Rait Castle. The tradition is that the Comyn chief made each of his followers swear secrecy as to his design. It happened, however, that his own daughter had a Mackintosh lover, and she took the opportunity to tell the plot to a certain grey stone, when she knew her lover was waiting for her on the other side of it. As a result the Mackintoshes came to the feast, where each one found himself seated with a Comyn on his right hand. All went well till the moment for the murderous attack by the Comyns was all but reached, when Mackintosh suddenly took the initiative, and gave his own signal, whereupon each Mackintosh at the board drew his dirk and stabbed the Comyn next him to the heart. The Comyn chief, it is said, escaped from the table, and, guessing that the secret had been revealed by his daughter, rushed, weapon in hand, to her apartment. The girl sought escape by the window, but, as she hung from the sill, her father appeared above, and with a sweep of his sword severed her hands, whereupon she fell into the arms of her Mackintosh lover below. Whatever were the details of the final overthrow of the Comyns, the Mackintosh chief in 1442 established his right to the lands of which his family had so long been deprived, and secured a charter of them from Alexander de Seton, Lord of Gordon.

The Battle of Split Allegiances 1429: This conflict was between forces led by Alexander MacDonald, 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. It is believed is that Donald Dubh, XI Captain and 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. On the return of their army to Lochaber they were intercepted by King James I with his large army. Donald Dubh, 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/sued for peace, with Alexander submitting to the King and being imprisoned afterwards.

Battle of Palm Sunday, 1429: On this day which is traditionally reserved for Christian worship, an incident took place in Lochaber that lives on in infamy. The Chattan Confederation, including the Clan MacKintosh, attacked the Clan Cameron, which was assembled in a church, to which they set fire "and nearly destroyed the whole clan." The incident probably took place between those members of Clan Cameron and Clan Chattan which separated from the Lord of the Isles, or perhaps just a portion of the clan as a whole. This conflict, which might be referred to as "The Massacre of Palm Sunday" is not the focus of this narrative. Many accounts make mention of a battle which was also fought on this date, between these same clans. While it is unknown whether this action took place in the near vicinity of the church massacre, it is probable. History relates that during the engagement most of the Mackintoshes and almost the whole tribe of Camerons were "cut to pieces." It is unclear exactly which tribe of Clan Cameron this would have been. This feud between the two clans seems to date back to 1336, when the rights to the lands of Glenlui and Locharkaig, in Lochaber, were contested. Some authorities believe that these disputed lands at one time made up the official demesne of the "Old Toisech," or head of the tribe which controlled early Lochaber.

The Battle of Craig Cailloch 1441: Clan Mackintosh, at the instigation of Alexander, Lord of the Isles, began to invade and raid the Clan Cameron lands. A sanguinary conflict took place in this year at Craig Cailloch between Clan Cameron and the Mackintoshes in which MacKintosh's second son, Lachlan "Badenoch" was wounded and Gillichallum, his brother, killed.

Clachnaharry 1454: John Munro tutor of Foulis, took the Clan Munro on a private raid into Perthshire, MacKenzie country. On their way home with their captured cattle the Munros had to pass through MacKintosh country and an amount of 'road collop' or passage money was demanded as was the custom. There was a dispute over the amount and the Munros refused to pay anything. The Munros sent their spoils on ahead hotly pursued by the Mackintoshes who overtook them at Clachnaharry. Some accounts say John Munro ordered the spoils on ahead with 50 men while the remaining 300 Munros stayed behind to fight. In the ensuing fight the Chief of Clan MacKintosh was killed along with most of his company. Also John Munro was left for dead on the battlefield. He is said to have been found by an old woman after the battle and nursed back to health before being handed over to Lord Lovat who returned him to his own people. The Clachnaharry Monument built in 1820 was 50ft tall but was destroyed in a lightning storm in 1951, there are plans to rebuild it.

