Iain Borb MacLeod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iain Borb MacLeod
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Arms of MacLeod of Harris and Dunvegan, dating to the tenure of Iain Borb's chiefship.
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| Born | 1392 |
| Died | 1442 |
| Resting place | Iona, Scotland |
| Known for | The 6th Chief of Clan MacLeod |
| Predecessor | William Cleireach (father) |
| Successor | William Dubh (second son) |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret, grddau. of the Earl of Douglas |
| Children | 2 sons, 2 daughters. |
Iain Borb MacLeod (in Scottish Gaelic: Iain Borb MacLeòid; also known as John "the Turbulent" MacLeod) was born in 1392 and died in 1442. He is known as the sixth chief of Clan MacLeod. He was the first MacLeod chief to have his own special family symbol, called a coat of arms.
Clan stories say that Iain Borb was very young when his father passed away. For six years, a guardian led the clan, but this period was difficult. After Iain Borb grew up, he worked hard to get back lands the clan had lost. He also led his clan and their relatives, the MacLeods of Lewis, in a big battle called the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. Iain Borb was hurt in the head during this battle. The wound never fully healed, and it meant he had to stay mostly at his home on Pabbay. Stories say he died when this old wound opened again during a friendly fight. His son, William Dubh, became the next chief after Iain Borb's death in 1442.
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The Life of Iain Borb
Iain Borb was the son of William Cleireach, who was the fifth chief of Clan MacLeod. According to an old family record called the Bannatyne manuscript, Iain Borb was only ten years old when his father died.
A Difficult Start for the Clan
The manuscript tells us that a guardian named Iain Mishealbhach, who was a cousin, was chosen to lead the clan. His name means 'John the Unlucky'. During his time as guardian, the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan faced many problems. Many clan members did not like Iain Mishealbhach. They preferred another leader, Tormod Coil, who even fought a battle against one of the guardian's supporters. Tormod Coil took over some lands in Glenelg.
During this time, another powerful clan, the MacDonalds, took advantage of the MacLeods' troubles. The MacDonalds landed in Sleat and took over Dunscaith and Camus. They also drove the MacLeods out of Sleat. They then attacked North Uist and defeated the MacLeods in a battle at Cailus, taking more land. After these victories, the MacDonalds surrounded Dunvegan Castle, where Iain Borb's mother was living. Luckily, the chief of the MacLeods of Lewis arrived with his forces. He saved the castle and defeated the MacDonalds. The family then went to Lewis and stayed there until Iain Borb was old enough to lead.
Iain Borb Takes Charge
When Iain Borb became chief, his first act was to punish Iain Mishealbhach. He took back the lands that the guardian had controlled and sent his family away. Later, Iain Borb made an agreement with Domhnall, Lord of the Isles, a powerful MacDonald leader. The MacDonalds returned most of the lands they had taken from the MacLeods, except for the lands on North Uist.
Iain Borb promised to support the Lord of the Isles. Because of this promise, he fought alongside the MacDonalds at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. During this battle, Iain Borb led all the MacLeods, including those from Lewis. The old manuscript says the MacLeods had the important position on the right side of Domhnall's forces. However, some historians believe other clans were on the right wing.
Iain Borb was wounded in the head during the battle. This wound never fully healed. It would bleed whenever he got upset or excited. For most of his life, Iain Borb lived at his castle on Pabbay. He made many improvements to this fortress. The manuscript tells a sad story about his death. During a friendly fencing match with his foster-brother, Somerled MacConn, Iain Borb's old wound began to bleed very heavily. He sadly bled to death.
Where Iain Borb Was Buried
The Bannatyne manuscript states that the first seven chiefs of Clan MacLeod were buried at Iona. The main part of the Iona Abbey church, called the choir, was built in the early 1500s. In the middle of the choir, there is a large stone. This stone once held a metal design, possibly made of silver, that represented a MacLeod. It is the largest carved stone on the island. Some people believe that Iain Borb and other early chiefs might be buried under this stone.
Iain Borb's Family
The Bannatyne manuscript says that Iain Borb married a granddaughter of the Earl of Douglas. Many historians from the 1900s called her Margaret. Iain Borb and Margaret had two sons, named William and Norman, and two daughters.
The manuscript suggests that Norman was the older son. However, it says he died young, leaving a son who was too young to become chief. So, William Dubh became the next chief after Iain Borb. Some historians think William was actually the older brother. One historian, A. Morrison, thought Norman might have been an older son born outside of marriage. He believed Norman led the clan in a battle in 1428 and died in 1429. Norman's son, born after his death, is believed to be the ancestor of the MacLeods of Waternish.
Iain Borb's daughters were both born within his marriage. One daughter, Margaret, married Roderick MacLeod, who was the sixth chief of the MacLeods of Lewis. Another daughter married Lachlan MacLean, who was the seventh chief of Clan MacLean. Her name was possibly Finvola.
Iain Borb's Coat of Arms
Iain Borb is the earliest MacLeod chief for whom we have a clear coat of arms. A coat of arms is a special design used to identify a family or clan. The coat of arms for the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan appears in a book of arms from the mid-1400s called Armorial de Berry.
The design is a blue shield with a silver castle that has three towers. This castle likely represents Dunvegan Castle, which was the main home of the MacLeod chiefs on Skye.
