SCOTLAND HISTORY

Clan MacLennan:

Origins of the Clan:

Who St Finnan's disciple truly was is now lost in time. The MacLennans settled around Kintail. They were related to the Clan Logan who also held lands in Easter Ross-shire. However the MacLennans were to become most prominent in the Lowlands where they became the Barons of Restalrig near the Port of Leith. However other historians have suggested another theory that the MacLennan clan was originally part of the Clan Logan and was not until the 15th century that this seperate clan became called MacLennan. Later research carried out by the chief in the 1970's showed that the clan’s origins can be traced back to the ancient royal Celtic families of Ireland and Scotland through Aengus Macgillafinan, Lord of Locherne around 1230.

17th Century & Civil War:

The Clan MacLennan like the Clan MacRae were staunch supporters of the Clan MacKenzie whos chief held power in the area of Kintail. Neither were septs of the MacKenzies but they both appear to have held the position of honourable and valued allies. During the Civil War the MacLennans followed the MacKenzies who were on the Covenanter side. The MacKenzie chief was now the self proclaimed Lord Seaforth. They fought against James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose who was the commander of the Royalist forces in Scotland at the Battle of Auldearn in 1645. The Clan MacLennan were led by their chief Ruaridh, a red-bearded giant standing well over six feet tall. James Graham the Marquess of Montrose was heavily outnumberd but his strategic genius more than compensated for it. He massed his banners, hoping to deceive the enemy as to the location of his main force. The ruse succeeded, forcing the Covenanters to mass their forces for a full assault. Graham the Marquess of Montrose outflanked Lord MacKenzie of Seaforth, turning the tide of battle in his favour. The Maclennans were sent an order to withdraw, but it was never delivered. Ruaridh and his men fought to the last, defending Seaforth’s standard. They were finally cut down by the Clan Gordon cavalry.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

The decimated Clan MacLennan played little part in the Jacobite Uprisings but eleven MacLennans are recorded as being taken prisoner at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Highland Clearances:

During the Highland Clearances many MacLennans moved abroad. There are MacLennan mountains in New Zealand and a MacLennan county in the United States.

Clan MacLeod:

Origin of name:

Scottish clans are family groups. This Clan claims descent from Leod. Leòd (Gaelic), or Ljótur (meaning ugly, which was his Norse name), is thought to have been a son of King Olav the Black, last King of Man and the Western Isles. Leod was the first chief and gave the clan the patronymic MacLeod, meaning "son of Leod". The name is sometimes spelled McLeod, which is not strictly correct, although other, even more incorrect forms also exist, such as McLoud and McCloud. (One famous example of the latter is "Sam McCloud", played by Dennis Weaver, who was the lead character in a US TV drama in the 1970's). Dunvegan Castle has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years and it remains their home. Leod held Uist, Harris, Lewis and much of Skye due to his marriage, his father, grandfather and stepfather's connections. He died around 1280 and was buried on the holy island of Iona, where six successive chiefs of the clan found a last resting-place after him. Leod had two sons, Tormod and Torquil. Tormod founded Sìol Thormoid, which led to the MacLeods of Harris and Skye, while Torquil was the progenitor of the MacLeods of Lewis and Raasay, or Sìol Thorcuill. The MacLeods of Harris and Skye usually spell their name in the English language using a capital "L", while is seems to be traditional for Macleods from Lewis to spell theirs using a lower-case "l". The clan holds the legendary Fairy Flag at Dunvegan Castle. The protagonists of the Highlander films and series are both fictional MacLeods.

14th Century & Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence Norman, who became the 2nd chief of the MacLeods of Skye, assumed power around the year 1280. He is fought with King Robert the Bruce when the English were defeated at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. In 1380 the Clan MacLeod along with Clan MacLean and Clan MacKinnon were defeated in battle by Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, who vindicated his right as Lord of the Isles.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

The Battle of Tuiteam-Tarbhach 1406: This battle was fought at Tuiteam-tarbhach in the south west part of Sutherland where it meets Ross-shire. Angus MacKay of Strathnaver married the sister of MacLeod of Lewis by whom he had two sons; Angus Dow MacKay and Rory Gald MacKay. When Angus died, he left the governing of his estate to his brother Uistean Dow MacKay. MacLeod of Lewis decided to visit his sister where he found that she was not well. As he was not happy about this, on his way home he decided to spoil Strathnaver and Brae-Chat in Sutherland. Robert Earl of Sutherland sent Alexander Murray and Uistean Dow MacKay to attack the MacLeods. The fight was long and furious. In the end the booty was recovered and nearly all the MacLeods were killed including the chief of the MacLeods of Lewis.

