Angus MacDonald, 8th of Dunnyveg facts for kids

Angus MacDonald, also known as Aonghus Mac Dòmhnuill in Scottish Gaelic, was an important leader. He was the 8th Chief of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. This powerful Scottish clan lived in the western parts of Scotland. Angus MacDonald passed away on October 21, 1614.

Life of Angus MacDonald

Angus MacDonald was the son of James MacDonald, 6th of Dunnyveg. His mother was Agnes Campbell. She was the daughter of Colin Campbell, who was the 3rd Earl of Argyll.

Early Conflicts and Peace Efforts

Angus went to the islands of Islay and Kintyre. He wanted to restart old conflicts with the Clan Maclean. In 1579, the king and his council heard about fights between their followers. They ordered Angus MacDonald and Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean to make a peace agreement. They had to promise not to harm each other. If they broke this promise, they would face serious punishment.

To help settle the dispute, Angus MacDonald married Mary. She was the sister of Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean. This marriage helped to create a temporary peace between the clans.

Renewed Feuds and Government Action

However, in 1585, the conflict grew much worse. Many island clans became involved, fighting on one side or the other. This caused a lot of damage and trouble across the Hebrides islands. Both sides attacked each other's lands. The government then decided to step in. They took action to bring order to the powerful clan chiefs. These chiefs had caused much bloodshed and distress in the islands.

Family Troubles and Imprisonment

In 1598, Angus MacDonald faced problems with his own son, James. James had a disagreement with his father. He surrounded his father's home, Askomill House, with about 200 or 300 armed men. Angus refused to give up to his son. So, the house was set on fire. Angus was then captured and held prisoner at Smerby Castle.

Surrender and Later Life

In 1608, Andrew Stuart, 3rd Lord Ochiltree, led a royal trip against Angus. Angus then gave up his castles, Dunnyveg and Lochgorme. In May, Angus went to the privy council in Edinburgh. A privy council was a group of advisors to the king. He was then held in Blackness Castle.

Later, he was released to go with Andrew Knox, who was the Bishop of the Isles. Angus was present at Iona when the Statutes of Icolmkill were agreed upon. These were laws meant to bring order to the Highlands and Islands.

Angus MacDonald traveled to Edinburgh to meet with the King. He promised to appear before the Privy Council again in May 1611. He passed away in Rothesay on October 21, 1614. He was buried at Saddell Abbey.

Family and Children

Angus MacDonald was married to Mary. She was the daughter of Hector Og Maclean of Duart. Together, they had several children:

• James: He died in London, England, in 1626.
• Angus Og: He married Katherine, who was the daughter of Duncan Campbell of Danna. They had children.
• Alexander Og MacDonald: He married someone whose name is not known. They had children. Sadly, he drowned on October 3, 1613.
• Mary: She married Sir Donald Macdonald of Clanranald.
• Margaret: She married Ranald Macdonald of Benbecula.
• Annabella: She married Archibald Macdonald of Largie.

Angus MacDonald is also believed to have had three other sons:

• Archibald MacDonald of Gigha
• Alexander MacDonald
• Ranald Og