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Clan MacDonell of Glengarry

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MacDonell of Glengarry
Clann Dòmhnaill Ghlinne Garaidh[1]
Crest: A raven Proper perching on a rock Azure
MottoCreagan an Fhitich (The Rock of the Raven)[2]
SloganPer mare per terras (By sea and by land)[3]
Profile
RegionScottish Highlands
DistrictRoss-shire
Inverness-shire
Plant badgeCommon Heath[2]
Pipe musicGlengarry's March[4]
Chief
Colin Patrick MacDonell of Glengarry
The 24th Chief of Glengarry (Mac Mhic Alasdair)
Historic seatStrome Castle
Invergarry Castle
Septs of MacDonell of Glengarry
Alastair, Alexander, Allister, Carroon, Chomghain, Cowan, Cunningham, Greenfield, Kennedy, MacAlasdair, MacCowan, MacGillies, MacIlchomhghain, MacInnes, MacIntyre, MacIver, MacLellan, MacPhail, MacWalrick, Sanders, Saunders, Sanderson[5]
Clan branches
MacDonells of Glengarry (chiefs)[6]
McDonells of Barrisdale[6]
MacDonalles of Knoydart[6]
MacDonells of Greenfield[6]
MacDonells of Lundie[6]
MacDonells of Scotus
MacDonells of Ardnabie
MacDonells of Invergarry
MacDonells of Leek
MacDonells of Lochgarry
Allied clans
Rival clans

Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, also known as Clan Ranald of Knoydart & Glengarry (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Dòmhnaill Ghlinne Garaidh) is a Highland Scottish clan and is a branch of the larger Clan Donald.[6][7] The clan takes its name from River Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen about 16 miles (25 km) north of Fort William, Highland.[8] The progenitor of the MacDonells of Glengarry is Reginald, 4th great-grandson of the warrior Somerled. The clan chief is traditionally designated as the "Son of Alexander's son" (Scottish Gaelic: Mac Mhic Alasdair).[9][10][11]

The MacDonells of Glengarry have historically possessed land holdings in the districts of Ross-shire and Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands. Their territories occasionally resulted in land disputes with other clans, most notably Clan Mackenzie. The clan supported the House of Stuart during the Jacobite rebellions, pledging their allegiance to the Jacobite cause. After the Jacobite Uprisings, the clan suffered during the Highland Clearances.[8] As the result of the Clearances, members of the clan emigrated to other parts of the world, specifically to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States of America.

Clan MacDonell of Glengarry has a chief that is recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon, and the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is the heraldic authority in Scotland.

History of the MacDonells of Glengarry

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R.R. McIan's Victorian era romanticised depiction of a Macdonald, lord of the Isles.

Origins

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Further information: Clan Donald and Lord of the Isles

The MacDonells of Glengarry are one of the branch clans of Clan Donald—one of the largest Scottish clans. The eponymous ancestor of Clan Donald is Donald, son of Reginald, son of Somerled. Somerled, son of Gillebride was a 12th-century leader, styled as "King of the Isles" and "King of Argyll".[12] Through ambitious military conquest, Somerled rose in prominence to create the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. However, his origins and ancestry are rather obscure.[13] Glengarry is located in Lochaber, which was part of the ancient Kingdom of Moray that was ruled by the Picts.[6] King Robert the Bruce, after the victory of Bannockburn, granted a charter of many lands to Aonghus Óg of Islay, including half the Lordship of Lochaber.[14] Angus Og's son John was the first Lord of the Isles. John's first marriage was to Amie MacRuari, heiress of Clann Ruaidhrí. John later divorced Amie and married Margaret, daughter of King Robert II. The children from John's first marriage were passed over in the main succession and the chiefship of Clan Donald and the later Macdonald Lords of the Isles would go on to descend from John's second marriage.[15] The MacDonells of Glengarry and MacDonalds of Clanranald both descend from John and Amie's eldest son, Reginald.

14th century

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Reginald, 1st of Clanranald and Glengarry succeeded through his mother Amie MacRuari in the majority of the old lands of Clann Ruaidhrí.[16] Reginald married Lady Fiona Stewart, a daughter of Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl.[17] Reginald himself had five sons.[6] One of them was Alan, the progenitor of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald and another was Donald, 2nd of Glengarry.[6] Little or nothing is known of Donald, however, an account was given in which the lands of Glengarry were returned to the control of the Scottish crown. These lands became a royal forest and were associated with Inverlochy Castle, which was a residence for the monarchy at that time. Meanwhile, the MacDonells of Glengarry were tenants of the crown. Over time, the clan managed to secure a crown charter, granting them legal ownership of the Glengarry lands that were originally taken away from them by their feudal superior, Godfrey of Garmoran, despite Godfrey never questioning the claims of Donald to the Lordship of the Isles.[18] Donald married twice: firstly Laleve, daughter of the chief of Clan MacIver, by whom he had one son named John.[6] Donald married secondly a daughter of the chief of the Clan Fraser of Lovat by whom he had two more sons, Alexander and Angus.[6] Donald died in Lochaber in 1420, was buried at Rollaig Orain, and succeeded by his son.

