The MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan also known as MacIain of Ardnamurchan, or Clan MacIan,[1] were a Scottish family and a branch of the larger Clan Donald.
Iain Sprangach MacDonald was also known as John the Bold. His brother, Angus Og Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, was a great ally of King Robert the Bruce. Ian's early affiliations, like those of his family, were serving Edward I (until Robert Bruce became King of Scots). His grant of Ardnamurchan likely came from his brother, Angus Og, as it was one of the lands granted to Angus Og by Robert I. The MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan became known as the MacIains.
15th Century
Alexander MacDonald, the third chief of the MacIains is believed to have been killed during the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. Alexander's son John led the clan at the Battle of Inverlochy (1431). After this he was awarded lands on the isles of Islay and Jura by Alexander Macdonald, Lord of the Isles.
The MacIains supported the MacDonald Lordship of the Isles until, in 1493, the fourth and last Lord of the Isles forfeited his title to King James IV. By 1494 the King had garrisoned and provisioned Dunaverty Castle. It is said that the MacDonalds led by Sir John MacDonald, who the king had recently knighted, retook the castle before the King had even departed to Stirling and that the dead body of the King's castle governor was hung over the castle walls in sight of the King and his departing entourage. Sir John Macdonald however was later captured by MacDonald (or MacIain) of Ardnamurchan. He was tried and hung on the Burgh Muir.
Other treacherous deeds against MacDonald of Lochalsh and treachery which led to the execution of the chief of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg and his son eventually led to the death of John MacIain at the hands of his avenging kinsmen in 1518.
By 1618 the MacDonalds or MacIains of Ardnamurchan had lost their lands through duplicity of the Clan Campbell. The fortunes of the clan declined and they were forced to go elsewhere. Many settled in Moidart under the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald whilst others migrated east to Badenoch, and others found new homes in the Scottish Lowlands. Many MacIains settled in Northern Ireland during the Ulster Plantations, with many of these travelling to the Americas. Later on in the 1800s, MacIains commonly settled in Australia and New Zealand. Many MacIain derivatives like "McKain" and "McKean", can also be plentifully found all over Scotland in Birth and Marriage records from the 1600's to the present. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in clan MacIain identity, especially in the diaspora residing in the United States. Although scattered, clan MacIain still has many thousands of descendants worldwide.[5]
Castles
Mingarry Castle, historic seat of the chiefs of Clan MacIain of Ardnamurchan
Mingary Castle, is located to the east of Kilchoan, on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, dates from the thirteenth century and was probably originally built by the clan MacDougall. The land of Ardnamurchan was given to the MacDonald's for their service in the armies of Robert the Bruce. Mingary was the residence of the MacIain chiefs and stronghold of the clan. Legend says that a remnant of the Spanish Armada helped the rival Clan MacLean to siege the castle of their old enemies in 1588. The MacLeans saw an opportunity and agreed to help the Spanish captain if he would help them attack their old enemies, the MacIains of Mingary. The Spanish captain had little choice but to agree, and together the Spanish and the MacLeans sailed across the Sound of Mull and attacked Mingary. The attack failed, but even today the small inlet below the castle is known as Port nan Spainteach, or Port of the Spaniard.[6]
Dunyvaig Castle, on the Isle of Islay, Argyll was originally held by the MacDonalds but was given to the MacIans of Ardnamurchan at the end of the fifteenth century.[1] The property was later leased back to the MacDonalds and then passed to the Campbells.[1]
Clan Septs
Septs of Clan MacDonald of Ardnamurchan include the following. Other branches of the Clan MacDonald have different septs. These surnames are all anglicized forms of the gaelic "MacIain", meaning "Son of John".
1 2 3 4 5 Coventry, Martin (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. Musselburgh: Goblinshead. p.374. ISBN978-1-899874-36-1.
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Clan Donald, also known as Clan MacDonald, is a Highland Scottish clan and one of the largest Scottish clans. The Lord Lyon King of Arms, the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that country, issuing new grants of coats of arms, and serving as the judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon, recognises under Scottish law the High Chief of Clan Donald. Historically the chiefs of the Clan Donald held the title of Lord of the Isles until 1493 and two of those chiefs also held the title of Earl of Ross until 1476. Queen Mary of Denmark is member of Clan Donald.
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Mingary Castle, also known as Mingarry Castle, is a castle situated one mile southeast of the small village of Kilchoan in Lochaber, Scotland. Nestled on ridge of rock overlooking the sea, it was considered a strategically important site in terms of communication with overseas areas and as an entranceway to the Sound of Mull. Mingary is roughly hexagonal in shape with nine-foot-thick walls, thicker on the seaward side. The remains of the castle are protected as a category A listed building.
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