clan macleod history [wiki with changes]

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ORIGINS

∙ The Clan MacLeod of Lewis claims its descent from Leod, whom according to MacLeod tradition was a younger son of Olaf the Black, King of Mann (r.1229–1237).

∙ MacLeod tradition is that Leod who had possession of Harris and part of Skye, married a daughter of the Norse seneschal of Skye, MacArailt or Harold's son who held Dunvegan and much of Skye. Leod's two sons, Tormod and Torquil, founded the two main branches of the Clan MacLeod, Siol Tormod and Siol Torquil. Torquil's descendants held the lands of the Isle of Lewis until the early seventeenth century when the MacKenzies successfully overthrew the Lewismen, partly with the aid of the Morrisons, and the MacLeods of Harris (Siol Tormod). Younger branches of Siol Torquil held the mainland lands of Assynt and Cadboll longer, and the Isle of Raasay until 1846. Siol Tormod held Harris and Glenelg on the mainland, and also the lands of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye.

∙ Leod, according to tradition, 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.

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14 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 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 MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, who vindicated his right as Lord of the Isles. The MacLeods then submitted and became firm supporters of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald, only to become enemies again in the late 15th century.

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15TH CENTURY CLAN CONFLICTS

∙ Battle of Tuiteam Tarbhach (1406) was fought between the Clan MacKay and the Clan MacLeod of Lewis. MacLeod of Lewis travelled to Strathnaver to investigate reports of his sister being mis-treated after the death of her husband Angus MacKay. On his way home the MacLeods ravaged Strathnaver and the area around Lairg, but a party of MacKay men caught up with them on the banks of the River Oykel and slaughtered them all.

∙ Battle of Harlaw, 1411, the MacLeods fought as Highlanders in support of Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles, temporarily preventing the Duke of Albany gaining power in Ross.

∙ Battle of Bloody Bay, 1480, the Clan MacLeod fought in support of John of Islay, Earl of Ross. William Dubh MacLeod, chief of Clan MacLeod was killed (or taken prisoner) supporting John of MacDonald Islay, Earl of Ross and chief of Clan Donald against his bastard son Angus Og Macdonald.

∙ By 1495 the chief of Clan MacDonald's title as Lord of the Isles had been revoked. Soon afterwards the Clan MacLeod successfully took Dunscaith Castle from the MacDonalds led by their chief Alistair Crotach MacLeod. They went on to besiege Knock Castle before withdrawing and in 1498 the MacLeods captured Duntulm Castle from the MacDonalds.

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16TH CENTURY CLAN CONFLICTS

∙ In 1560 the MacLeods along with the Clan MacLean and Clan MacKay became part of the Gallowglass. A mixture of Gaels and Norsemen who became a ferocious mercenary army who successfully fought for Shane O'Neill in Ireland.

∙ In 1566 the Clan MacLeod of Assynt and Clan MacKay together raided and burned Dornoch.

∙ Battle of the Spoiling Dyke, 1578, was fought between the MacDonalds of Uist and the Clan MacLeod.

∙ Battle of Leckmelm, 1586, the Clan MacLeod and Clan MacKay are victorious in defeating the Clan Gunn.

∙ In 1588 William MacLeod of Dunvegan, the 13th chief, bound himself and his heirs in a bond of manrent to "assist, maintain, and defend, and concur with Lachlan Mackintosh of Dunachton, Captain and Chief of the Clan Chattan, and his heirs."

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17TH CENTURY PEACE AMONG THE CLANS AND CIVIL WAR

∙ Battle of Coire Na Creiche (1601) Final clan battle on Skye saw the MacLeods defeated by Clan MacDonald of Sleat on the northern slopes of the Cuillin hills.

∙ In 1608 after a century of feuding which included battles between the Clan MacDonald the Clan MacKenzie and Clan MacLean all of the relevant MacDonald Chiefs were called to a meeting with Lord 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 the Blackness Castle. His release was granted when he at last submitted to the King. Donald died in 1616 and then Sir Donald MacLeod, his nephew succeeded as the chief and became the first Baronet of Sleat.

∙ During the Civil War, after the Battle of Carbisdale in 1650 the defeated James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose surrendered himself to Neil MacLeod of Assynt at Ardvreck Castle. At the time, Neil was absent and it is said that his wife, Christine, tricked Montrose into the castle dungeon and sent for troops of the Covenanter Government. Montrose was taken to Edinburgh, where he was executed on 21 May 1650.

∙ By 1651 the Scottish Covenantor government had become disillusioned with the English parliament and supported the Royalists instead. As many as 800 MacLeods fought as Royalists at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.