Domhnall Dubh facts for kids

Domhnall Dubh (died 1545) was a Scottish nobleman who spent most of his life as a prisoner. He was the son of Aonghas Óg, a powerful leader of Clan Donald. Domhnall also claimed the title of "Lord of the Isles," which was a very important position held by his grandfather, John of Islay. When Domhnall was just a baby, he was captured by Colin Campbell, the first Earl of Argyll. He was then locked away in Innischonnel Castle, located on Loch Awe. Domhnall Dubh died in Drogheda, Ireland, in 1545.

A Difficult Start to Life

Domhnall Dubh was born in the late 1400s in the beautiful Western Isles of Scotland. His father, Aonghas Óg, was the chief of Clan Donald. His grandfather, John of Islay, was known as the Lord of the Isles.

In 1476, the Scottish King took away many of John of Islay's lands and titles. John was allowed to keep the title of Lord of the Isles, but only if the King allowed it. Domhnall's father, Aonghas, was very upset by this. He rebelled against his own father and then against the Scottish King. Aonghas won these battles, but sadly, he was killed in 1490.

After Aonghas's death, the King started a new effort to control the rebellious clans in the north-west. Domhnall Dubh was just a baby at this time. He was captured by Colin Campbell, the first Earl of Argyll, and taken to Innischonnel Castle on Loch Awe, where he spent many years.

Escape and a New Fight

In 1501, Domhnall managed to escape from prison! He was helped by Torcall MacLeòid, another clan chief. Torcall wanted to challenge the power of Alexander Gordon, the Earl of Huntly, who was working for the King.

The King's council quickly decided that Torcall was a rebel. They ordered Huntly to gather his forces and take over Torcall's lands. The King even thought about sending Domhnall's grandfather, John of Islay, back to the Isles to try and stop the rebellion. However, John became ill and died in 1503 before he could make the trip.

Torcall and his friend Lachlan MacGill'Eain of Duart decided to attack Huntly. In December 1503, they invaded and caused a lot of damage to Huntly's lands. They also attacked the royal island of Bute. The rebellion continued until 1506. Eventually, Lachlan MacGill'Eain left the fight. Huntly's forces were then able to trap Torcall and Domhnall in the Outer Hebrides.

In September 1506, after only five years of freedom, Domhnall was captured again.

Final Years

Domhnall remained a prisoner for a very long time – 37 years! He was finally released in 1543. Once again, the north-west of Scotland rose in rebellion. Domhnall made an agreement with England, hoping to bring back the powerful Lordship of the Isles. However, this chance was lost when Domhnall died in Drogheda, Ireland, in 1545.