The first son, John 3rd of Glengarry, died without heirs and was therefore succeeded by his half-brother Alexander "of the Woods", 4th chief of Glengarry, progenitor of Glengarry.[6] Alexander is sometimes considered the first true chief of Glengarry but is usually regarded as the fourth of Glengarry. From Alexander, the clan takes the Gaelic patronymic of Mac Mhic Alasdair, meaning "son of the son of Alexander".[6][10]

15th century

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The MacDonells of Glengarry resided in the glens near Loch Garry.
Ruins of Strome Castle, the original seat of the chiefs of the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry.

According to Angus and Archibald MacDonald, the family seanachie MacVuirich recorded a death account of Alexander "of the Woods", who is referred to as "a powerful, bold, warlike Lord of the Clanranald", who died on the Isle of Abbas in 1460; However, due to the contemporary records being referenced by the Crown holding unto their lands, there is no mention of his territorial magnate.[19]

His successor, John MacAlister Ranaldsoune, 5th of Glengarry, inherited the lands of Glengarry from his father. The clan was part of the MacDonalds of Clanranald around this time, and took part in several battles, including supporting Aonghas Óg and his claim to the Lordship of the Isles from his father at the Battle of Bloody Bay. Sometime after, John MacAlister supported Aonghas Óg at the Battle of Lagabraad against Clan Mackenzie in order to acquire lands in the Earldom of Ross, which resulted in a victory for Clan Donald.[20] John Ranaldsoune was killed by Fraser of Lovat after being invited to a "friendly" interview with him in Achteraw in Abertarff, Inverness-shire in 1501. This resulted in a conflict between the MacDonells of Glengarry and the Frasers of Lovat, in which the Frasers were defeated and surrendered the lands of Abertarff to Glengarry.[21] According to A and A MacDonald, proceedings were initiated by Alexander MacIain of Glengarry before the Lords of Council against the murderers of his father.[21]

Alexander Ranaldson, 6th of Glengarry, was considered to be a rebellious chief. The MacDonells of Glengarry did not play an important part in the politics of Clan Donald until the late 15th century.[6] Traditional rights of the chiefs were being replaced with feudal relationships in which the Crown was the ultimate superior, as part of the royal policy to pacify the Scottish Highlands, including taking charters from lands formerly held by the Lords of the Isles.[6] The lands of Glengarry were leased to the Earl of Huntly, and the Camerons of Lochiel.[22] Most of the chiefs submitted to James IV of Scotland, and even the MacDonalds of Clanranald accepted charters in 1494.[6] Alexander Ranaldson did not receive a charter, suggesting that he continued to have a rebellious attitude at this time after the fall of the Lords of the Isles. In response, James IV tasked the Earl of Huntly and the Duke of Argyll in carrying out his policy in dividing the territories that once belonged to the Lordship of the Isles for their own holdings for their own clan lands.[22] Alexander Ranaldson married a daughter of MacDonald of Lochalsh, who was a descendant of King Robert II of Scotland.[23]

16th century

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A visualization of the heraldric arms for the chiefs of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry (1875).[24]

In 1501, Alexander Ranaldson was summoned for occupying Morar lands without a title, while the Earl of Huntly's son was granted part of Glengarry. Ranaldson rebelled by supporting Domhnall Dubh’s insurrection but didn't participate directly. In 1510, James IV granted more of Glengarry to the Earl of Huntly. After James's death at Battle of Flodden, Ranaldson backed Donald Gallda’s claim as Lord of the Isles, leading to clashes with Clan Grant and the invasion of Urquhart Castle. After failed rebellions, Ranaldson submitted to the Crown and was pardoned in 1531. In 1539, he received a Crown charter for Glengarry, Morar, and other lands but continued efforts to reclaim the Lordship of the Isles. He supported Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat’s failed rebellion, but was later imprisoned by James V in 1542. Clan MacDonell of Glengarry supported Clan Cameron in their Raids of Urquhart in October 1544 and April 1545. The chief of Clan Grant petitioned to the Scottish monarchy for protection from the incursions of Lochiel and Glengarry. In return, King James VI issued letters to various chiefs in Lochaber, including the chiefs of Clan Mackintosh and Clan Mackenzie, charging them to defend the lands of the Grants in March of 1567.[25] Alexander Ranaldson was also present at the Battle of the Shirts, supporting John Moidartach and the MacDonalds of Clanranald and Clan Cameron against Clan Fraser of Lovat. It is said that only eight MacDonalds and five Frasers survived the battle.[26] Alexander Ranaldson soon died in 1560.[6]

