John MacLeod of MacLeod facts for kids

John MacLeod of MacLeod was an important Scottish clan leader. He was the 29th Chief of Clan MacLeod. Born John Wolrige-Gordon on August 10, 1935, he became chief in 1976. He faced big challenges, like needing money to fix Dunvegan Castle. This castle is the ancient home of his clan on the Isle of Skye. His ideas for raising money caused some debate. John's twin brother, Patrick Wolrige-Gordon, was also a Member of Parliament. John passed away on February 12, 2007.

Early Life and Education

John Wolrige-Gordon was born in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This was on August 10, 1935. He was the older of twin sons. His parents were Captain Robert Wolrige-Gordon and Joan Walter. John's mother, Joan, was the daughter of Flora MacLeod of MacLeod. She was the 28th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

John's younger twin brother, Patrick, later became a Tory Member of Parliament. Their older brother, Robert, became the 21st Laird of Hallhead.

John went to several schools. He studied at Eton College and McGill University. He also attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After serving in the Black Watch Regiment, he started a career. He worked as an actor and singer.

Becoming Clan Chief

In 1951, John was named the future leader for his grandmother. He changed his last name to MacLeod of MacLeod. The Lord Lyon King of Arms officially recognized him. He was known as John MacLeod of MacLeod, Younger. This title means he was the heir.

He officially registered his family's coat of arms in 1962. John became the Chief of Clan MacLeod in 1976. He was the 29th person to hold this important role.

Dunvegan Castle and Challenges

Dunvegan Castle has been the home of the MacLeod clan for over 800 years. In 2000, the castle needed very expensive repairs. John, as Chief, had to find ways to pay for them.

He considered selling part of the Cuillin mountains on Skye. He asked for £10 million for the land. He also planned to build a large hotel on his estate. This hotel would have 80 rooms. These plans caused a lot of public anger. The sale of the mountains never happened. He also thought about giving the mountains to a charity. This would make them public property.

Family Life

John MacLeod of MacLeod was married three times. His first marriage was to Drusilla Mary Shaw. She was the daughter of actor Sebastian Shaw. They married on July 25, 1961. This marriage ended in divorce in 1971. They did not have children together.

John had a son named Stephan, born in 1971.

On March 19, 1973, John married Melita Kolin. She was from Sofia. They had two children: Hugh Magnus and Elena Mary Nadezhda. Hugh was born in 1973, and Elena in 1977. This second marriage also ended in divorce in 1992.

His third marriage was to Ulrika Magdalena Tham. They married on March 27, 2004.

Cricket Interest

During the 1980s, John enjoyed playing cricket. He was a member of the Poet's and Peasants' Cricket Club. This club was made up of amateur players, many of whom were musicians. John was a good batsman. He often opened the batting for his team. Many club members did not know about his important background. They learned about it when an article appeared in a newspaper. The club played most of its games in Essex, England.

Death and Legacy

John MacLeod of MacLeod passed away on February 12, 2007. He was 71 years old. He died from leukaemia in London, England.

His funeral was held at Duirinish Free Church of Scotland. This church is located at Dunvegan. He was buried at the old stone church in Kilmuir. After John's death, his second son, Hugh Magnus MacLeod, became the 30th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

Heraldry

Arms of John 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 the Macleod family; the 2nd and 3rd quarters represent the supposed 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).