Battle of Strathnaver 1407: The Clan Chief of Clan Sutherland and Earl of Sutherland was a leader of the Scots invasion of the west of England in 1388. He married Margaret Stewart, daughter of Alexander, Earl of Buchan, a younger son of King Robert II. During his long chiefship, there was a temporary alliance with the Clan MacKay against the Clan MacLeod who had invaded Strathnaver in 1407 on rumours that MacKay was mistreating his wife, a MacLeod heiress. Since both Sutherland and MacKay country were laid waste, the old rivals joined forces to pursue the MacLeods, catching them somewhere near Loch Shin where the invaders were killed except for the last man who escaped his pursuers by throwing away his sword and targe and out sprinting his pursuers over the hills. This day became known as "The Great Slaughter" and gave the Sutherlands the upper hand in dominating their local clan rivals.

The Clan MacLeod fought as Highlanders at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411 preventing the Duke of Albany gaining power in Ross. The Clan MacLeod succesfully took Dunscaith Castle from the Clan MacDonald led by Alistair MacLeod. They went on to besiege Knock Castle before withdrawing.

The Battle of Bloody Bay 1480, When William Dubh MacLeod was killed (or taken prisoner) supporting John MacDonald against his bastard son Angus Og Macdonald the flag was also said to have been unfurled in the Battle of Badh na Fola - the Battle of Bloody Bay. According to MacDonald cronicles William was taken prisoner by Angus Og and Allan Moidertach but had been so severely wounded that he died on his way back to Dunvegan. It is said by the Seanachie of Sleat that Ronald Bain, son of Allan the laird of Moidart seized MacLeods galley but an Irishman prevented it from being steered away by thrusting the blade of an oar below the stern post of the galley between it and the rudder. As already mentioned the flag was guarded by a dozen warriors and one after another of them was slain. There is a special account of one of them - Murchadh Breac (Murdo the pock-marked) who was struck by a spear and collapsed on deck of the galley but kept holding the flag up by sticking its pole into the gaping hole of his body until he was relieved of his charge by a comrade. On account of the Seanachie of MacDonald William Dubh was taken prisoner by Allan Moidertach and Angus Og. After the Battle of Bloody Bay the MacDonalds raided Skye on behalf of Clan Leod's part supporting John MacDonald against Angus Og. William Dubh must have been prisoner then as his son Alasdair was not yet chief of the clan when he withstood the raging MacDonalds and was severely wounded between the shoulders by a battleaxe from which he never really recovered. Thence he was hunchbacked and so comes his name Alasdair Crotach.

16th Century & Clan Conflicts:

1560 - The Gallowglass: The MacLeods along with Clan MacLean and Clan MacKay were part of the Gallowglass. A mixture of Scots and Vikings became a ferocious mercenary army who succesfully fought for for Shane O'Neill Battle of the Spoiling Dyke 1578. The Clan MacDonald 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 worshippers. 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. The MacDonalds were killed almost to a man. The corpses of the MacDonalds were dragged along and then buried in a turf dyke, thus the incident being known as the "Battle of the Spoiling Dyke". The atrocity by the MacDonalds was to exact vegeance 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.

17th Century Clan Conflicts & Civil War:

The Battle of Siol Thormoid in 1601. Donald Gorm MacDonald of Sleat had married the sister of Sir Rory Macleod of Harris. 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. He then married the sister of Kenneth MacKenzie, Laird of Kintail. 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 on 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, carried away their store and bestial property, and killed some of the inhabitants. Rory MacLeod and his men travelled with the Siol Thormoid (the MacLeods of Harris)to the Isle of North Uist (which was Donald Gorm MacDonald's). He sent his cousin, Donald Glas MacLeod, with some forty men, to spoil the island, and they also took valuable property which had been stored in a church. John MacIan-MacJames (a kinsman of Donald Gorm MacDonald), accompanied by twenty others, encountered Donald Glas Macleod. After a sharp skirmish, they killed Donald Glas MacLeod, with the most part of his company, and so rescued the goods. Sir Rory, seeing the bad success of his men, retired home for the time being. Both sides continued to steal and slaughter. In the end, Donald Gorm MacDonald assembled his whole forces in the year 1601 and invaded Sir Rory MacLeod's lands drawing them into a fight. Sir Rory Macleod was then in Argyll looking for advice from the Earl of Argyll against the Clan MacDonald. Alexander MacLeod (Sir Rory's brother) resolved to fight with Donald Gorm MacDonald, even though his brother was absent. The battle lasted for the most part of the day, both contending for the victory with great obstinacy. The Clan MacDonald, in the end, defeated their enemies, taking Alexander MacLeod prisoner. The two sides later made peace and Alexander MacLeod was released. During the Civil War as many as 800 MacLeods fought as Royalists at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

During the 1745 to 1746 Jacobite Uprising the main part of Clan MacLeod of MacLeod supported the British government however a small number of them supported the Jacobites and the House of Stuart and they fought at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

MacLeod of Harris Septs:

BEATON MacANDIE MacLURE BETHUNE MacCAIG MacRAILD BETON MacCLURE MacWILLIAM GRIMOND MacCRIMMON NORMAN HAROLD MacCUAIG NORMAND HARROLD MacHAROLD WILLIAMSON

MacLeod of Lewis Septs:

ASKEY MacASKIE MacCORQUODALE AULAY MacASKILL MacGILLECHALLUM CALLAM MacAULAY MacKASKILL CALLUM MacCALLUM LEWIS CASKIE MacCASKILL NORIE MacCABE MacCORKINDALE NORRIE MACALLUM MacCORKLE TOLMIE

Clan MacNab:

Origin of name:

The founder of the Clan MacNab is said to have belonged to the clerical profession. The name Mac-anab said to mean in Gaelic "the son of abbot". He is said to have been Abbot of Glendochart.

14th Century & Robert the Bruce:

The MacNabs were a considerable clan before the reign of Alexander III of Scotland. When King Robert the Bruce commenced his struggle for the crown of Scotland the Clan MacNab along with the Clan MacDougall fought against Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Dalree. After this when the cause of Robert the Bruce had prevailed his vicorious troops ravaged the lands of MacNab. All of MacNab's family writs were destroyed. Of the MacNab's possessions only the Barony of Bowain or Bovain remained with them when Gilbert MacNab received a charter from King David II of Scotland. Gilbert MacNab died during the reign of King Robert II of Scotland. Gilberts son, Finlay MacNab was the sixth chief and he died in the reign of King James I of Scotland. He is said to have been a famous bard and according to tradition he composed a famous gaelic poem which the Clan Macphearson attributed to Oaain.

15th Century:

Finlay's son was Patrick MacNab who in turn named his son Finlay after his grandfather. Upon Patrick's resignation as chief, his son finlay received a charter of lands in Ardchyle and Wester Duinish in the county of Perth. This charter was received under the great seal during the reign of King James III of Scotland dated January 1st 1486.

16th Century:

Chief Finlay MacNab also received a charter during the reign of King James IV of Scotland dated January 9th 1502. His son designated the fifth "Laird" witnessed a charter from the King to Duncan Campbell in 1511. In turn his son also called Finlay MacNab the sixth "laird" mortgaged a great portion of his lands to Campbell of Glenorchy, ancestor of the Marquis of Breadalbane, as appears by a charter to "Colin Campbell of Glenorchy, his heirs and assignees whatever, according to the deed granted to him by Finlay Macnab of Bovain, 24th November 1552, of all and sundry the lands of Bovain and Ardchyle, &c, confirmed by a charter under the great seal from Mary, dated 27th June 1553". Glenorchy's right of superiority the Macnabs always refused to acknowledge.

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.