Angus MacAlester, 7th of Glengarry, used his father-in-law, the chief of Clan Grant, to secure a charter from James VI of Scotland, reclaiming his ancestral lands in 1574.[6] A 1571 bond of manrent between MacAlester and Clan Grant included an exception recognizing the authority of Clanranald, implying Glengarry's acknowledgment of Clanranald as his chief.[27] The feud with Clan Mackenzie began in the late 16th century after MacAlester inherited lands in Wester Ross. The conflict escalated when two of his cousins burned a house of a murderer in Applecross, killing a Mackenzie, leading Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail to accuse the MacDonells of the murder to the Privy Council, prompting Angus MacAlester to flee Edinburgh.

Donald MacAngus, 8th of Glengarry, succeeded Angus, who was reputed to have lived over one hundred years.[6] In February 1576, Donald MacAngus successfully complained to the Privy Council after Hugh Fraser, 5th Lord Lovat blocked his timber transport on Loch Ness towards Inverness, and Lord Lovat was ordered not to interfere. Known for his law-abiding nature, Donald MacAngus sought protection from the Privy Council in 1577 when Colin Campbell, 6th Earl of Argyll, upon succeeding as chief of the Campbells in 1577, invaded and plundered the lands of the MacLeans and the MacDonalds, including making preparations for an invasion of the mainland, with the lands of Glengarry as his principle attack.[28] The Council declared Donald MacAngus a "good subject," prohibiting Argyll’s attack and rallying local clans to defend Glengarry, and forbidding any further attacks against Glengarry under pain of treason.[29] The Earl of Argyll conceded and abandoned his plans for invasion.[30]

17th century

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Kilfinnan Graveyard Old cemetery, located in the district of Lochaber. The stone mausoleum which stands in the centre of the graveyard is the property of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, (the clan's 15th chief was buried here in the early 18th century).[31]

In November 1601, Angus MacDonell, son of Donald MacAngus, led a raid on Mackenzie lands in Torridon. A complaint was filed with the Privy Council, but neither Angus nor his father appeared in court.[32] On 9 September 1602, Donald MacAngus was declared an outlaw. In response, the Council acquired Kenneth Mackenzie a commission of "fire and sword" against Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, and procured through the interest of the 1st Earl of Dunfermline by invading Glengarry's lands of Morar. Similarly, the MacDonells raided the Mackenzies of their cattle and wasted the lands of Lochalsh and Applecross. The escalation came to head at the Battle of Morar, which was fought in 1602 between the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry and Clan Mackenzie, with Clan Ross supporting the Mackenzies.[33] The Mackenzies laid siege to Strome Castle, causing the MacDonells to surrender, and the Mackenzies demolished the castle by gunpowder.[34] The clan soon built Invergarry Castle on Creagan an Fhithich – the Rock of the Raven – in the Great Glen. The conflict intensified when Glengarry allied with MacDonald of Moidart against the Mackenzies. While Kenneth Mackenzie sought support from Hector Og MacLean of Duart in Mull, Angus MacDonell raided Lochcarron, burning homes and killing Mackenzie inhabitants. The MacDonells loaded their boats with plunder, but the MacKenzies intercepted the MacDonells in small rowing boats on their way to the Isle of Skye, overturning the boat, and killing many men, including Angus. The survivors swam to the Isle of Skye and escaped, leaving their pillaged plunders behind.[35] The following year, Allan Dubh MacRanuil of Lundie launched a fiercer raid on the Mackenzies by burning their lands, destroying their crops, and finally burning an entire congregation of Mackenzie clansmen in the church in Kilchrist. According to tradition, a bagpiper for the MacDonells of Glengarry marched around the burning church playing a spirited tune, which was later known as "Cillechriost".[35][36][37][38] By this time, the Privy Council ordered both clans to cease hostilities and swear an oath to keep peace in the Highlands. By mutual consent, the MacDonells abandoned their inheritance of lands in Ross-shire, paying the Mackenzies a small feu in order to keep territorial possessions, leading to improved relations between the clans.[39] Donald MacAngus was later compensated with Knoydart from Clanranald in 1611 and engaged in cattle raids against Clan MacLeod of Lewis. In 1626, after disagreeing with Lord Ochiltree, the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, to discuss Royal policy for the Western Isles, he was briefly imprisoned but secured a charter in 1627, making Glengarry a free barony.[6]

