Donald Nicolson facts for kids

The Reverend Donald Nicolson of Scorrybreac was an important leader of the Clan MacNeacail (also known as MacNicol). He was a minister in the Episcopalian church. He served in Kilmuir on the Isle of Skye until around 1697. He passed away sometime between 1698 and 1702.

The MacNicol Clan's Story

The history of the MacNicol clan is quite old and a bit mysterious. Stories say they once owned the Isle of Lewis. However, they lost much of their power to the Macleods. This happened when a MacNicol heiress married into the MacLeod family.

By the year 1450, the MacNicols were well-settled in the Trotternish area of Skye. They were important members of the Council of the Lordship of the Isles. This council helped govern the Western Isles. Over time, many MacNicols became church leaders. This tradition likely started with their ancestors. The MacNicols were big supporters of the Cathedral Church of St. Columba in Snizort on Skye. Many important clan members were buried there.

Donald Nicolson's Life

Donald Nicolson was the son of Malcolm MacNicol of Scorrybreac. Malcolm was the tenth chief of the clan. Donald grew up in the home of Sir James MacDonald of Sleat. He studied at Edinburgh University and graduated in 1659. It's thought that his time in southern Scotland led him to change the clan name to 'Nicolson'.

Donald Nicolson had many children, making him an ancestor to many families on Skye. He was also a wealthy man. Records from the 1690s show he lent a lot of money to the Macleod of Dunvegan. A famous Gaelic song, 'The Great Song of Scorrybreac', tells about how rich and grand the Nicolson household was. It also celebrates the success of the young men of the clan.

In 1689, a big change happened in Scotland called the Glorious Revolution. The Scottish Church became Presbyterian. Ministers had to promise loyalty to the new king, William III. Donald Nicolson was an Episcopalian minister. He refused to swear this oath. People who refused were called 'Non-Jurors' and were seen as supporters of the old king, James II (known as Jacobites). Donald was forced to leave his church in 1697. His son, Malcolm, also refused to join the new church. He never became a minister. The Nicolsons of Scorrybreac were close with other Jacobite families on Skye. This makes it very likely that Donald and Malcolm were indeed Non-Jurors.

Donald's Family Legacy

After Donald Nicolson passed away, his son Malcolm became the clan chief. Malcolm married Margaret Macleod of Raasay. Many of Donald's descendants, including some of his younger sons, also joined the church.

Two of his grandsons became notable ministers:

• Reverend Malcolm Nicolson served as a military chaplain. He was with the Fraser Highlanders when the British captured Quebec in 1759.
• John Nicolson was a minister in Portree for over forty years. People on Skye remembered his dedication to his church. His good character was even written about in a travel journal from 1769.

Beyond the church, other famous descendants of Donald Nicolson include:

• Alexander MacDonald of Kingsburgh: He helped hide Bonnie Prince Charlie on Skye in 1746.
• Major Malcolm Hassels Nicolson (1843–1904): He was a soldier who fought in India and Afghanistan. He became an aide to Queen Victoria and married the poet Adela Florence Nicolson.