| Clan MacLeod | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Clann MhicLeòid[1] | |||
 Crest: A bull's head cabossed sable, horned Or, between two flags gules, staved at the first | |||
| Motto | Hold fast | ||
| Profile | |||
| District | Inner Hebrides,Outer Hebrides,Sutherland | ||
| Plant badge | Juniper | ||
| Chief | |||
 | |||
| Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod | |||
| 30th Hereditary Chief Clan MacLeodChief of the Name and Arms of MacLeod (MacLeòid[1]) | |||
| Seat | Dunvegan Castle[2] | ||
| Historic seat | Dunvegan Castle[2] | ||
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Clan MacLeod (/məˈklaʊd/mə-KLOWD;Scottish Gaelic:Clann Mhic Leòid[ˈkʰl̪ˠãũn̪ˠvĩçkʲˈʎɔːtʲ]) is aHighlandScottish clan associated with theIsle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the MacLeods ofHarris andDunvegan, known in Gaelic asSìol Tormoid ("seed of Tormod") and theClan MacLeod of Lewis Assynt and Raasay, known in Gaelic asSìol Torcaill ("seed of Torcall"). Both branches claim descent fromLeòd, aNorse-Gael who lived in the 13th century.
Today, Clan MacLeod of The Lewes, Clan MacLeod of Raasay, and Clan MacLeod are represented by "Associated Clan MacLeod Societies", and the chiefs of the three clans.[3] The association is made up of ten national societies across the world including:Australia,Canada,England,France,Germany,New Zealand,Scotland,South Africa,Switzerland, and theUnited States.[4]
The surnameMacLeod means 'son of Leòid'. The name Leod is anAnglicization of the Scottish Gaelic nameLeòid, which is thought to have been derived from theOld Norse.[5]Clann means "children of the family, offspring, descendants, clan", whilemhic is the genitive ofmac, the Gaelic for "son", andLeòid is the genitive of Leòd. The whole phraseClan McLeod therefore means "The children/offspring/descendants of the son of Leod".
The Clan MacLeod of Lewis claims its descent fromLeòid, who according to MacLeod tradition was a younger son ofOlaf the Black,King of Mann (r.1229–1237). However, articles have been published in the Clan MacLeod magazine which suggest an alternative genealogy for Leòid, one in which he was not son of Olaf, but a 3rd cousin (some removed) from Magnus the last King of Mann. These alternative genealogies use the genealogy of Christina MacLeod, great granddaughter of Leòid, who married Hector Reaganach (McLean/McLaine). These articles suggest that the relationship to the Kings of Mann was through a female line, that of Helga of the Beautiful Hair. The dating of Christina's genealogy and the ability to line it up with known historical facts lend a great deal of authenticity to the claims of the authors.
MacLeod tradition is that Leòid, who had possession of Harris and part of Skye, married a daughter of theNorseseneschal of Skye, MacArailt or Harold's son who held Dunvegan and much of Skye.[6] Tradition stated that Leòid's two sons,Tormod andTorquil, founded the two main branches of the Clan MacLeod,Siol Tormod andSiol Torquil.[6] Torquil was actually a grandson of Tormod; Torquil's descendants held the lands of the Isle of Lewis until the early seventeenth century when theMackenzies successfully overthrew the Lewismen,[6] partly with the aid of theMorrisons, and Clan MacRae. Younger branches of Siol Torquil held the mainland lands ofAssynt andCadboll longer, and theIsle of Raasay until 1846.[6] Siol Tormod heldHarris andGlenelg on the mainland, and also the lands ofDunvegan on the Isle of Skye.[6]
Leòid, according to tradition, died around 1280 and was buried on the holy island ofIona, where six successive chiefs of the clan found a last resting-place after him.[7]
Tormod, son of Leod, does not appear in contemporary records; though according to MacLeod tradition preserved in the 19th centuryBannatyne manuscript, he was a noted soldier of his era and was present at theBattle of Bannockburn.[8] Tormod's son and successor,Malcolm, is the first of the clan to appear in contemporary record when both he and his kinsman,Torquil, are recorded as "Malcolme, son to Tormode M'Cloyde",[9] and "Torkyll M'Cloyd",[9] in aroyal charter dating to about 1343, during the reign ofDavid II (r. 1329–1371).[10][11][12] Malcolm was succeeded by his eldest child,Iain Ciar, as fourth chief of the clan. R.C. MacLeod dated this event to about 1330. Iain Ciar appears in MacLeod tradition as the most tyrannical chief of the clan; his wife is also said to have been just as cruel as he. Clan tradition states that he was wounded in an ambush onHarris, and soon after died from these wounds at thechurch at Rodel. R.C. MacLeod dated his death to 1392.[13] Tradition has it that the Lord of the Isles made another attack on Skye in 1395,[14] but Iain's grandson William MacLeod met the MacDonalds atSligachan (Sligichen)[15] and drove them back to Loch Eynort (Ainort).[14] There they found that their galleys had been moved offshore by the MacAskills,[14] and every invader was killed.[14] The spoils were divided at Creag an Fheannaidh ('Rock of the Flaying')[14] or Creggan ni feavigh ('Rock of the Spoil'),[15] sometimes identified with the Bloody Stone in Harta Corrie.