A depiction of the coats of arms for MacDonell, Lord MacDonell and Aros, published in The Scots Peerage by Sir James Balfour Paul in 1904.[40]

When the Wars of the Three Kingdoms began in 1639, Donald MacAngus, too old to lead, passed his duties to his son, Aeneas, 9th of Glengarry.[6] A staunch Royalist, Aeneas fought under James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose in the 1644–1645 campaign, protecting him after the Battle of Philiphaugh. In 1645, Montrose's army defeated Argyll's Covenanters at the Battle of Inverlochy. In the aftermath, The Keppoch bard John MacDonald, known as Iain Lom, immortalized the battle in verse, taunting the defeated Campbells to retrieve their lost bonnets from the River Lochy and advising them to "take swimming lessons before returning to Glengarry". After Donald MacAngus's death in 1645, Aeneas continued serving the King, fighting in Confederate Ireland in 1647 with the army of Thomas Preston, 1st Viscount Tara. Captured and imprisoned in Kilkenny, he was later freed. After losing his Glengarry estates to Oliver Cromwell during the Protectorate, Aeneas regained them following the 1660 Restoration and was given the Jacobite title Lord MacDonell and Aros.[6] On 25 September 1663, Alexander MacDonald, 12th of Keppoch, and his brother Ranald were murdered in a brawl at Insch, near Roybridge, Lochaber, by Alexander MacDonald of Inverlair and his six sons. The murders stemmed from rival claims to the chieftainship of Clan MacDonald of Keppoch. Keppoch bard Iain Lom sought revenge but initially met with apathy from Aeneas. Two years later, the killers were hunted down and killed by men sent by MacDonald of Sleat. Iain Lom presented their severed heads at Invergarry Castle, an event known as the Keppoch murders. In 1665, a serious quarrel broke out between the MacDonells of Glengarry and the town of Inverness; a dispute led to an escalation resulting in several casualties. The MacDonells threatened revenge on the town due to their longstanding feud with the Mackintoshes, who were friendly with Inverness. The town sought support from neighboring Mackintoshes, while the MacDonells proposed a treaty with demanding conditions. The Privy Council ruled in favor of the MacDonells, ordering Inverness to pay Glengarry £4,800 in damages and fees, including the fees due to the surgeon who attended the wounded MacDonells.[41]

Aeneas produced neither male heirs, nor any eligible children, and the title died with him in 1680.[42] Ranald, 2nd of Scotus, and 10th of Glengarry succeeded as chief of Glengarry in 1680. When James II & VII was expelled in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Ranald was at this point an old man past active exertion. However, this did not stop him from acting as head of the Catholic Jacobite faction during the 1689 Jacobite rising. Ranald's son, Alastair Dubh MacDonell, acted on behalf of his father as chief and leader of the Glengarry clan.[43] The Scots Parliament confiscated Glengarry's lands, although the MacDonells continued to hold Invergarry Castle.[44] The clan, along with 2500 clansmen, fought under John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee at the Battle of Killiecrankie. During this time, the MacDonells of Glengarry, along with the MacDonalds of Glencoe began looting and raiding other neighboring clans, including the lands of Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. In his subsequent appeal for compensation, Robert Campbell of Glenlyon believed the Glengarry men to be the more culpable, making no mention of Glencoe.[45] By late 1691, Invergarry was closely besieged and the Scottish government was determined to "make an example" of the MacDonells. Ranald did not take the oath of allegiance to the new Williamite government until 4 February. John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair's letter to Campbell of Breadalbane on 2 December showed the decision to make an example of Glengarry was taken before the deadline for the oath, originally as a much bigger operation; "...the clan Donell must be rooted out and Lochiel. Leave the McLeans to Argyll...". However, after agreeing to pardon Ranald MacDonell of his treason, the Williamites switched targets to the MacDonalds of Glencoe, which resulted in the Massacre of Glencoe.[46]

18th century

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Clan tartan. Illustration by R. R. McIan from James Logan's The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, published in 1845.

