Flora MacLeod of MacLeod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Flora MacLeod of MacLeod
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![]() MacLeod (1934)
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Born |
Flora Louisa Cecilia MacLeod
3 February 1878 |
Died | 4 November 1976 |
(aged 98)
Resting place | Clan MacLeod burial ground, Kilmuir, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, Scotland |
Nationality | British |
Known for | The Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod Trophy for Open Piobaireachd |
Title | The 28th Chief of Clan MacLeod |
Predecessor | Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod (father) |
Successor | John MacLeod of MacLeod (grandson) |
Spouse(s) | Hubert Walter (m. 1901–1933) |
Children |
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Parent(s) | Sir Reginald MacLeod (father) |
Relatives | Stafford Northcote (grandfather) |
Awards | DBE |
Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod (born February 3, 1878 – died November 4, 1976) was a very important Scottish leader. She was the 28th Chief of Clan MacLeod. This means she was the main leader of the MacLeod family group. She lived to be 98 years old!
Who Was Dame Flora MacLeod?
Flora Louisa Cecilia MacLeod was born in London, England, in 1878. Her birthplace was 10 Downing Street. This famous address is where the British Prime Minister lives today. At the time, it was the home of her grandfather, Sir Stafford Northcote. He was a very important government official in charge of the country's money.
Early Life and Family
Flora's mother was Lady Agnes Mary Cecilia Northcote. Her father, Sir Reginald MacLeod, later became the Chief of Clan MacLeod in 1929. Flora married Hubert Walter in 1901. He was a journalist for a newspaper called The Times. They had two daughters together, named Joan and Alice. Sadly, Hubert Walter passed away in 1933.
Becoming a Clan Leader
When her father died in 1935, Flora became the 28th Chief of Clan MacLeod. She was then known as Flora MacLeod of MacLeod. She moved to Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This castle has been the home of the MacLeod chiefs for 800 years! She also became a local council member for the area of Bracadale.
Sharing History: Dunvegan Castle
After World War II, Flora wanted to help her family's estate. She decided to open Dunvegan Castle to visitors. This helped bring in money and made the castle a popular place for tourists. People from all over the world could visit and learn about the MacLeod history.
A Global Clan Leader
Dame Flora was very active in connecting with MacLeod family members worldwide. She traveled a lot after the war. She helped set up Clan MacLeod Societies in many countries. These societies brought together people of MacLeod descent from places like the British Commonwealth.
Legacy and Honors
In 1953, Flora received a special honor. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This is a very high award given by the British monarch. She lived at Dunvegan Castle until 1973. Then she moved to Ythan Lodge in Aberdeenshire, where she passed away in 1976. She is buried in the traditional MacLeod family burial ground near Dunvegan. Her grandson, John MacLeod of MacLeod, became the next Chief.
Since 1969, a special award has been given in her name. It's called the Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod Trophy. This trophy goes to the best bagpiper at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. These games are held in North Carolina, USA.