MacDonald of Ardnamurchan facts for kids
The MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan, also known as MacIain of Ardnamurchan or Clan MacIan, were an important Scottish family. They were a branch of the much larger Clan Donald, one of Scotland's biggest and most powerful clans.
Contents
History of the Clan
How the Clan Started
The MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan were founded by Iain Sprangach MacDonald. He was born around the late 1200s and died in 1340. Iain was the third son of Angus Mor MacDonald, who was the 4th chief of Clan Donald.
The name "Iain" is the Scottish Gaelic word for "John." So, the surname MacIain means "son of John." Iain Sprangach MacDonald was also known as "John the Bold" because he was brave.
At first, Iain and his family supported King Edward I of England. But later, they became allies of King Robert the Bruce of Scotland. Iain likely received the lands of Ardnamurchan from his brother, Angus Og Macdonald. Angus Og was a close friend of King Robert I. This is how the MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan became known as the MacIains.
The 1400s
Alexander MacDonald was the third chief of the MacIains. It is thought that he died during the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. This was a very big and bloody battle in Scottish history.
Alexander's son, John, led the clan at the Battle of Inverlochy (1431). After this battle, he was given lands on the islands of Islay and Jura.
The MacIains supported the MacDonald Lords of the Isles for a long time. However, in 1493, the fourth and last Lord of the Isles lost his title. King James IV took it from him.
By 1494, King James IV had placed soldiers at Dunaverty Castle. It is said that the MacDonalds, led by Sir John MacDonald, quickly took the castle back. They did this before the King had even left for Stirling. The King's castle governor was found dead and hung over the castle walls. This was done in sight of the King as he left. Sir John Macdonald was later captured by MacIain of Ardnamurchan. He was put on trial and then hung.
In 1497, Sir Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh rebelled against the King. He invaded the lands of Ross-shire. But he was defeated at the Battle of Drumchatt by the Clan Mackenzie. Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh tried to escape south through the islands. However, he was caught on the Isle of Oronsay. MacIain of Ardnamurchan was responsible for his capture and death.
The 1500s
In 1515, Mingarry Castle, which belonged to MacIain of Ardnamurchan, was attacked by the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh. Two years later, in 1517, they attacked again and finally took the castle.
John MacIain was involved in actions against other MacDonald chiefs. These actions led to the capture and death of the chief of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg and his son. Because of this, John MacIain was later killed by his own relatives in 1518. They were seeking revenge.
The 8th chief of the MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan led his clan in 1544. They supported the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald against the Clan Fraser of Lovat in the Battle of the Shirts. This battle was very fierce. It is said that only eight MacDonalds and five Frasers survived.
The 1600s
By 1618, the MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan had lost their lands. This happened because of actions by the Clan Campbell. The clan's fortunes declined, and they had to move away. Many settled in Moidart under the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. Others moved east to Badenoch.
Clan Castles
- Mingarry Castle is located east of Kilchoan, on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. This castle dates back to the 1200s. It was built by the MacIains of Ardnamurchan. King James IV of Scotland stayed at the castle in 1493 and 1495 during his campaigns against the MacDonalds. The chief of the Clan MacLean captured the castle in the 1550s. Later, the chief of Clan MacIan of Ardnamurchan attacked the castle. He even had Spanish soldiers from an Armada ship in Tobermory Bay helping him.
- Dunyvaig Castle is on the Isle of Islay, in Argyll. It was first owned by the MacDonalds. But it was given to the MacIans of Ardnamurchan in the late 1400s. The castle was later rented back to the MacDonalds. After that, it became the property of the Campbells.
Clan Family Names
A "sept" is a family name that belongs to a larger clan. These are some of the family names (septs) connected to the Clan MacDonald of Ardnamurchan:
- Johnston (from the Isle of Coll)
- Johnson
- Kean
- Keene
Other branches of the Clan MacDonald have different septs.
See also
Images for kids
-
Tartan for the MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan.
-
Mingarry Castle, a historic home of the chiefs of Clan MacIain of Ardnamurchan.