Ranald died in 1705, and was succeeded by his second son, Alastair Dubh MacDonell, 1st of Titular, Lord MacDonald, and 11th of Glengarry, who has been described as "one of the most distinguished warriors of his day in the Highlands". Alastair Dubh and his father were among the first of the Highlanders who joined Viscount Dundee in the attempt to restore Prince James Francis Edward Stuart. Alastair Dubh took part in the Jacobite rising of 1715 on behalf of James Francis Edward Stuart, son of the disposed James VIII.[47] Alastair Dubh joined Viscount Dundee "on the appointed day" of 18 May 1689 in Lochaber, with 300 of his followers. Montrose wrote his famous letter to Clan MacLeod on 23 June 1689, in which he says "Glengaire gave me account of the subject of a letter he receaved from you; I shall only tell yow, that if you hasten not to land your men, I am of opinion you will have litle occasion to do the king great service".[48] When Ailean Dearg, the Chief of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald was mortally wounded at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, Alasdair Dubh rallied the faltering warriors of Clan Donald by throwing up his blue bonnet and crying Buillean an-diugh, tuiream a-màireach! ("Blows today, mourning tomorrow!");[49][6] Although considered a victory, it was ineffective in restoring the Stuarts to the British throne.[50] In 1716, James Francis Edward Stuart issued a warrant for a patent of favour of Alasdair Dubh and his heirs, bestowing the title of Lord MacDonell in the Jacobite peerage.[6][51] General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men.[52] Alastair Dubh died at Invergarry in 1721, and was eulogized in the song-poem Alistair à Gleanna Garadh by his kinswoman Sìleas na Ceapaich, which hearkens back to the mythological poetry attributed to Amergin Glúingel and which remains an iconic and oft imitated work of Scottish Gaelic literature.[53] Alastair Dubh was succeeded by his eldest son, John.

John, 2nd Titular Lord MacDonald and 12th of Glengarry, became chief and secured a charter for Knoydart from John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll in 1724. Although John did not actively participate in the Jacobite rising of 1745, Aeneas, Alasdair Dubh's second son, fought in the rebellion. Glengarry's Regiment were involved in many battles, including the Highbridge Skirmish, which was the first engagement between Government and Jacobite troops. The regiment also fought at the Clifton Moor Skirmish and the Battle of Prestonpans, a Jacobite success. However, Aeneas was accidentally shot after the regiment's engagement at Falkirk and died three days later.[54] He was replaced by his kinsman, Donald MacDonnell of Lochgarry, who lead the Glengarry regiment at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746, under the command of James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth. Glengarry's numbered up to 530, the largest in the entire Jacobite army.[55] During the battle, the MacDonald regiments were located on the extreme left wing of the Jacobite army, instead of their preferred place on the right wing. According to legend, these regiments refused to charge when ordered to do so, due to the perceived insult of being placed on the left wing.[56] The Glengarry regiment disbanded in May 1746 after their defeat at Culloden. Charles Edward Stuart sought shelter at Invergarry Castle by way of Fort Augustus. At that time, the castle was deserted and lacked basic necessities such as furniture and provisions. After Charles left to hide in the moors of the Highlands, Invergarry Castle was afterwards plundered and burnt to the ground by Cumberland's troops.[57] Aeneas's elder brother Alastair Ruadh, later 13th of Glengarry, was captured in November 1745 by a Royal Navy frigate while travelling from France to join in the Jacobite Rising. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, he was released in 1747 and at some point became a Hanoverian mole inside the Jacobite Movement, with devastating results.[58] While his motivations are still disputed, Scottish historian Andrew Lang confirmed that Alistair Ruadh was in fact 'Pickle the Spy' in 1747.[59]

19th century to modern day

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Alexander Ranaldson MacDonell of Glengarry, ca 1812.
Invergarry Castle is the traditional seat of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, and home to the chiefs of the MacDonells until 1746 when the British Government partially destroyed the castle under the orders of the Duke of Cumberland.

The Highland Clearances of the early 19th century forced the majority of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry into exile; most settled in Glengarry County, Ontario and parts of Nova Scotia.[60] The most systematic evictions were ordered by the 15th chief, Alexander Ranaldson MacDonell of Glengarry, who was allegedly the model for the haughty and flamboyant Scottish clan chief Fergus MacIvor in Walter Scott's 1814 novel, Waverley. In June 1815, Glengarry formed the Society of True Highlanders, a rival to the Celtic Society of Edinburgh, reflecting the strong sense of Highland identity and pride that characterized the time; he was closely involved in arguments over precedence before, during, and after George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822. The occasion is best remembered for popularizing the idea of tartans and traditional Highland dress.

His kinsman Fr. Alexander MacDonell (1762–1840) became a Catholic priest in Lochaber. In 1794, during the French Revolutionary Wars, Fr. MacDonell became the first Catholic military chaplain in post-Reformation British military history after helping to raise the Glengarry Fencibles, which was disbanded in 1804. Father MacDonell accompanied his clansmen to Glengarry County, Ontario, where he helped resurrect the regiment for active service in the War of 1812. In 1826, he was appointed first Bishop of the local Diocese of Kingston. Sir James MacDonell, brother of the 14th Chief of Glengarry, fought under Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, winning glory for the clan at the Battle of Waterloo during the Napoleonic Wars.[35] The Duke of Wellington awarded him £1000 for his part in the battle calling him "the bravest man in the British Army". General MacDonell insisted on splitting this money with his sergeant, James Graham.