Clan Conflicts and the 17th Century:

the 7th laird was also called Finlay MacNab who lived during the reign of King James IV of Scotland. This chief enterd a bond of friendship with his cousin Lauchlin MacKinnion of Strathairdle from Clan MacKinnion on the 12th July 1606. This chief carried on the deadly feud with the Clan Neish or MacNeish. The Clan Neish were also sometimes known as the M'llduys who possessed lands in the upper part of Strathearn and inhabited the lower part of Loch Earn which they called Neish Island. Battle of Glenboultachen, Many battles were fought between the MacNabs and Neishes with various success. The last battle between them was fought at Glenboultachan where the MacNabs were victorious. The Neishes were killed almost to a man. However some Neishes survived and continued to live on which they called Neish Island. The Neishes continued to plunder the neighbourhood and feuds continued. One Christmas the chief of MacNabs sent his servant to Crieff for provisions however on his return he was attacked and robbed of all provisions. He survived and returned empty handed to the MacNab chief. The chief had twelve sons who were all men of great strength but one above all was exceedingly athletic and the strongest of them all. He was called in gaelic "Iain mion Mac an Appa" of "Smooth John MacNab". The brothers set out carrying on their shoulders a fishing boat. They arrived at Loch Earn where they launched the boat and passed over to Neish Island. Smooth John MacNab kicked open the door of the Neishes house, the MacNabs killed all of the Neishes who were taken by surprise. However two Neishes, a man and a boy survived by hiding under a bed. Carrying off the heads of the Neishes, and any plunder they could secure, the youths presented themselves to their father, while the piper struck up the pibroch of victory.

Civil War:

During the Civil War the Clan MacNab supported the Royalist cause of King Charles I. The MacNabs arre known to have fought in support of James Clan Graham the Marquess of Montrose. The MacNab chief with his clan are known to have fought bravely at the Battle of Kilsyth where they were victorious. As a result the MacNab chief was put in command of the Royalist garrison at Kincardine Castle. The castle was then besieged by a a Convenanting force commanded by General David Leslie of the Clan Leslie. MacNab found that it would not be possible to maintain defense and during the night, sword in hand at the head of 300 men they cut their way through the besieging force. All made it through apart from the MacNab chief himself and one other man who were captured and sent to Edinburgh as prisoners of war. The chief was sentenced to death but he escaped and rejoined King Charles and continued to fight. Smooth John MacNab who was now much older, was finally killed when he led a number of MacNabs at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The clans lands were again ravaged this time by Conveaters and the clan history and papers were again lost. The chief of the Macnabs married a daughter of Campbell of Glenlyon, and with one daughter had a son, Alexander Macnab, ninth laird, who was only four years old when his father was killed on Worcester battle field. His mother and friends applied to General Monk for some relief from the family estates for herself and children. That general made a favourable report on the application, but it had no effect.

Jacobite Uprisings:

During the jacobite uprisings part of the Clan MacNab supported the British Government. The MacNab chief John MacNab held a commison in the British Black Watch Regiment and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Prestonpans where he remained until after the Battle of Culloden. Another branch of MacNabs supported the Jacobites and the House of Stuart, they were led by Allister MacNab of Inshewan and Archibald MacNab of Acharne.

Septs of Clan MacNab:

Septs of Clan MacNab include: Clan Dewar. Abbot. Abbotson. Gilfillan. Macandeoir.

Clan MacNaghten:

Origin of name:

The earliest reference to the Clan MacNaughton or MacNaughten is in connection with great Pictish rulers of Moray. The name 'Nechten' which means "pure" or "clear" was popular in the Pictish royal line. The originator of the clan is believed to have been "Nechtan Mor" who lived in the 10th Century.

14th Century & Robert the Bruce:

During the 14th Century the MacNaughtens were opposed to Robert the Bruce and his claim to the thrown of Scotland, however he did eventually become King Robert I of Scotland. As a result the MacNaughten's forfeited many of their lands. the Clan MacNaughten also fought against Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Dalree in 1306. The fortunes of the clan were restored however when King David II of Scotland granted them lands in Lewis.

16th Century:

In the sixteenth century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan MacNaughten led by Chief Alistair MacNaughten, who was knighted by King James IV of Scotland fought at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. However the Chief was killed during the course of the battle.

