Amy of Garmoran facts for kids

Amy of Garmoran, also known as Amie MacRuari, was an important Scottish noblewoman from the 1300s. She was the sister of Raghnall mac Ruaidhri, who was the Lord of Garmoran. Amy was also married to John of Islay, a powerful leader known as the Lord of the Isles.

Amy and John had three sons together. However, John later divorced Amy to marry a princess from the important Stewart family. This helped him gain more power. After the divorce, Amy went to live on her own lands. She spent her later years building churches and other important structures. Her son, Ranald, became the founder of a famous Scottish clan, Clanranald.

Amy's Family History

The descendants of Somerled, Amy being highlighted. On the left are the MacDougalls, on the right the MacRory, and in the middle the MacDonalds

Amy was a direct descendant of a famous Scottish warrior named Somerled. He was also known as Somhairle mac Gille-Brighde. Amy's family line came through her great-grandfather, Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill. He was the founder of the Mac Ruaidhri family group.

Ruaidhri's son, Ailean mac Ruaidhri, owned islands like the Uists and Benbecula. He was part of the Scottish Parliament in 1285. This meeting discussed who would become the next ruler, Margaret, the Maid of Norway. Ailean also added the island of Barra to his lands in 1309. Amy's father, Ruaidhri mac Ailein, was Ailean's son.

Land Changes and Family Troubles

King Robert the Bruce took land from Amy's distant cousin, Alexander of Argyll. This happened because Alexander supported the king's enemies. The king then gave some of this land to Amy's father, Ruaidhri mac Ailein. Ruaidhri received parts of Lorne and Lochaber. Through his sister Christina, he also gained Garmoran and the North Isles. These included the Small Isles of Rùm and Eigg.

However, King Robert the Bruce wanted to keep control of the west. So, he gave Dunstaffnage Castle to a royal officer, not to Ruaidhri. Around 1325, Ruaidhri mac Ailein lost his lands. This was because he was involved in plans against the king. Amy also had a brother named Ailean, but not much is known about him.

Later, Edward Balliol might have given these lands back to Amy's brother, Raghnall mac Ruaidhri. King David II confirmed this around 1344. He officially gave Raghnall Garmoran and the North Isles. But the king kept Lorne, and all of Lochaber went to John of Islay.

A Family Tragedy

Soon after, in October 1346, Raghnall was killed. This happened at Elcho Nunnery near Perth. He was killed because of a fight with Uilleam III, Earl of Ross. Raghnall was the last leader of the MacRuaris. This meant Amy became his only heir.

Amy's Marriage and Divorce

The ruins of Teampull na Trionaid, or Trinity Church, which was re-built by Amie in the later part of her life

John of Islay was also a descendant of Somerled. This made him a distant relative of Amy. By marrying Amy, who inherited the Mac Ruaidhri lands, John gained a lot of power. He eventually controlled much of Scotland's western coast. This included areas from Morvern to Loch Hourn and all the Hebrides islands, except Skye.

Their marriage likely took place in 1337. From 1336 onwards, John started calling himself Dominus Insularum. This means "Lord of the Isles." This title suggested he was connected to earlier Kings of Mann and the Isles. It also meant he had some independence from the Scottish king.

A Powerful Alliance and a Difficult Choice

John of Islay wanted even more power. He became friends with Robert the High Steward of Scotland. Robert was the chosen heir to King David. By this time, Amy and John had three sons: John, Godfrey, and Ranald.

However, John and Robert made a deal. John would divorce Amy and marry Robert's daughter, Margaret Stewart. John got permission from the Pope for this divorce. It happened in 1350, just four years after Amy inherited her lands.

As part of the new marriage, the Lord of the Isles received more land. But in return, Amy's sons would not inherit his main title. Instead, any children he had with Margaret would inherit it.

Amy's Later Life

Castle Tioram in Loch Moidart

Old stories say that Amy gave her husband no reason for the divorce. She lived alone on her own lands until she died. The divorce meant John of Islay lost his rights to Amy's lands. However, he managed to get a royal paper that gave him control of them. Amy's name was not even mentioned in it.

Amy was a very religious person. She built a small church called Teampull Mhecael on Grimsay island. She also rebuilt two other churches: Teampul Chalumchille on Benbecula and the Trinity Church of North Uist.

Historians also believe Amy built the tower of Borve Castle on Benbecula. This work likely happened between 1344 and 1363. She is also said to have made Castle Tioram in Moidart bigger.

Her Sons' Future

John of Islay kept his promise to Robert, who later became King. His children with Margaret inherited his title and most of his lands. However, Amy's son Ranald fought for and got back many of the Mac Ruaidhri lands. This included Garmoran and the North Isles.

Ranald became the founder of two important clans: Clan Macdonald of Clanranald and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. Ranald also helped guide his younger half-brother, Domhnall. He was described as "old in the government of the Isles" when his father died in 1386. Ranald may have died in the same year. The exact date of his mother Amy's death is not known.

Godfrey, Amy and John's oldest son, was known as the Lord of Uist. His descendants were called Siol Gorrie. In 1427, Alexander MacGorrie, who might have been Godfrey's son, led 2,000 men. Not long after, King James I had him put in prison and executed for rebellion.