Duncan Mackintosh, 11th of Mackintosh facts for kids
Duncan Mackintosh, the 11th leader of the Clan Mackintosh, was an important figure in the Scottish Highlands. He was the head of his own clan and also led a group of clans called the Clan Chattan. Duncan was known for keeping peace with the king and his neighbors, even though his family sometimes caused trouble. He lived until 1496.
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Early Life and Battles
Duncan Mackintosh was the oldest son of Malcolm Beg Mackintosh, who was the 10th chief of the clan. Even before he became chief, Duncan was a strong leader. He led his clan in a fight against their rivals, the Clan Cameron, in a battle called the Battle of Craig Cailloch in 1441.
Duncan also fought a successful battle at Culloden. This was against Gillespie MacDonald, who had stolen cattle from the Mackintosh lands. These early actions showed Duncan's leadership skills.
Leading the Clan Mackintosh
When Duncan became chief, he worked hard to keep peace. He had good relationships with both the king, James IV of Scotland, and the powerful Lord of the Isles.
Royal Charters and Land
In 1476, King James IV gave Duncan a special document called a "charter." This charter officially recognized Duncan as the "Captain of Clan Chattan." It also granted him control over many lands in Lochaber.
Duncan had also received land in Keppoch and Lochaber from the Lord of the Isles in 1466. Later, in 1493, the king confirmed this grant. This happened when the Lordship of the Isles was taken over by the Crown. Duncan and other clan chiefs met the king and promised their loyalty.
Keeping Peace with Neighbors
Duncan was very good at getting along with other clans. In 1467, he made a friendship agreement with William, Lord Forbes, and Rose of Kilravock.
When a disagreement came up with Hucheon Rose of Kilravock in 1479, they didn't fight. Instead, they settled the matter peacefully through a process called "arbitration." This means a neutral person helped them decide who was right. Kilravock was found to be in the right.
Two years later, Duncan and Kilravock made another agreement. They decided that any future arguments would be settled by George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly. In 1490, they even planned for Duncan's son to marry Kilravock's daughter.
Family Troubles
While Duncan was peaceful, some of his family members were not. In 1482, Duncan's brother, Lachlan "Badenoch" Mackintosh, and another family member attacked Kilravock Castle. They caused damage and killed some guards. However, the Mackintoshes were later forced out of the castle.
Duncan's son and heir, Ferquhard, also caused trouble. In 1491, Ferquhard joined a rebellion led by Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh. This event was known as the Raid on Ross. Ferquhard even captured Inverness Castle using a special siege machine.
The king later arrested Ferquhard and put him in Edinburgh Castle. He escaped two years later but was quickly recaptured. Ferquhard was then imprisoned in Dunbar Castle for 16 years. He was finally released after the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
Even with his son's actions, Chief Duncan Mackintosh remained on good terms with the king. Duncan died in 1496, at 84 years old. He was buried at Greyfriars Church in Inverness.
Family Life
Duncan Mackintosh married Flora or Florence, who was the second daughter of Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross. Their only child who lived to adulthood was their son, Ferquhard Mackintosh, 12th of Mackintosh. Duncan had other children, but they all passed away before him.
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