Allan Maclean, 10th Laird of Ardgour facts for kids

Allan Maclean, 10th of Ardgour (1668-1756) was a Scottish leader, known as a laird, for the Ardgour part of Clan Maclean. He was the head of his family's branch.

His Life Story

Allan Maclean was born in 1668. His father was Ewen Maclean, 9th Laird of Ardgour, and his mother was Mary. She was the daughter of Lachlan Maclean of Lochbuie. Allan had four brothers: Donald, Charles, John, and Lachlan.

Allan lived during a difficult time for his family and clan. They faced many challenges. Sometimes, they were blamed for actions taken by other clans.

In 1685, a special pardon was arranged for their past troubles. It was brought from London by Torloisk. However, Torloisk died soon after returning. No one knew he had the pardon until it was found much later.

Because the pardon was not known, Allan had to borrow a lot of money. He used parts of his family's land as a guarantee for these loans. This caused the family's wealth to become very low. His son Donald also faced some difficulties.

When things were at their worst, some important people stepped in to help. These included Hector Maclean, 4th Laird of Coll and Donald Maclean, 5th Laird of Torloisk. Two ministers, John MacLean and Archibald MacLean, also helped. They took over managing the family's land.

They appointed Donald Cameron of Strontin to oversee things. After a few years, Donald Cameron left and was never heard from again. The management of the land went back to the group of helpers.

In 1731, Allan's oldest son, Donald, passed away. Allan then gave the management of the land to his next oldest son, John. John continued to manage the estate with the help of the trustees. Allan kept a small amount of money for himself each year. Allan Maclean passed away in 1756, at 88 years old.

His Family

Allan Maclean married Anne, who was the daughter of Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel. They had many children:

• Donald
• Ewen
• John, who became the 11th Laird of Ardgour
• Archibald
• Allan
• James
• Isabella
• Margaret
• Mary Maclean

Donald never married. Ewen died young while traveling back from Virginia, where he had been working in business. Archibald also never married. Allan moved to Georgia and died there. James was a soldier in a group called Montgomery's Highlanders. He was killed at sea during a battle in 1767.

Isabella married Donald Maclean, 3rd Laird of Brolas. Margaret married Angus MacLean of Kinlochaline. Mary married John, who was the son of Charles MacLean of Kinlochaline.