TheBattle of Harlaw was fought in 1411 where the MacLeods fought as Highlanders in support ofDomhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles, chief ofClan Donald.[16][17]
TheBattle of Bloody Bay was fought in 1481 where the Clan MacLeod supportedJohn of Islay, Earl of Ross, chief of Clan Donald against his bastard sonAngus Og Macdonald.William Dubh MacLeod, chief of Clan MacLeod was killed in the battle.[18]
During the 16th century the Clan MacLeod feuded heavily with theClan Macdonald of Sleat.[19]
In 1588 William MacLeod of Dunvegan, the 13th chief, bound himself and his heirs in a bond ofmanrent to"assist, maintain, and defend, and concur with Lachlan Mackintosh of Dunachton, Captain and Chief of theClan Chattan, and his heirs."[20]
TheBattle of Coire Na Creiche in 1601 on Skye saw the MacLeods defeated byClan MacDonald of Sleat on the northern slopes of theCuillin hills.[21] In 1608 after a century of feuding which included battles between the MacDonalds, theClan Mackenzie andClan MacLean, all of the relevant Chiefs were called to a Lee lr meeting withLord Ochiltree who was the King's representative. Here they discussed the future Royal intentions for governing the Isles. The Chiefs did not agree with the King and were all thrown into prison. Donald the Chief of the Clan MacDonald of Sleat was incarcerated in theBlackness Castle. His release was granted when he at last submitted to the King. Donald died in 1616 and then Donald Gorm Org MacDonald, 9th Chief, 1st Baronet of Sleat, his nephew succeeded as the chief and became the first Baronet of Sleat. Clan MacDonald of Sleat continues to hold title to Trotternish and Sleat on Skye from that day until the present.
During the Civil War, after theBattle of Carbisdale in 1650 the defeatedJames Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose surrendered himself to Neil MacLeod of Assynt atArdvreck Castle. MacLeod' wife, Christine Munro, tricked Montrose into the castle dungeon and sent for troops of the Covenanter Government,[22] and as a result Montrose was captured and executed.[16]
During theCivil War as many as 500 MacLeods fought as royalists at theBattle of Worcester in 1651.[16]
The MacLeods having supported theJacobite rising of 1715,General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 1,000 men.[23]
During theJacobite rising of 1745 the chief of the Clan MacLeod,Norman MacLeod of Dunvegan, did not support the Jacobites and instead raised severalIndependent Highland Companies in support of the Government forces.[24] The chief led 500 men of the MacLeod Independent Highland Companies in support of the Government at theBattle of Inverurie, on 23 December 1745, where they were defeated.[24]
The Macleods of Raasay, a branch of the MacLeods of Lewis, fought at theBattle of Culloden as part of the Glengarry Regiment, in retribution, the MacLeods of Dunvegan, under their chief, Norman MacLeod, burned and pillaged the Island of Raasay, harassing its inhabitants for many weeks in the late summer of 1746. As a result, Norman MacLeod became known as "The Wicked Man". In 1745, MacLeod of Dunvegan was said to have been able to "bring out" 700 men.[25]
The eldest son ofNorman MacLeod of MacLeod (1812–1895),Norman Magnus (1839–1929), succeeded as the 26th chief. The 26th chief died without male issue.[26] Norman MacLeod of MacLeod's second eldest son, Torquil Olave (1841–1857) had earlier died without issue as well.[27] Norman Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod was, therefore, succeeded by Norman MacLeod of MacLeod's third son, SirReginald MacLeod of MacLeod (1847–1935), as the 27th chief of Clan MacLeod. Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod had no sons, but two daughters. DameFlora MacLeod succeeded her father and was followed by her grandson John Wolrige Gordon MacLeod. In 2007, Hugh Magnus MacLeod became the 30th Chief of the Clan MacLeod. For the following events seeChiefs of Clan MacLeod.
There are ten clan societies affiliated with the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies (ACMS), based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The ACMS is international body which coordinates the ten affiliated national societies around the world. The national societies are Australia (established 1912; re-established 1951), Canada (est. 1936), England (est. 1937), France (est. 1981), Germany (est. 2003), Switzerland ( est. 2013), New Zealand (est. 1954), Scotland (est. 1891), South Africa (est. 1960) and The United States of America (est. 1954). Membership to many of these societies are open to anyone who bears the surname Macleod; anyone who is descended from people bearing the surname MacLeod, connected by marriage; anyone who is a member of the septs of the clan; anyone with an interest in the affairs of the clan, whether or not they are related to the MacLeods. In some societies, memberships are available at a price; with yearly memberships to 15-year memberships (Scotland).[28] Every four years members of the national societies gather together at a clan parliament.[28] The last clan parliament was held at the end of July 2014 and took place at Dunvegan.[29]
Castles that have been owned by the Clan MacLeod have included amongst others:
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There are several notableheirlooms belonging to the chiefs of the clan and held at their seat of Dunvegan Castle. Possibly the best known is theFairy Flag which has numerous traditions attributed its origins and supposed magical powers. It was said to have had the power, when unfurled, to save the clan on three separate occasions. Another heirloom is a wooden and silver ceremonial cup, known as theDunvegan Cup, which was made in Ireland and dates back to 1493. The cup is thought to have passed into the possession of the Macleods sometime in the 16th or 17th century, during which time the Macleods sent aid to certain Irish chieftains in their warring against English-backed forces. Another heirloom isSir Rory Mor's Horn, named after the 15th chief of the clan. Clan tradition states that the male heir of the clan must quaff a drink from the horn in one go.