17th Century & Civil War:

In the 17th century during the Civil War Chief John MacNaughten and his clan were Royalist supporters. The MacNaughtens had a strong force and joined King James VII's general the Viscount Dundee and is said to have taken a leading part when the Clan MacNaughten were victorious at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

Septs of Clan MacNaghten:

Ayson (Mac)Coll (Mac)Cracken (Mac)Hendry (Mac)Henrie (Mac)Kendrick (Mac)Knight (Mac)Nair(y) (Mac)Nayer (Mac)Neid (Mac)Portland (Mac)Quake(r) (Mac)Rac(k) (Mac)Racken (Mac)Nutt (Mac)Vicar(s) (Mac)Vicker(s) Mannis(e) Porter Weir

Clan MacNaughton :

Origins of the Clan:

The earliest reference to the Clan MacNaughton or MacNaughten is in connection with great Pictish rulers of Moray. The name 'Nechten' which means "pure" or "clear" was popular in the Pictish royal line. The originator of the clan is believed to have been "Nechtan Mor" who lived in the 10th Century.

14th Century and Robert the Bruce:

During the 14th Century the MacNaughtens were opposed to Robert the Bruce and his claim to the thrown of Scotland, however he did eventually become King Robert I of Scotland. As a result the MacNaughten's forfeited many of their lands. The Clan MacNaughten also fought against Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Dalree in 1306. The fortunes of the clan were restored however when King David II of Scotland granted them lands in Lewis.

16th Century and Anglo Scottish Wars:

In the sixteenth century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan MacNaughten led by Chief Alistair MacNaughten, who was knighted by King James IV of Scotland fought at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. However the Chief was killed during the course of the battle.

17th Century & Civil War:

In the 17th century during the Civil War Chief John MacNaughten and his clan were Royalist supporters. The MacNaughtens had a strong force and joined King James VII's general the Viscount Dundee and is said to have taken a leading part when the Clan MacNaughten were victorious at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

Septs of Clan MacNaghten:

Ayson (Mac)Coll (Mac)Cracken (Mac)Hendry (Mac)Henrie (Mac)Kendrick (Mac)Knight (Mac)Nair(y) (Mac)Nayer (Mac)Neid (Mac)Portland (Mac)Quake(r) (Mac)Rac(k) (Mac)Racken (Mac)Nutt (Mac)Vicar(s) (Mac)Vicker(s) Mannis(e) Porter Weir

Clan MacNeacail :

Origins of the Clan :

Originally known as Mackrycul and then MacNicol and then later MacNeacil. The origin of the name Mac Neacail in (Gaelic means "Son of Nicol". The MacNeacils are believed to be of Norse and Viking origin with their name also being frequent in Scandinavia. It is believed that the MacNeacails formed part of two large Viking bands which ravaged the east coast of England and formed colonies under the names of Nicholl and Nicholson in Northumberland and Cumberland. They also spread to the area in Scotland now known as Argyll and are said to have sent warriors to participate in the tribal wars in Ireland. Some members of the clan settled in the north of Ireland where their descendants can still be found today. The first MacNeacail chief on record in Scotland was John, son of Neacal in the early fourteenth century. He appears in the company of leading Hebridean chiefs, Macdonald, Macdougald and Macruairi, descendants of Somerled, who had wrested control of the southern Hebrides.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

in the 14th century during the Scottish Wars of Independence the Clan MacNeacil fought against the English for King Robert I of Scotland at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

15th Century:

The Clan MacNeacail are known to have supported the Clan Donald and their chief who was Lord of the Isles. The MacNeacils were considerd important enough to sit on the MacDonald's council.

Septs of Clan MacNeacail:

Nicolson Nicholson MacNicol Nicol Nicoll Nichol Nicolls Nicholls Nickel Nickell

Clan MacNeil of Barra :

MacNeil History:

The Clan MacNeill were among the tribes of the Lords of the Isles, and its heads appear to have been of Norse or Danish origin. Mr. Thomas Smibert, Esq., in his authored works, The Clans of the Highlands of Scotland, being an Account of their Annals, Separately & Collectively, with Delineations of their Tartans, and Family Arms, observed “... the Clan MacNeil, is one of the best known of all, though never one of the most powerful in point of mere numbers. The first of the Macneil chieftains, it is said, appears in the authentic records of the fifteenth century, and was then lord of a strong castle and other property in Knapdale, on the mainland of Argylshire. As this castle was named Castle Sween - plainly a Norse term - it seems to us probable that the family of the Macneils had either been installed in some of the possessions of the Norwegian colonists - since the isles and coasts of the west were at the very date ceded, and in part evacuated, by the rovers from the north of Europe - or, as it is not less possible, that the Macneils were themselves in part of Norse descent, and kept their lands permanently. The arguments used relatively to the Macleods apply so far, in short, to the Macneils. The clan, it must always be held in mind, was in any case largely Gaelic to a certainty. We speak of the fundamental line of the chiefs mainly, when we say that the Macneils, like the Macleods, appear to have at least shared in the blood of the old Scandinavian inhabitants of the western islands. The names of those of the race first found in history are partly indicative of such a lineage. The Isle of Barra, and certain lands in Uist, were chartered to a Macneil in 1427; and, in 1472, a charter of the Macdonald family is witnessed by Hector Mactorquil Macneil, keeper of Castle Sween. The Clan MacNeil fought at the Battle of Glenlivet in 1594.