Aneas Ranaldson, 16th of Glengarry sold his estate and, along with a significant portion of his clan, departed and emigrated to Australia in 1840. This event caught the attention of contemporary publications, "We cannot regard the expatriation of the head of an old Highland family, with its clan associations, its pipe music, and its federal recollections, from the battle of Inverlochy downwards, without some regret and emotion".[61] The departure marked a significant change for the clan and its longstanding connections to their ancestral lands, evoking a sense of sentimentality and reflection. Aneas Ranaldson later returned to Knoydart where he died in 1851.[61]

The 17th chief of Glengarry, Alexander Ranaldson, also returned from Australia, but later sold his estate to the Marquess of Huntly and emigrated with his sons to New Zealand where he later died in 1862.[35] He was succeeded by his younger brother, Charles Ranaldson, 18th chief of Glengarry, but died on his way home from New Zealand, rendering the chief line from the 11th chief of Glengarry, Alasdair Dubh, extinct.[62] However, he was "posthumously" succeeded by his distant relative, Aneas Ranald, 19th of Glengarry through the Scotus branch, thus continuing the chief succession of the clan.[62][63]

Aeneas Ranald Wesdrop, 10th of Titular, 20th chief was educated at Eton College, and entering upon a commercial career, he was latterly connected with New Zealand Midland Railway Company, a well-known oil producer in London and Moscow.[64] Aeneas died at in Chelsea in 1901 and was succeeded by his son. Aeneas Ranald MacDonell, 11th of Titular, 21st chief. Aeneas was educated at St Paul's School, London, and was for a short time connected with the banking firm of Herries Farquhar & Company. During World War I, he was given the rank of Major and sent on a British military mission in Tbilisi, making the journey on a 36-hour train from Baku in December 1917.[65] Aneas Ranald Donald, 12th of Titular, 22nd chief succeeded as chief in 1941 and died in 1999. His brother, Aeneas Ranald Euan MacDonell, 13th of Titular, 23rd chief, succeeded him in 1999. Ranald MacDonell died in 2021, he was succeeded by his younger brother.[66]

The current chief is Colin Patrick MacDonell, 24th Chief of Glengarry, who lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The heir apparent is Angus Curt MacDonell, Younger of Glengarry.[67]

Castles

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After the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, Invergarry House replaced Invergarry Castle. In 1960, Invergarry House was reborn as the Glengarry Castle Hotel. It enjoys an enviable position overlooking Loch Oich, with the added attraction of the ruins of Invergarry Castle in the grounds.[68]

Castles that have been owned by Clan MacDonell of Glengarry include:

Clan profile

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According to W & A K Johnston's 1906 edition, this tartan was registered for Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. There is a sample certified by 'Glengarry' in the Highland Society of London collection from 1815 to 1816, although it is unknown whether the thread count is accurate.
  • Clan chief: Traditionally the chiefs of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry have been styled as "Mac Mhic Alasdair". The current chief of the clan is Colin Patrick MacDonell of Glengarry, who is the 24th chief of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. The current chief's sloinneadh (or pedigree) is: Colin Patrick 'ic Aonghas Raghnall 'ic Aonghas Raghnall Dòmhnall 'ic Aonghas Raghnall 'ic Aonghas Raghnall Westdrop 'ic Aonghas Raghnall 'ic Tearlach Mac Raghnuill 'ic Alasdair Mac Raghnuill 'ic Aonghas Mac Raghnuill 'ic Alasdair Fiadhaich 'ic Donnchadh Mac Aonghais 'ic Alasdair Ruadh Mac Dòmhnuill 'ic Iain Mac Alasdair Dubh 'ic Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne Garraidh 'ic Raghnuill 'ic Aonghas Mac Alasdair Dheirg 'ic Dòmhnall Mac Aonghais 'ic Aonghas Aluinn 'ic Alasdair Mac Iain Mhic Alasdair 'ic Iain Mac Alasdair 'ic Alasdair na Coille 'ic Iain Mhic Raghnuill 'ic Dòmhnall Mac Raghnuill 'ic Raghnall nan Eilein 'ic Eoin 'ic Aonghais Og 'ic Aonghais Mhor 'ic Domhnaill 'ic Ragnhaill 'ic Somhairle.
  • Chiefly arms: The current chief's coat of arms is blazoned: Or, an eagle displayed Gules surmounted of a lymphad Sable, her sails furled up and rigging proper, in the dexter chief point a dexter hand couped in fess of the Second and in the sinister a cross crosslet fitchee of the Third.  Above the Shield is placed a Helmet befitting his degree, with a Mantling Gules doubled Argent, and on a Wreath of his Liveries is set for Crest a raven proper perching on a rock Azure, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto CRAGAN AN FHITHICH; on a Compartment below the Shield are placed for Supporters two bears each having an arrow pierced through his body all proper, and in an Escrol entwined with the Compartment this Motto PER MARE PER TERRAS..[71][72]
  • Clan member's crest badge: The crest badge is suitable for members of the MacDonell of Glengarry clan to wear, which consists of the heraldic crest and slogan. The crest is: A raven Proper perching on a rock Azure. The slogan within the crest badge is CREAGAN AN FHITICH, which translates from Scottish Gaelic as "The Rock of the Raven".[73]
  • Clan badge: The clan badge or plant badge attributed to the clan is common heather. This plant is attributed to the other MacDonald clans and some other associated clans such as Clan MacIntyre and the Macqueens of Skye.[74]
  • Pipe music: The bagpipe tune Spaidsearachd Mhic Mhic Alasdair (translation from Scottish Gaelic: "Glengarry's March") is attributed to the clan.[73] Another pipe tune "Cillechriost" is also associated with the clan.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta" (docx). Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  2. ^ a b Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  3. ^ "Collins Scottish clan & family encyclopedia". 1994.
  4. ^ "The clans and tartans of Scotland". 1976.
  5. ^ Media, Colophon New. "Names and Families of Clan Donald". The High Council of Clan Macdonald.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 214–215. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
  7. ^ the clan ranald of knoydart & glengarry. 1979.
  8. ^ a b Mackenzie 1881.
  9. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. Inverness, The Northern Counties Publishing Company, ltd.
  10. ^ a b Lee, Henry James (1920). History of the clan Donald, the families of MacDonald, McDonald and McDonnell. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. New York, R.L. Polk and Company, Inc.
  11. ^ Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain (1982). The Highland Clans : the dynastic origins, chiefs and background of the clans and of some other families connected with Highland history. New York, N.Y.: C.N. Potter. ISBN 978-0-517-54659-8.
  12. ^ Brown 2004: p. 70.
  13. ^ Woolf, Alex (2005). "The origins and ancestry of Somerled: Gofraid mac Fergusa and 'The Annals of the Four Masters'" (PDF). University of St Andrews. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  14. ^ Lee, Henry James (1920). History of the clan Donald, the families of MacDonald, McDonald and McDonnell. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. New York, R.L. Polk and Company, Inc. pp. |page=56.
  15. ^ Eyre-Todd 1923, 2: pp. 269–270.
  16. ^ Macdonald; Macdonald 1900, 3: pp. 226–238.
  17. ^ Mackenzie 1881, p. 14.
  18. ^ Mackenzie 1881a, p. 53.
  19. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 370.
  20. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. Inverness, The Northern Counties Publishing Company, ltd. pp. |page=264.
  21. ^ a b Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 372.
  22. ^ a b Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. pp. 374–375.
  23. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. pp. |p=377.
  24. ^ Keltie, John Scott; Maclauchlan, Thomas; Browne, James; Wilson, John (1875). A history of the Scottish Highlands, Highland clans and Highland regiments. Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Library. Edinburgh ; London: Fullarton. p. 156. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  25. ^ Macdonald, A. (Angus); Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. National Library of Scotland. Inverness : The Northern Counties Publishing Company, Ltd. pp. p|=386.
  26. ^ Macdonald, A. (Angus); Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. National Library of Scotland. Inverness : The Northern Counties Publishing Company, Ltd.
  27. ^ Mackenzie 1881a, pp. 307, 308.