Raid on Ross-shire 1491: Ewen Cameron XIII Chief of Clan Cameron and a large body of Camerons, joined by Alexander of Lochalsh, Clan Ranald of Garmoran and Lochaber and Clan Chattan - who they must have made peace with on a raid into the county of Ross-shire. During the raid they clashed with the Clan MacKenzie of Kintail. They then advanced from Lochaber to Badennoch where they were even joined by the Clan MacKintosh. They then proceeded to Inverness where they stormed the Royal Castle and MacKintosh placed a garrison in it. The Lords of Lochalsh appear at this time to have had strong claims upon the Camerons to follow them in the field. They were superiors under the Lord of the Isles of the lands of Lochiel in Lochaber, in addition to the claims of a close marriage alliance (Ewen married a daughter of Celestine of Lochalsh). This would serve to explain the quite unusual mutual participation under a common banner between the Camerons and Mackintoshes in this raid.

16th Century & Clan Conflicts:

The Battle of Bun Garbhain 1570: Donald Dubh Cameron, XV Chief of Clan Cameron, had died, leaving an infant son at the head of the clan. The Chief of Clan MacKintosh, at the head of 200 men, invaded the Cameron lands near Loch Arkaig. The Mackintoshes had approached by Lochielside where, meeting no resistance, they made camp for the night. The following day MacKintosh led his men past Beinn an t-sneachda and approached Loch Arkaig from the south. Baring their way, with a strong position on a hillside, were the men of Clan Cameron. A bloody battle ensued. Though outnumbered, the Camerons had the high ground and soon the field was littered with Macintoshes both dead and injured. The remainder of their army was put to flight. Mackintosh led his men in retreat around the head of Loch Eil to the Ardgour shore and rallied his men. The Camerons were in swift pursuit and a second engagement took place, with similar results as the first. In the midst of this action the Chief of Mackintosh is believed to have been killed when a fearsome Lochaber axe felled him to the ground. His followers took their stricken chief and fell back to Bun Garbhain (Bun Garvan). Both sides met once again for an indeterminate time, before disengaging for the night. The Mackintoshes made camp in a small hollow called Cuil nan Cuileag, and thought that they were safe. However, the Camerons were not done with his mortal enemies, stormed the encampment and fell upon them. Not a single Mackintosh would leave that hollow and the Cameron victory was absolute. Interestingly the mother of the infant chief of Clan Cameron was in fact a MacKintosh. After the battle she was banished from Lochaber forever.

Battle of Glenlivet 1594: XVI Chief of Clan Cameron called Allen Cameron led the clan when they fought and defeated the Clan MacKintosh. The Camerons took the side of the Earl of Huntly whose forces included Clan Gordon, Comyn/Cumming and others. The MacKintoshes took the side of the Earl of Argyll whose forces included the Clan Campbell, Atholl and others from the Chattan Confederation such as Clan Forbes. The Camerons pursued their enimies with great eagerness. The Chattan Confederation of Forbes and the MacKintosh and Argyll and Atholl, were soundly defeated.

17th Century & Clan Conflicts:

Stand-off at the Fords of Arkaig 1665: the Clan Chiefs of Clan MacKintosh and Clan Cameron were ordered by the Privy Court to end the dispute over the lands near Loch Arkaig once and for all. While MacKintosh was declared to have the legal right Cameron was declared to be the owner. Cameron was ordered to pay MacKintosh a large sum of money for the land but MacKintosh refused this. soon after Clan MacKinosh along with the Chattan Confederation assembeled an army of 1500 men. Camerons had raised a force of approximately 1000 men who took up a defensive stance at Achnacarry. Camerons biographer records that there were 900 men armed with guns and broadswords and a further 300 men armed with bows. It seemed the battle to end all battles between these two ancient adversaries was about to commence. However just as Clan Cameron comenced their attack the powerful Clan Campbell and Chief appeared on the scene. John Campbell, Chief of Campbells brought with him 300 men and declared that he would fight against whichever side initiated the impending battle. The Cameron Chief Ewen soon withdraw all his troops. As a result one of the bloodiest feuds in Scottish history came to an end after 360 years. On September 20th 1665 a contract was signed by both Chiefs of Cameron and MacKintosh with Cameron agreeing to buy the lands from MacKintosh. Then at a place called Clunes around 24 men from each side met face to face and shook hands for the first time in generations. Here they exchanged swords as a token of reconciliation and drank together.

