Coll Macdonald, 16th of Keppoch facts for kids

Coll Macdonald (born around 1664, died 1729) was an important Scottish clan chief. He led the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch in Lochaber, Scotland. Coll was a strong supporter of the Jacobite cause, which aimed to bring the old royal family back to the throne. He took part in two major uprisings: Dundee's rising of 1689 and the 1715 Jacobite rebellion. People sometimes called him "Coll of the Cows" (Colla nam Bo) because he was known for finding food for his army. His Gaelic title was Mac Mhic Raonuill, meaning "the son of Ranald's son."

Early Life and Challenges

Coll Macdonald was the son of Archibald Macdonald, the 15th chief of Keppoch. His mother was Mary Macmartin from the Macmartin Clan Cameron.

Coll first appears in history records in 1682 as a student at the University of St. Andrews. When his father died, he left university to arrange the funeral. He also tried to settle a land dispute with the chief of Clan Mackintosh, who was his father's landlord. Coll claimed that Mackintosh unfairly put him in jail. Mackintosh, however, said Coll owed taxes from his father. This disagreement quickly grew into a big fight between the Macdonalds of Keppoch and the Mackintoshes.

The Mackintoshes even got special government permission, called a "Commission of Fire and Sword," to use force against Coll. In return, Coll burned down Dunachton Castle, which belonged to the Mackintoshes.

The Last Clan Battle

In 1688, Coll Macdonald and his clan won a famous victory at the Battle of Mulroy. This battle is often called the last "clan battle" in Scotland. Coll's smaller force defeated a larger group of Mackintosh men, who were also supported by government soldiers. These soldiers had been sent to take control of Lochaber.

Coll's actions often caused problems for the authorities. Colonel John Hill, the governor of Fort William, once wrote that Coll "speaks better than any Highlander I know, and is a pretty fellow." He added that it was "a pity but he were honest." The long-standing dispute between Coll and the Mackintoshes was finally settled in 1700. A legal agreement confirmed Coll's right to lease some of the disputed lands.

Supporting the Jacobites

After the Glorious Revolution in 1688, which saw King James II lose his throne, Coll became a strong Jacobite supporter. He might have hoped this would help him in his local land disputes. Coll and his brother spent some time in Ireland with the deposed James. While Coll was away, the town of Inverness caused trouble for his people, leading to another feud.

Coll later joined Viscount Dundee's Jacobite rising in 1689. He was sent to escort Dundee, but he also used the chance to settle his own business. When he arrived outside Inverness, he famously threatened to burn the town down. He demanded 4,000 merks (a type of money) and a "scarlet lace coat." Dundee was very angry, feeling that Coll's actions would hurt the Jacobite cause. Coll left with his loot, but he later returned with his clansmen. They bravely fought in the Battle of Killiecrankie.

Later Life and Legacy

Even though the Jacobites were defeated at the Battle of Cromdale, Coll immediately continued his feud with the Mackintoshes. He raided their lands and tried to attack Rothiemurchus Castle. This made the Mackintoshes ask the government for another "Commission of Fire and Sword" against him.

In 1691, Coll agreed to swear loyalty to King William. This helped him avoid the terrible fate of his Macdonald relatives during the Massacre of Glencoe. However, he later gave evidence against those involved in the massacre, accusing them of wrongdoing.

In the 1715 Jacobite rebellion, Coll once again joined the Jacobite forces. He fought at the Battle of Sheriffmuir. After the rebellion failed, he fled to South Uist and then to France. He returned to Scotland in early 1719. Coll Macdonald is believed to have died around 1729. His son then took over the lease of the Keppoch lands.

Family

Coll Macdonald married Barbara Macdonald, who was the daughter of Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat.

They had the following children:

• Alexander Macdonald, 17th of Keppoch (died 1746)
• Donald Macdonald (died 1746)
• Archibald Macdonald (died 1745)
• Margaret Macdonald

His eldest son, Alexander, became the next chief. Coll's sister, Cicely, known as Sileas na Ceapaich, was a famous Gaelic-language poet. Another well-known poet, Iain Lom, was the clan's official poet during much of Coll's time as chief.

"Coll of the Cows" Nickname

Coll Macdonald is often remembered by his nickname "Coll of the Cows" (Colla nam Bo). This story comes from evidence given in 1690 by Lieutenant James Colt. Colt had been captured by Dundee's forces during the 1689 rising. He said that Dundee had given Coll the nickname "Coll of the Cowes." This was because Coll was very good at finding cattle to feed the army, even when the animals had been hidden away in the hills.

Some historians, like Mark Napier, have suggested that the original record might have said "Colonel of the Cows." They believe later writers might have mistaken the abbreviation "Col." for Coll's first name.