  28. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. pp. 391–392.
  29. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 392.
  30. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 393.
  31. ^ "Kilfinnan Burial Ground And Mcdonnell Mausoleum | Canmore". canmore.org.uk. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  32. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 402.
  33. ^ "The troubles betwixt the Lord Kintaile and the Laird of Glengarrie". The History of the Feuds and Conflicts among the Clans in the Northern Parts of Scotland and in the Western Isles. Glasgow: Printed by J. & J. Robertson for John Gillies, Perth. 1780 [Originally published in 1764 by Foulis press]. pp. 70–71. Retrieved 20 May 2023. Written from a manuscript wrote in the reign of James VI of Scotland (Sir Robert Gordon's A Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland).
  34. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 404.
  35. ^ a b c d Zaczek, Iain (2009). The complete book of tartan : a heritage encyclopedia of over 400 tartans and the stories that shaped Scottish history. London: Lorenz Books. ISBN 978-0-7548-1981-3.
  36. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 406.
  37. ^ Lee, Henry James (1920). History of the clan Donald, the families of MacDonald, McDonald and McDonnell. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. New York, R.L. Polk and Company, Inc. pp. |p=59.
  38. ^ Mackenzie 1881a, p. 328.
  39. ^ The history of the feuds and conflicts among the clans in the northern parts of Scotland and in the Western Isles; : from the year M.XXXI. unto M.DC.XIX. To which is added, A collection of curious songs in the Gallic language, published from an original manuscript. National Library of Scotland. Glasgow: : Printed by J. & J. Robertson, for John Gillies, Perth. 1780. pp. p|=70.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  40. ^ Paul, James Balfour (1904). The Scots peerage; founded on Wood's edition of Sir Robert Douglas's peerage of Scotland; containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. Edinburgh : D. Douglas. p. 559.
  41. ^ Mackenzie 1881a, pp. 335–340.
  42. ^ Zaczek, Iain (2009). The complete book of tartan : a heritage encyclopedia of over 400 tartans and the stories that shaped Scottish history. London: Lorenz Books. pp. |pages=158–159. ISBN 978-0-7548-1981-3.
  43. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 450.
  44. ^ Love, Dane (2007). Jacobite Stories. End of Chapter 3: Neil Wilson Publishing. ISBN 978-1903238868.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  45. ^ "The Campbells and MacDonalds". Clan Campbell. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  46. ^ Cobbett 1814, p. 904.
  47. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 454.
  48. ^ Mackenzie 1881a, p. 344.
  49. ^ Ronald Black (2019), An Lasair: Anthology of 18th-century Scottish Gaelic Verse, Birlinn Limited. Page 405.
  50. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 457.
  51. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 458.
  52. ^ Johnston, Thomas Brumby; Robertson, James Alexander; Dickson, William Kirk (1899). "General Wade's Report". Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland. Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston. p. 26. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  53. ^ Ronald Black (2019), An Lasair: Anthology of 18th-century Scottish Gaelic Verse, Birlinn Limited. Pages 100-105, 405-407.
  54. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. p. 471.
  55. ^ Macdonald, Angus; Macdonald, Archibald (1896). The clan Donald. Vol. II. Robarts - University of Toronto. Inverness Northern Counties Pub. pp. |page=472.
  56. ^ Mackenzie 1881a, p. 350.
  57. ^ Mackenzie 1881a, p. 352.
  58. ^ Davenport-Hines 2019, p. 36.
  59. ^ Lang 1897.
  60. ^ Preeble 1963, pp. 60–61.
  61. ^ a b The Scottish clans and their tartans : with notes. New York Public Library. Edinburgh : W. & A.K. Johnston. c. 1900.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  62. ^ a b "MacDonnel of Glengarry". Am Baile. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  63. ^ Bain, Robert; MacDougall, Margaret O.; Stewart-Blacker, P. E. (1976). The clans and tartans of Scotland. Glasgow: Collins. ISBN 978-0-00-411117-9.
  64. ^ "New Zealand Midland Railway". Nelson Evening Mail. 30 November 1889. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  65. ^ On Secret Service East of Constantinople by Peter Hopkirk, John Murray, 1994
  66. ^ "Obituary: Ranald MacDonell of Glengarry, anglicised clan chief who steeped himself in Scots history". HeraldScotland. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  67. ^ Media, Colophon New. "The Chief of Glengarry". The High Council of Clan Macdonald. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  68. ^ Glengarry Castle Hotel, Invergarry, Highlands of Scotland
  69. ^ Media, Colophon New. "Clan Donald Castles". The High Council of Clan Macdonald. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  70. ^ a b c d e Coventry, Martin (2000). The castles of Scotland : a comprehensive reference and gazetteer to more than 2700 castles and fortified cities. Musselburgh, Scotland: Goblinshead. ISBN 978-1-899874-27-9.
  71. ^ Lee, Henry James (1920). History of the clan Donald, the families of MacDonald, McDonald and McDonnell. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. New York, R.L. Polk and Company, Inc. pp. |page=136.
  72. ^ "The Chief of Glengarry". 16 October 2008. Archived from the original on 16 October 2008. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  73. ^ a b Bain, Robert; MacDougall, Margaret O.; Stewart-Blacker, P. E. (1976). The clans and tartans of Scotland. Glasgow: Collins. pp. |page=164. ISBN 978-0-00-411117-9.
  74. ^ Adam; Innes of Learney 1970: pp. 541–543.

Sources

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