Members of Clan Macleod are entitled to wear acrest badge to show their allegiance to their clan chief. Macleod of Lewis Dress Tartan Kilt is selected a range of some of the most popular Macleod of Lewis Tartans, As it is usually available in variations in which ancient and modern are most popular. This crest badge contains theheraldic crest andheraldic motto of the clan chief. These elements, like the chief'scoat of arms, are the heraldic property of the chief alone.[30] The crest within the crest badge isblazoneda bull's head cabossedsable, hornedOr, between two flagsgules, staved at the first; and the motto ishold fast.[31] Members ofClan Macleod of The Lewes are entitled to wear a different crest badge, derived from the arms of the chief of that clan.[32]
Members of Clan Macleod may also wear a sprig ofjuniper, as aclan badge. Clan badges are usually worn on abonnet behind the crest badge, or attached at the shoulder of a lady's tartan sash.[33]
| Tartan image | Notes |
|---|---|
.png) | This is possibly the most instantly recognisable Macleodtartan. It is known asMacLeod of Lewis orMacLeod dress, and has been given the affectionate nickname "loud MacLeod". It has no identifiable association with the Lewis Macleods though, and was originally associated with the Dunvegan family. The earliest published appearance of the tartan was in theVestiarium Scoticum in 1842. TheVestiarium, composed and illustrated by the dubious 'Sobieski Stuarts', is the source for many of today's "clan tartans". TheVestiarium has also been proven to be a forgery and a Victorian hoax. The tartan was described by SirThomas Dick Lauder, in a letter to SirWalter Scott in 1829: "MacLeod (of Dunvegan) has got a sketch of this splendid tartan, three black stryps upon ain yellow fylde". It is thought that the Macleod chief was a good friend of the Sobieski Stuarts who gave him the sketch of the tartan years before they published their forgery.[34] One contemporary critic of theVestiarium even likened the Macleod tartan to that of ahorse blanket.[35] Today, the tartan is registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority and the Scottish Tartans World Register (both under #1272) with the symmetrical threadcount "K16Y4K32Y48R4" and with a color palette of black 101010, freedom red C80000, and golden poppy D8B000.[36] |
.png) | This tartan is sometimes known asMacLeod hunting orMacLeod of Harris.[37] It was published in several early collections of tartan such as Logan'sThe Scottish Gael (1831) and Smibert's (1851). The tartan is derived from the Mackenzie tartan used by John Mackenzie in 1771, when he raised the regiment known as "Lord Macleod's Highlanders". The Mackenzies claimed to be heirs to the chiefship of the Macleods of Lewis, after the death of Roderick in 1595. The tartan was approved by Norman Magnus, 26th chief of Clan Macleod. It was adopted by the clan society in 1910.[38] Today, the tartan is registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority and the Scottish Tartans World Register (both under #1583) with the symmetrical threadcount "R6K4G30K20BL40K4Y8" and with a color palette of black 101010, freedom red C80000, golden poppy E8C000, green 006818, and denim blue 1474B4.[39] |
The colors now belong to the scouts group St. Paschalis Baylon from Heemstede
Septs are clans or families who were under the protection of a more powerful clan or family. Scottish clans were largely collections of different families who held allegiance to a common chief. The following names, according to the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies, are attributed as septs of Clan Macleod (of Dunvegan and Harris); there are also a number of other septs attributed toClan Macleod of The Lewes.[40]
| Names | Notes |
|---|---|
| Beaton, Betha, Bethune, Beton.[40] | There is also an independentClan Bethune. |
| Harald, Haraldson, Harold, Harrell, Harrold, Herrald, MacHarold, MacRalte, MacRaild.[40] | |
| Andie, MacAndie, McCaskill, McCaskie, MacHandie, MacKande, MacKandy, Makcandy.[40] | |
| MacCaig, MacCoig, MacCowig, MacCrivag, MacCuaig, MacKaig, MacQuigg.[40] | |
| MacAlear, MacClewer, McClure, MacClure, MacLeur, MacLewer, MacLewis, Lewis, MacLur, MacLure, Clure, Cluer, Clewer.[40] | |
| Cremmon, Crimmon, Griman, Grimman, Grimmond, MacCrimmon, MacCrummen, MacGrimman, MacGrymmen, MacRimmon.[40] | SeeMacCrimmon (piping family). |
| MacKilliam, MacKullie, MacWilliam, MacWilliams, MacWillie, MacWylie, McCullie, Williamson.[40] | Also attributed toClan Gunn.[41] |
| Norman, Normand, Norie, Norval, Norwell, Tormud.[40] |
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