Hugh of Sleat facts for kids

Hugh of Sleat (born around 1437 – died 1498), also known as Ùisdean in Gaelic, was an important figure in Scottish history. He was the son of Alexander MacDonald, 10th Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles. Hugh was a member of the powerful Clan Donald from the Scottish Highlands and Western Isles. His family branch later became known as Clan Macdonald of Sleat.

Hugh was likely born around 1436. His mother was a daughter of Gillepatrick Roy, who was connected to the O'Bealon family, former Earls of Ross. He was probably born at Dingwall Castle near Inverness, Scotland. This castle was a very old home for the Earls of Ross. Hugh most likely died in 1498 at Paisley Abbey in Paisley, Scotland. He was buried at a place called Sand on the island of North Uist. This burial ground is now known as Clachan Shannda.

Becoming Lord of Sleat

Hugh's brother, John, became the last Lord of the Isles from the MacDonald family in 1449. This happened after their father, Alexander, passed away. When John was about fifteen years old, he gave Hugh a special document called a charter. This charter officially gave Hugh the lands of Sleat on the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of Scotland. Hugh was probably around thirteen years old when he first became known as Hugh of Sleat.

The name Sleat is pronounced "slate." There's an old saying in the Clan Donald: "In the house of McDonald, the Sleats are on top." This is a funny way to compare roof slates to the Sleat family, who still lead Clan Donald today. Some historians thought Hugh didn't become "of Sleat" until 1469. However, he signed a charter for John in 1461, which shows he was already recognized as "of Sleat" by then. Hugh's ownership of the Sleat lands was confirmed by the King of Scotland in 1476 and again in 1495.

Hugh and the Earl of Orkney

There is an interesting story about Hugh when he was younger than thirteen. His father, Alexander, was having a good time with the Earl of the Orkney islands. One night, the Earl invited Alexander to breakfast the next morning. Alexander proudly said he would have breakfast ready first.

The Earl secretly sent twelve men to stop anyone from selling firewood or meat to Alexander's men. But one of Alexander's loyal followers managed to get wood for a fire and a deer for breakfast. When the Earl received his early morning invitation for breakfast, he was very angry. Alexander explained that he had a young son, Hugh, who could actually match the Earl's power. He said Hugh would prove it someday. Years later, in 1460, Hugh did go to the Orkney Islands to attack the Earl.

Hugh's Family Line

Hugh had six sons. His second son was Donald Gallach, whose name means "of Caithness." Donald was born after the Orkney incident. Hugh's first son, John, passed away without having children. A family named Harris also comes from Hugh, through his son Donald of Harri. Hugh also had at least one daughter.

Descendants of Hugh

All of Hugh's sons unfortunately died in battles over who would be the Chief of Clan MacDonald of Sleat. However, Hugh's family line continued through Clan Donald to the present day. The current chief of Clan Donald, Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald, and the current chief of Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Sir Ian Godfrey Bosville Macdonald of Sleat, are both descendants of Hugh. The chief of the Macdonalds of Sleat uses the Gaelic name MacÙisdein (MacHugh), which refers to Hugh.

Donald Gallach's son, Alexander, traveled to Ireland in 1565. He went to fight for his cousin, Sorley Boy McDonnell, who was a leader of Clan Donald South.

Hugh's Sleat lands stayed with his descendants, the MacDonalds of Sleat, until 1971. This was for about 522 years! The Clan Donald Center on Skye is still located on land that once belonged to Sleat.