The Battle of Mulroy 1668: Clan Cameron and Clan MacKintosh were at peace and Cameron Chief Sir Ewen was responsible for keeping the peace between his men and their former enemies. However when the Chief Sir Ewen Cameron was away in London a feud broker out between Clan MacDonald and their enemies Clan MacKintosh and Clan MacKenzie. As the Cameron Chief was away he was not able to hold back his clan and the combined forces of Cameron and MacDonald defeated the MacKintoshes and MacKenzies.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

Battle of Sherrifmuir 1715, Clan MacKintosh fought as Jacobites at the Battle of Sherrifmuir on 6th September 1715. Clan MacKintosh supported the Jacobites and fought against the British Army at the Battle of Culloden (1746). Despite the MacKintosh Chief being a commander in the British Black Watch regiment while he was away on duty his wife rallied together the MacKintosh Clan and ensured that they fought on the side of the Jacobites.

Septs of Clan MacKintosh:

Adamson, Ayson, Clark, Combie, Crerar, Dallas, Doles, Elder, Esson, Glen, Glennie, Hardie, Hardy, MacAndrew, MacAy, MacCardney, McCombie, MacCombie, MacCombe, MacComie, M'Conchy, Macglashan, Machardie, Machardy, MacHay, Mackeggie, M'Killican, MacNiven, MacOmie, Macritchie, MacThomas, Niven, Noble, Paul, Ritchie, Seawright, Siveright, Shaw, Tarrill, Tosh, Toshach.

Clan MacLachlan:

Origin of name:

Clan MacLachlan are of ancient origin. they are descended from "Niall of the Nine Hostages" who was the High King of Ireland in 400 A.D. Lochlainn was the name of the senior branch of the descendants of Niall, King of Ireland. The MacLochlains were virtual rulers of Ulster until they were defeated by the Irish King Brian O'Neil. Their chief Donall MacLochlain was killed along with most of his kinsmen. By the 13th century the name appears in Scotland when Lachlan Mor and his family lived on the shores of Loch Fyne. Lachlan gave his name not only to his clan bt to Lachlan Water, Lachlan Bay, the village of Strathlachlan and Lachlan Castle.

14th Century & Robert the Bruce:

During the 14th century the Clan MacLachlan made shrewd political alliances and flourished as a result of their support for King Robert the Bruce.

15th Century:

By the 15th century the Chief of Clan MacLachlan was known as Lord of Strathlachlan and they were closely linked to the church. The MacLachlans are known to have been extremely generous to the friars of Glasgow.

17th Century & Civil War:

The Clan MacLachlan secured their position as a powerful force in Scotland by allying themselves with the powerful Clan Campbell. However during the Civil War the MacLachlans fought as Royalists under James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose. This alliance broke completely during the 18th century Jacobite Uprisings. During the Civil War the MacLachlans fought at the Battle of Alford and at the Battle of Philiphaugh where their chief was captured, taken to Edinburgh and executed by the Covenanters. The MacLachlans also fought against their neighbours the Clan Lamont. The MacLachlans later fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

The Clan MacLachlan were renowned for their loyalty to the Stuarts and supported them during both the 1715 to 1716 and 1745 to 1746 Jacobite Uprisings. The MacLachlan chief led the clan when they fought under the Earl of Mar at the Battle of Sherrifmuir in 1715. Lachlan MacLachlan, the seventeenth chief was appointed to the staff of Charles Edward Stewart as commissary general. He led 300 MacLachlans at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 but he was killed by a cannon shot during the course of the battle.

Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie :

History of the Clan :

The Maclaines of Lochbuie, Mull are descended from Gillean-na-Tauighe, (Gillean of the Battle Axe), a fierce warrior who lived in the thirteenth century. He is said to have fought, along with his sons, at the battle of Largs in 1263. Gillean's great-grandson, Iain Dubh, or Black John, had two sons, Eachann Reaganach (Hector the Stern), and Lachainn Lubanach (Lachlan the Wily). Hector and Lachlan were granted independent charters to lands on the Isle of Mull from John, 1st Lord of the Isles (MacDonald); Hector at Lochbuie, and Lachlan at Duart. Thus the two dominant branches of the family were formed: the Maclaines of Lochbuie and the Macleans of Duart (the Maclaine family used the Maclean spelling until around 1600). Many of the clansmen at Lochbuie retained other spellings of Maclaine or Maclean, such as Maclayne, McClain, and McLain. Various smaller families intermarried or banded together with the Maclaines, including the McFadyens, MacCormacks, Blacks, Beatons, MacGillivrays, Huies, MacAvoys and Pattons (all with over 200 different spellings). They were all accepted into the clan as loyal members.

Clan MacLaren :

Origins of the Clan :

The origins of the clan are uncertain but by tradition the MacLarens are descended from a man called Lorn who was the son of Erc who landed in Argyll in 503 A.D. However there is no concrete evidence of Lorn being the progenitor of the family. A more likely origin of the clan is that they are of Celtic stock and take their name from a 13th century abbot called Laurance of Achtow. This theory is also supported by the MacLaren rallying cry which in gaelic is: "Creag an Turic" which means "Boars Rock". The rock in question is near Achtow in Balquhdder. The Clan MacLaren's lands are in Perthshire. It is also believed the MacLarens were followers of the ancient Earl of Strathearn and were cadets of that ancient house when they fought at the Battle of the Standard under King David I of Scotland in 1138.

14th Century & Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan MacLaren fought for King Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

The MacLarens were a warlike clan and had many feuds with their neighbouring clans. However they forged a powerful alliance with the House of Stuart or Clan Stuart when a daughter of the MacLaren family married a Staurt Lord of Lorn in the 15th century. The first son of this union was called Dougall and went on to become the progenitor of the famous Clan Stuart of Appin. In 1463 Sir John Stewart was murderd outside of a church just as he was about to mary his MacLaren wife. He was murderd by Alan MacCoul, an allie of the Clan MacDougall. However his murder was avenged in 1468 when the Clan Stuart and Clan MacLaren together defeated the Clan MacDougall at the Battle of Stalc which took place opposite Castle Stalker. In 1469 The Clan MacLaren assisted Dugel Stewart of Appin, son of John Stewart when he attempted by force to obtain possession of his father's lands. 130 MacLarens were killed when the battle took place at the foot of the mountain called Bendoran. In 1488 the Clan MacLaren fought at the Battle of Sauchieburn in support of King James III of Scotland. In 1497 some of the Clan MacLaren stole cattle from the Braes of Lochaber from the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch. The MacDonalds followed them and overtook them at a place called Glenurchy where a battle took place. The MacDonalds won and recoverd their cattle. The MacLarens then looked for assistance from Dugel Stuart of Appin. Another battle then took place where the MacLarens were now joined by the Stuarts against the MacDonalds. During the battle Dugel, the chief of Clan Stuart and the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch chief were both killed. On the day of a fair where the Clan MacLaren were busy buying, selling and enjoying themselves word came that the Clan Buchanan were marching up towards them through Strathyre. There was no time to lose and the Clan MacLaren rushed to arms. The MacLarens had not all come in by the time the Buchanans arrived, however they were not daunted and attacked the Buchanans. At first the Buchanans were faring better and drove the MacLarens back. The Chief of MacLarens saw one of his sons cut down and being suddenly seized with battle maddness turned and shouted the MacLaran battle cry "Craig Turic" and whirling his Claymore rushed furiously at the enemy. His clansmen followed him and the Buchanans were cut down like corn. Only two escaped by swimming the River Balvaig but even they were followed. One was cut down at Gartnafuaran and the second was cut down at a place since known by the circumstance as Sron Laine. By the end of the 15th century many MacLarens had emigrated to serve in the military of France and Italy and by the time of the 16th century they were described as a broken clan.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan MacLaren fought for King James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 against the English. The Clan MacLaren also fought for Mary, Queen of Scots at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. In 1558 a deadly feud took place between the Clan MacLaren and the Clan MacGregor when the MacGregors slaughterd no less than 18 MacLarens men along with their whole families and took possession of their farms. This incident was not investigated until 1604 when the MacGregors were on trial for slaughtering many men of the Clan Colquhoun. However the MacGregors were cleared of doing anything against the Clan MacLaren. [edit] 17th Century & Continental Thirty Years War In the 17th century although the Clan MacLaren had reduced in numbers a branch of the clan distinguished itself in Sweden by the time of the Continental Thirty Years' War. The modern writer Carl G. Laurin is one of may who carry the name in Scandinavia.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

