Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod facts for kids

Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod, born in 1973, is a very important leader for the Scottish Clan MacLeod. He is the 30th Chief of this ancient clan. A "clan chief" is like the head of a very old family group in Scotland. Hugh also represents his clan societies in a special council for Scottish Chiefs. He is officially recognized as the Chief of the MacLeod name and symbols in Scotland and the United Kingdom.

In 2007, Hugh became the owner of Dunvegan Castle. This castle is the historic home of the MacLeod Chiefs. He also inherited the clan's lands, which cover more than 42,000 acres on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. He took on the management of these lands in 2008.

About Hugh MacLeod

Early Life and Education

Hugh was born in London, England, in 1973. He went to university and studied film and modern history. He earned his degree in 1995 from the University of London and the Sorbonne University in Paris.

Career in Film and TV

After finishing his studies, Hugh worked for a short time at Sotheby's and Freud Communications. He then started working in television as a researcher. He directed and produced a documentary called "Champagne and Canvas." This film was even nominated for an award at a BBC film festival in 1998! Since then, he has worked as a director, producer, and writer for both movies and TV shows.

Hugh splits his time between Dunvegan Castle in Scotland and London.

Family Life

Hugh married a French former actress named Frédérique Feder in 2002. Their marriage ended in 2020. They have one son together, Vincent Liam MacLeod, who was born in 1999. Vincent is known as the "Younger" of the clan, meaning he is next in line to become Chief.

Clan Symbols (Heraldry)

Arms of Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod

Notes The Latin motto, murus aheneus esto, translates into English as "be thou a wall of brass". The 1st and 4th quarters represent Clan MacLeod; the 2nd and 3rd quarters represent the royal Manx heritage of the clan. Adopted Lyon Office 2 June 1962. Crest: Lyon Office January 1943. Crest A bull's head cabossed sable, horned Or, between two flags gules, staves of the first. Escutcheon Quarterly; 1st and 4th, azure, a castles triple-towered and embattled argent, masoned sable, windows and porch gules; 2nd and 3rd, gules, three legs in armour proper, garnished and spurred Or, flexed and conjoined in triangle at the upper part of the thigh. Supporters Two lions reguardant gules, armed and langued azure, each holding a dagger proper. Motto Hold fast (above the crest); murus aheneus esto (on a compartment below the shield).

The MacLeod clan has its own special symbols, called a Coat of Arms. These symbols tell a story about the clan's history.

Clan Mottoes

The MacLeod Coat of Arms has two mottoes:

• "Hold fast" is above the crest (the bull's head).
• "murus aheneus esto" is below the shield. This Latin phrase means "be thou a wall of brass." It suggests strength and protection.

Shield Design

The main shield is divided into four parts.

• The first and fourth parts show a castle. This represents the Clan MacLeod itself.
• The second and third parts show three armored legs joined together. This symbol comes from the royal Manx heritage, showing the clan's old connections to the Isle of Man.

Other Symbols

The Coat of Arms also includes:

• A bull's head as the crest.
• Two lions holding daggers, which are called "supporters," standing on either side of the shield.