Septs of Clan MacNeil:

(Mac)Grail (Mac)Gougan (Mac)Gu(i)gan (Mac)Neal(e) (Mac)Neilage (Mac)Neill (Mac)Nelly McNeal [Americanized] Neil(son) Nelson

Clan Macpherson :

Origin of name:

The name Macpherson -- or MacPherson or McPherson, according to different spellings -- comes from the Gaelic Mac a' Phearsain and means 'Son of the Parson'. The Parson in question was Muriach, a 12th century parson, or lay preacher, of Kingussie in Badenoch. Historically, the term 'parson' (in the Gaelic pearsain or pears-eaglais literally 'person of the church') had a different meaning. Before the Reformation in Highland Scotland, the religious leader of a parish was the priest and the parson was the steward of church property, responsible for the collection of tithes.

History:

The history of Clan Macpherson has been called "The Posterity of the Three Brethren" as the three grandsons of Muriach are the antecedents of the three main clan families, Cluny, Pitmain and Invereshie. For many centuries, the Macphersons have been a leading clan in the Clan Chattan Confederation along with Clan MacKintosh, Clan Shaw and others. Although the Macphersons have a strong claim to the Chattan lineage, they have been unsuccessful in wresting control of the Clan Chattan from the MacKintosh. Today, the clans cooperate closely in the Clan Chattan Association, where John MacKintosh, chief of Clan MacKintosh, is president and Sir William Macpherson, chief of Clan Macpherson, is vice president of the association along with allied clan chiefs.

14th Century:

In the 14th century that Macphersons were partly responsible for the defeat of Clan Comyn, the enemies of Robert I of Scotland, at Badenoch. Battle of Invernahoven 1370 or 1387. The Clan Cameron 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 Clan MacKintosh. 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.

Jacobite Uprisings:

During the 1745 Jacobite Rising the chief of the clan, Ewan of Cluny, raised a force of 400 men to aid Charles Edward Stuart. Charles was urged to wait for Cluny, who was engaged in operation in Atholl, before the Battle of Culloden. He did not and the men of Macpherson took no part in the famous defeat. The regiment was disbanded and Ewan went into hiding. A reward of 1000 pounds was placed on his head, but he was never captured in the nine years he spent in hiding. In 1755 he fled for France. During his time in hiding, his wife, Janet, gave birth to their son. The child was born in a corn kiln, earning him the nickname 'Duncan of the Kiln'. During his time hiding in and around the clan seat at Laggan, Macpherson had many hiding places made for him. One of these was Cluny's Cage, which featured in "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson, a heather hut on the slopes of Ben Alder. In another story Cluny was staying at Dalchully House in a bolt hole in the East wing when he was caught outside by Colonel Munro, the very man charged with searching for him. Since the two men had never met Cluny calmly held the Colonel's horse whilst the soldier went inside the house. It is claimed that he was given a penny for his trouble. Another of the famous hiding places is Cluny's Cave high on the crags of Craig Dubh between Newtonmore and Laggan, this cave is nolonger accessible without expert assistance.