In the 18th Century the Clan MacLaren supported the Jacobite House of Stuart and fought at the Battle of Sherrifmuir in 1715. The clan also fought in the 1745 to 1746 Jacobite Uprisings at the Battle of Prestonpans and the Battle of Falkirk (1746). They also fought at the Battle of Culloden in the Appin regiment under Lord George Murray. After the battle clan chief Donald MacLaren remained a fugitive until the amnesty of 1757.

Clan MacLean :

Scottish Norwegian War & Gillean of the Battleaxe:

The name MacLean, Scottish Gaelic: MacGille Eoin or "son of the servant of St John". The first of the name on record, Gillean, lived in the reign of Alexander III of Scotland (1249-1286), and led the Clan MacLean against the Norsemen at the Battle of Largs. "Gillean of the Battleaxe" is said to be the founder of the clan and he fought at the Battle of Largs against the Vikings in 1263.

14th Century & Clan Conflicts:

Gillian's great-great-grandson settled in Mull and in 1390, Donald, Lord of the Isles gave land to his two brothers-in-law, thus starting the two main branches of the clan - MacLean of Duart and MacLaine of Lochbuie (both on the island of Mull where the name is still frequently found). In 1380 the along Clan MacLean with Clan MacKinnon and Clan MacLeod were defeated in battle by Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles who vindicated his right as Lord of the Isles.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

1400, The MacLeans had become powerful associates of Macdonald Lord of the Isles. As a result tensions had incresed between the MacLeans and MacKinnons. The climax came on a day in the year 1400, when the Lord of the Isles, who had been hunting in Mull, set out to return to Ardtornish Castle, his stronghold on the opposite shore of the Sound of Mull. As Mackinnon was stepping into his galley to follow, Lachlan and Hector Maclean fell upon him and slew him. They then disarmed his men, and hastening after the Lord of the Isles, seized his galley and forced him to grant them an indemnity for the deed. A long feud continued between the MacLeans and MacKinnons. Of the feud with the MacKinnons which followed many incidents are related. On one occasion the young Chief of the Mackinnons was forced to seek refuge in Ireland. There the Earl of Antrim gave him forty men to support him. The party landed at Camus na fola, the Bloody Bay a couple of miles north-west of Tobermory in Mull, and to discover the whereabouts of his enemies Mackinnon paid a visit to an old woman of his clan who lived in a certain lonely glen. He told her he bad forty men to carry out an attack. She replied, " Do as I tell you, and you will have possession of your lands by sunrise." Following her counsel he took to the woods with his party, where each man cut and stripped a caber. Surrounding Ledaig House, where Duart and Lochbuie lay asleep, they planted their cabers in the ground, the Chief placing his before the door with his naked sword hung on it. In the morning the astonished Macleans, realising who had been their visitor, and that he could easily have taken their lives if he had wished, sent for Mackinnon and restored his lands. Battle of Doire Shuaig, In a desperate battle between the Clan MacLean and Clan MacKinnon at Doire Shaig the battle was going in MacKinnons favour. However a MacKinnon who had married a MacLean deserted with all his followers. The MacKinnons fled to a cavern but the MacLeans found it and smoked the place. Some of the MacKinnons managed to get in a boat and row to the Isle of Staffa where they hid the deserter Mackinnon in a great cave which is still known today as MacKinnons' Cave. He later escaped to Skye. Unfortunatly as a result the MacKinnons lost all of their lands. Battle of Harlaw, 1411 The Clan MacLean fought as Highlanders at the Battle of Harlaw near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire on 24 July 1411 against an Army of Scottish Lowlanders. Their enemy was the forces of the Duke of Albany and Earl of Mar. The MacLeans were led by "Red Hector of the Battles" from Duart fought for the MacDonald Lord of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. The Battle of Corpach 1439, Clan Cameron defended their lands against the Clan MacLean. Clan Cameron won the battle. Prior to this the Cameron lands had been bestowed upon John Garve Maclean of Coll by Alexander, Lord of the Isles. It is recorded that a young Maclean Chieftain, Ewen/John Abrach (the son of John Garve Maclean, so called from his residence in Lochaber) was killed in this battle. It is not likely that this is one in the same with "Hector Bui M'Lean." Rather, they were possibly the leaders of their respective tribes of the Macleans. With the defeat of the Macleans at Corpach, the Camerons continued to retain their lands, despite Maclean attempts to "dislodge" them throughout the coming years. 1480 - Clan MacLean fought at the "Battle of Bloody Bay" on the side of MacDonald, Lord of the Isles.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

