John Dubh Maclean, 4th Chief facts for kids

John Dubh Maclean, or Iain Dubh mac Gilliemore in Scottish Gaelic, was an important leader in Scotland. He was the 4th Chief of Clan MacLean, a powerful Scottish clan. People also called him John Maclean the Black.

Life of John Dubh Maclean

John became the chief of his clan after his father, Maolcaluim mac Giliosa Maclean. He was known as "Black John Maclean." He married a daughter of Cumming, Lord of the Braes of Lochaber. This marriage likely helped him gain more land and influence. He owned important lands like Duard and Lochbuy. The Lord of the Isles was his feudal superior, meaning John held his lands from this powerful lord.

His Family

John had three sons who became notable figures:

• Hector Reaganach Maclean, 1st Laird of Lochbuie: He was known as "Hector the Stern." He started the Lochbuie branch of the Maclean clan.
• Lachlan Lubanach Maclean of Duart: Known as "Lachlan the Wily," he was the ancestor of the Duart Macleans.
• John Maclean: He was an illegitimate son. He is considered the founder of the mainland Macleans in areas like Lorn, Ardgour, and Morvern.

It seems John planned for Lachlan to inherit the lands of Duard and Hector to get Lochbuy. This is how the lands were eventually divided between them.

A Daring Story

John's two main sons, Lachlan and Hector, became very important during the reigns of Robert II of Scotland and Robert III of Scotland. Their father's influence and their own friendly personalities helped them become friends with John, the First Lord of the Isles. This friendship made some other courtiers jealous.

One of these jealous people was the chief of MacKinnon, who was the Lord of the Isles' master of the household. MacKinnon became a strong enemy of the Maclean brothers. He planned to harm them while they were hunting with Lord John. However, the brothers were warned about MacKinnon's plan and easily stopped him.

Later, the Lord of the Isles left his castle in Mull to go to his castle at Ardtornish. MacKinnon was delayed but eventually followed. He met the Maclean brothers and started another fight. Both sides were armed and had their followers. During the fight, MacKinnon was killed as he was getting into his boat, and his followers ran away.

This was a very bold action for the Maclean brothers. They didn't know how the Lord of the Isles would react to the death of his household master. So, they decided to take an even more daring step. They quickly took MacKinnon's boat, filled it with their own men, and chased after Lord John. They caught up with him near Ardtornish, captured his ship, and took him prisoner to one of the Garvelloch islands. They held him there until he promised to remain their true friend.

Death

John Dubh Maclean passed away during the reign of Robert II of Scotland.