Associated Families:

Allison Archibald Cattanach Carson Chlerich Clark Clarke Clarkson Clerk Clooney Clunie Cluny Currie Currier Curry Ellis Ellison Ferson Gillespie Gillies Gillis Goudey Goudie Gow Gowan Keith Leary Lees MacCarson MacChlery MacClair MacCleary MacCleish MacClerich MacClooney MacCloonie MacCluney MacClunie MacCluny MacCurrach MacCurrie MacCurry MacGillies MacGouen MacGoun MacGow MacGowen MacKeith MacLear MacLeary MacLees MacLeish MacLerie MacLierich MacLise MacLory MacMurdo MacMurdoch MacMurdock MacMurich MacVail MacVurich MacVurrich Murdaugh Murdo Murdoch Murdock Murdoson Pearson Person Smith

Clan MacTavish :

Origin of name:

The Gaelic name for the Clan was MacTamhais (pronounced MacTavis or MacTavish - the "mh" in Gaelic pronounced as the "v" in the word very). The literal translation of MacTamhais is "Son of Thammais" (Son of Thomas). In old charters, the name had many variant spellings. Some spellings found within the Charters of the Commons of Knapdale and Argyll appear as MacAvis, MacCamis, McCawis, McKavis, McKnavis, M'Ash, MacAnish, and MavTavifh, to give but a few. It seems that from the end of the 1600's, the spelling "MacTavish" and/or "Thom(p)son" were the most common, both spellings (MacTavish and Thomson) often appearing for the same individual(s) within the same historical document. From an unbroken line dating back to the early 12th century, Clan MacTavish (Clan Tavish) begin with the birth of Taus Coir to the daughter of Suibhne Ruadh (Sween the Red of Castle Sween) and Colin Mael Maith (Clan MacDuine) circa 1100-1105. The line that Taus was born into was an illustrious one, with the family of Suibhne descending from the Kings of Ireland and Scotland; and Colin Mael Maith being of Clan MacDuine and a close friend and follower of Alexander I of Scotland. From Taus Coir, descended the three families of MacTavish of Dun-ArdRigh (meaning fort or castle of the High King) in Knapdale, of Scannish in Cowall, and of Rudal or Rua-huilh in Glasserie. A Timothy Pont 1634 map marks the castellated building of Dunardry. Anyone traveling by the Crinan Canal and passing through Dunardry Lock is within a short distance of the site on which this castellated building stood.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

In the 16th century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan MacTavish fought at the Battle of Flodden Field, 9th September 1513, the Scots Army faced the English, and many of Scotland's Nobles and Chiefs lost their lives with King James IV. Chief Ewin MacCawes (MacTavish) was on of those.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

In 1715 the Jacobite cause saw its first failed attempt to place the Stuarts back on the throne of Scotland and England. During this time Chief Archibald MacTavish was sympathetic to the Jacobite cause but took no action to support either the Government or the Joacobites. Sympathies strengthened in the 1745 Jacobite Rising, when many of the Lieges of North Knapdale supported Prince Charles Edward Stuart, often referred to as "Bonnie Prince Charlie." Numerous Highland and Lowland Clans were preparing to join the Prince in his quest when he landed on Scottish soil in July 1745. At this time Argyll had asked his kinsman, John Campbell, Sheriff of Stonefeld, to request of Dugald MacTavish of Dunadarie, Younger, to keep alert for anything pertaining to the Younger Pretender's movements and the Jacobites. Young Dugald found this to be a most distasteful request and did not oblige Campbell. Adjacent to the Lands of Dunardarie was, Achnabreack, the lands of Sir James Campbell who was a great friend to the MacTavish Chief (Archibald), and was also a Jacobite sympathizer; he was very "anti" Campbell of Argyll in thought. Unknown to both Sir James and to Dugald MacTavish, Younger, the Duke of Argyll had installed a servant in the house of Sir James, as a spy. This servant intercepted four letters written to Sir James Campbell from Dugald MacTavish, Younger, of Dunardarie, making arrangements and plans for raising their men to join Prince Charles's Jacobite army. When Argyll received these letters from the servant, he sent the Sheriff of Stonefield, to confront Chief Archibald MacTavish of Dunardarie and Dugald MacTavish, Younger. Dugald admitted to writing the letters as, "these are of my hand." A warrant was issued, and Dugald MacTavish, Younger, was arrested for treasonable acts against the Crown, and transported to Dunbarton Prison, September 1745. The Duke of Argyll hoped this would put an end to the Jacobite plotting in Knapdale. He took no action at this time against Sir James, no doubt because Sir James was titled and a Campbell kinsman. However, the Duke took measures against Sir James after the Battle of Culloden, the finale of the 1745 Rising. A tremendously large request of funds was demanded from Sir James Campbell of Achnabreack as part of his "contribution" to the costs incurred by the Campbells of Argyll for placing the Argyll troops at Culloden. The Duke of Argyll knew well that Sir James Campbell of Achnabreack could never pay this amount. The Lands of the House of Campbell of Achnabreack were sold at public auction to pay the debt; and the "House of Campbell of Achnabreack" was no more. Dugald was released in the General Pardon in 1747 and upon the death of his father, became Dugald MacTavish of Dunardarie. He later bought Lot #4 of Achnabreack land, which was the area of Inverlussa and adjoined the border of Dunardarie lands. Due to the fact that Dugald, the Younger, was imprisoned at in September of 1745 and that the Chief (Archibald) was quite elderly, during the 1745 Jacobite Rising, some of the MacTavishes fought within the ranks of their neighbor, MacIntosh. Stories abound that many of the clan simply made their way to join Prince Charlie's ranks and were never formally enlisted in the Stuart cause. For this reason there are few instances of the MacTavish or Thomsons being noted as Jacobite soldiers, as they came and went of their own accord, having no formal leadership from within their own clan. On 16 April 1746 at the Battle of Culloden, the Jacobite army was defeated by a much larger force of the British government army (5000 fighting for Prince Charles and 9000 fighting for the government). On that day, the Jacobite army of Prince Charles lost the battle, and the fate of the Jacobite cause was sealed.

