Alastair Dubh MacDonell facts for kids
Alastair Dubh MacDonell, 11th of Glengarry (died October 28, 1721) was a brave Scottish soldier and a powerful leader of his clan. He was known as the 11th Chief of Glengarry. He strongly supported the Jacobites, who wanted to bring King James back to the throne of Scotland and England.
A Life of Loyalty and Battle
Alastair was the son of Ranald Macdonell, the 10th Chief of Glengarry. His mother was Flora MacLeod.
Fighting for the King
Alastair joined the Jacobite rising of 1689. This was a fight to support King James VII of Scotland (also James II of England). He fought bravely at the Battle of Killiecrankie. He even carried the Royal Standard, which was a very important flag. The government of King William III tried to take away his lands because of his actions. But Alastair managed to keep his family's estates.
The 1715 Uprising
Alastair MacDonell also took part in the Jacobite rising of 1715. He led his clan's warriors at the Battle of Sheriffmuir. During this battle, a brave leader named Alan of Clan Donald died. Alastair quickly stepped up. He rallied the Jacobite soldiers on the right side of the battle. He threw his blue bonnet (a type of hat) into the air. He shouted a famous Gaelic phrase: Buillean an-diugh, tuiream a-màireach! This means "Blows today, mourning tomorrow!" His words helped inspire the soldiers to keep fighting.
Becoming a Lord
After the 1715 uprising, the government again tried to punish him. However, on December 9, 1716, James Francis Edward Stuart honored Alastair. James, who was in exile, made him Lord MacDonell in the Jacobite peerage of Scotland. This was a special title given by the Jacobite royal family.