1513 - During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan MacLean fought against the English at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. The clan extended its influence to other Hebridean islands such as Tiree and Islay and onto the mainland. and Lachlan of Duart was killed at the Battle of Flodden. 1560 - The Gallowglass. A mixture of Scots and Vikings became a ferocious mercenary army. The Mackay Gallowglass fought with the MacLeans and MacLeods for Shane O'Neill Battle of the Western Isles 1586 was fought between Clan MacDonald and the Clan MacLean. Donald Gorme Macdonald of Sleat was travelling from the Isle of Skye, to visit his cousin, Angus Macdonald of Kintyre. He landed with his company on an island called Jura or Duray, which partly belonged to Maclean and partly to Angus Macdonald, and by chance he landed in that part of the island which belonged to MacLean. Two outlaws, Macdonald Herrach and Hutcheon Madgillespick who were had fallen out with Donald Gorme MacDonald arrived also with a company of men; and understanding that Donald Gorme was there, they secretly took away, by night, a number of cattle out of that part of the island which appertaineth to MacLean; and so they retire again to the sea; thereby thinking to raise a tumult against Donald Gorme, by making the Clan MacLean to 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 enitire Clan MacLean. The MacLean's killed more than 60 of the Clan MacDonalds that night Donald Gorme MacDonald himself 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. 1594 - Clan MacLean fought at the "Battle of Glenlivet" against Clan Campbell The Battle of the Isle of Isla 1598; Sir Lauchlan MacLean laid claim to the whole Isle of Isla. However it had always been the anciant inheritance of the Clan MacDonald at this time under Sir James MacDonald. Sir Lauchlan MacLean assembled his whole force and invaded the Isle of Isla. Lauchlan MacLean was actually James MacDonald's uncle. James being resonable peacfully offerd 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. Therefore a cruel battle took place. James MacDonalds men were far inferior in terms of numbers but had been trained well when involved in wars in Ireland. The MacDonalds retreated so as to fight with the sun on their backs. The MacDonalds were eventuall victorious and the MacLeans were defeated. Sir Lauchlan MacLean along with about 280 of his men were killed the rest were 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 the dead MacDonalds which numberd about 30. This brought an end to the feud between the MacDonalds and Clan MacLean. However afterwards the King not liking the MacDonalds gave much of the land to Clan Campbell which would later lead to a further feud with them.