The Highland Clearances:

Unfortunately, after Culloden, some Jacobite Highland Chiefs treated their own clansmen very badly transporting their Clan members off their land and, indeed, from their country. This was the period known as the Highland Clearances. The MacTavish Chiefly line, still seated in Dunardarie with their clansmen, were not involved in the "clearing" of their own kin, and no MacTavishes were put off the lands. After Culloden, many more of the MacTavish started to use the Thom(p)son spelling, for it was not healthy to be known as a "Mac." Use of an obvious Gaelic name, like MacTavish, could draw a suspicious scrutiny as a Jacobite sympathizer. Taking an "Englished" spelling of the name was believed to lessen such suspicion, and hopefully avoid trouble. Many MacTavish kin scattered to the border country, to Ireland and to the New World. The Chiefly line of MacTavish, however, retained the name MacTavish and remained seated at Dunardry. If there was one advantage in Dugald MacTavish, the younger, being incarcerated in Dunbarton Prison, it was that the MacTavishes kept their lands without penalty. However, if Clan MacTavish had attended at Culloden as a Clan, the clan land might have been forfeited. It is of interest to note that the Duke of Argyll, the same man who had Dugald arrested in 1747, was advised by King George III (in the 1750s) to place Dugald MacTavish as Argyll's Chamberlain and Bailie of the area. One of Dugald's first cases in this position was between the Duke of Argyll and a young woodsman who worked for Argyll. The Duke of Argyll lost his case.

Septs of MacTavish:

Cash, MacCash, MacCavish, MacComb, MacLehose, MacTavish, MacThom, MacThomas, Stephen(son), Steven(son), Tais, Taws, Tawseon, Thom, Thomas, Thomason, Thompson, Thomson, Tod(d) and all variant spellings.

Clan MacThomas :

Origin of name:

From ancient times, the MacThomas families were a sept of the Clan Chattan. By the 15th century the Clan Chattan had become too large to be effectively managed as a single clan. Consequently, Tomaidh Mor (Great Tommy), a greatgrandson of the 8th Chief of the Clan Chattan, William MacKintosh, left the familial lands at Badenoch, which Chattan had recently wrested from Clan Comyn, with his kinsmen and followers, crossing the Grampians to settle in Glenshee. They flourished there, becoming an independent clan named "MacTomaidh" after Great Tommy, though maintaining very close ties with the other clans stemming from Chattan.

Variations and septs:

The pronunciation of the original Gaelic form "MacThomaidh" (IPA: /makʰ homaɣ/ or /makʰ homih/) has led to various renderings in English, the most common of which are McComie, McComas and McCombie. However, the official name of the clan is "MacThomas", although comparatively few of its members ever carried that name. Other variations and septs include McComb, McCombs, McOmie, McThomas, Thom, Thomas, Thoms, Thomson.