17th Century & Civil War:

Battle of Inverlochy (1645), during the Scottish Civil War. This battle was between the Scottish Argyll government forces of Clan Campbell led by Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll against the Royalist forces of the Marquess of Montrose mainly made up from Clan MacDonald, Clan MacLean and other MacDonalds and men from Ireland raised by Alasdair MacColla. Through cunning tactics the Royalist force of 1500 MacDonalds & MacLeans defeated the Argyll Campbell force of 3000. 1647 - Siege of Duart Castle; In 1647 Duart Castle was attacked and laid siege to by the Argyll government troops of Clan Campbell but they were defeated and driven off by the Royalist troops of Clan MacLean. 1651 - Clan MacLean fought at the battle Battle of Inverkeithing as Royalists in 1651. 1678 - Archibald Campbell the 9th Earl, son of the Marquess of Argyll, invades the Clan MacLean lands on the Isle of Mull and garrisons Duart Castle. 1689 - Clan MacLean fight at the Battle of Killiecrankie 1689.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

During the Jacobite Uprisings of 1745 to 1746 the Clan MacLean supported the House of Stuart and the Jacobite cause with many members of the clan fighting at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Alternative Spellings & Septs:

MacLean, McLean, Maclean, Mclean, M'Lean, MacClean, Macclean, McClean, Mcclean, M'Clean, Maklean, M'Klean, Macklean, Makclean, McKlean, MacLaine, McLaine, Maclaine, Mclaine, M'Laine, MacClaine, Macclaine, McClaine, Mcclaine, M'Claine, Maklaine, M'Klaine, Macklaine, Makclaine, McKlaine, MacLane, McLane, Maclane, Mclane, M'Lane, MacClane, Macclane, McClane, Mcclane, M'Clane, Maklane, M'Klane, MacKlane, Macklane, Makclane, McKlane, Makllane, MacLain, McLain, Maclain, Mclain, M'Lain, MacClain, Macclain, McClain, Mcclain, M'Clain, Maklain, M'Klain, Macklain, Makclain, McKlain, MacLeane, McLeane, Mcleane, Macleane, M'Leane, MacCleane, Maccleane, McCleane, Maccleane, M'Cleane, Makleane, M'Kleane, Mackleane, Makcleane, McKleane, M'Gleane, McLeany, MacLan, McLan, Maclan, Mclan, M'Lan, MacClan, Macclan, McClan, Mcclan, M'Clan, Maklan, M'Klan, Macklan, Macklan, Makclan, McKlan, MacLene, McLene, Mclene, Maclene, M'Lene, MacClene, Macclene, McClene, M'Clene, Maklene, M'Klene, Macklene, Makclene, McKlene, MacLen, McLen, Mclen, Maclen, M'Len, MacClen, Macclen, McClen, Mcclen, M'Clen, Maklen, M'Klen, Macklen, Makclen, McKlen, MacLaen, McLaen, Mclaen, Maclaen, M'Laen, MacClaen, Macclaen, McClaen, Mcclaen, M'Claen, Maklaen, M'Klaen, Macklaen, Makclaen, McKlaen, MacLayne, McLayne, Maclayne, Mclayne, M'Layne, MacClayne, Macclayne, McClayne, Mcclayne, M'Clayne, Maklayne, Macklayne, M'Klayne, Makclayne, McKlayne, Malayne, MacLayn, McLayn, Maclayn, Mclayn, M'Layn, MacClayn, Macclayn, McClayn, Mcclayn, M'Clayn, Maklayn, Macklayn, M'Klayn, Makclayn, McKlayn, MacLyn, McLyn, Mclyn, Maclyn, M'Lyn, MacClyn, Macclyn, McClyn, Mcclyn, M'Clyn, Maklyn, M'Klyn, Macklyn, Makclyn, McKlyn, MacLyne, McLyne, Maclyne, Mclyne, M'Lyne, MacClyne, Macclyne, McClyne, Mcclyne, M'Clyne, Maklyne, Macklyne, M'Klyne, Makclyne, McKlyne, Makelyne, MacLynne, McLynne, Maclynne, Mclynne, M'Lynne, MacClynne, Macclynne, McClynne, Mcclynne, M'Clynne, Maklynne, Macklynne, M'Klynne, Makclynne, McKlynne, MacKlyn, Makelynne, MacClune, McClune, M'Clune, Macklune, MacClun, McClun, M'Clun, Macclone, McClwne, M'Clwne, M'Clwn, MacLeone, McLeone, Mcleone, Macleone, M'Leone, MacCleone, Maccleone, McCleone, Mccleone, M'Cleone, Makleone, M'Kleone, Mackleone, Makcleone, McKleone, MacLeon, McLeon, Mcleon, Macleon, M'Leon, MacCleon, Maccleon, McCleon, Mccleon, M'Cleon, Makleon, M'Kleon, Mackleon, Makcleon, McKleon, MacLin, McLin, Maclin, Mclin, M'Lin, MacClin, Macclin, McClin, Mcclin, M'Clin, Maklin, M'Klin, MacKlin, Macklin, Makclin, McKlin, MacLeen, McLeen, Macleen, Mcleen, M'Leen, MacCleen, Maccleen, McCleen, Mccleen, M'Cleen, MakLeen, Makleen, M'Kleen, MacKleen, Mackleen, Makeleen, Makcleen, McKleen, MacLion, McLion, Maclion, Mclion, M'Lion, MacClion, Macclion, McClion, Mcclion, M'Clion, Maklion, M'Klion, Macklion, Makclion, McKlion, MacLine, McLine, Macline, Mcline, M'Line, MacCline, Maccline, McCline, Mccline, M'Cline, Makline, M'Kline, Mcklaine, Mackcline, Makcline, McKline, MacLein, McLein, Maclein, Mclein, M'Lein, MacClein, Macclein, McClein, Mcclein, M'Clein, Maklein, M'Klein, MacKlein, Macklein, Makclein, McKlein, MacLeain, McLeain, Macleain, Mcleain, M'Leain, MacCleain, Maccleain, McCleain, Mccleain, M'Cleain, Makleain, M'Kleain, Mackleain, Makcleain, McKleain, MacLeand, McLeand, Macleand, Mcleand, M'Leand, MacCleand, Maccleand, McCleand, Mccleand, M'Cleand, Makleand, M'Kleand, Mackleand, Makcleand, McKleand, MacAloon, McAloon, M'Aloon, MacClone, McClone, M'Clone, MacGlone, McGlone, M'Glone, MacLoon, McLoon, M'Loon, Macklier, Mackliers, Magliers, Makeliers, Makelirss, Makelir, Makeleer, Mackelein, Mack Klun, MacKleyn, Malyane, M'Killeane, MackCleiden, Makelyne, MacOlaine, McOlaine, M'Olaine, M'Ollaine, MacOleane, McOleane, M'Oleane, V'Oleane, MacOlloine, McOlloine, M'Olloine, Macerlean, MacIleain, Mackelein, MakIlane, M'Illclayne, McIlaine, McIllaine, Mcillaine, Mcillayn, McIllon, Mcillion, Makilane, Machilyn, Lane, Lain, Laine, Layne, Layn, Lean, Gillean, Gilean, Gileain, Gilleoin, Gilleon, Gillian, Gillon, Gillen, Gillzean, Gilzean, Gilsean, Gilzeane, Gillane, Gillan, Gilland, Gilhon, Gellion Mac Gille-Eoin, Mac Gille eoin, MacGilleathain, Mac Ghill'Eathain, MacGillean, M'Gillean, Makgillean, MacGillelane, M'Gillelane, Macgillelane, MacGillayne, McGillayne, M'Gillayne, MacGillane, McGillane, M'Gillane, Makgillane, MacGillyane, McGillyane, M'Gillyane, Makgillyane, MacGilloyne, McGilloyne, M'Gilloyne, Makgilloyne, MacGillon, McGillon, M'Gillon, Makgillon, MacGilhon, McGilhon, M'Gilhon, Makgilhon, MacGilleon, McGilleon, M'Gilleon, Makgilleon, MacGilleoin, McGilleoin, M'Gilleoin, Makgilleoin, MacGilleone, McGilleone, M'Gilleone, Makgilleone, MacGilleoun, McGilleoun, M'Gilleoun, Makgilleoun, MacGuilleon, McGuilleon, M'Guilleon, Makguilleon, MacGilleoune, McGilleoune, M'Gilleoune, Makgilleoune, Megilleoune, MacGillichean, McGillichean, M'Gillichean, Makgillichean