Lachlan Beg Mackintosh, 14th of Mackintosh facts for kids
Lachlan Beg Mackintosh (died 1524) was an important leader, known as the chief, of the Clan Mackintosh. This was a Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. He was also the chief of a larger group of clans called the Clan Chattan.
Becoming Chief
Lachlan Beg Mackintosh was not the first son in his family. He was the second son of Lachlan Mackintosh, who was also known as "Badenoch." Lachlan became the 14th chief after his older brother, William Mackintosh, died. William had two sons, but they were not considered legitimate heirs. Because of this, Lachlan took over as chief.
Leading the Clans
In 1517, Lachlan showed his support for other clans. He sent 100 of his men to help John and Donald Mackay. These brothers were trying to become the chiefs of the Clan Mackay. Lachlan's help worked, and John and Donald became the new chiefs.
In 1520, Lachlan married Jean Gordon. She was the daughter of Sir Alexander Gordon. This marriage was arranged by the Earl of Moray. The Earl wanted to make his own group stronger in the north, and having Lachlan on his side helped.
Lachlan was known for wanting peace. However, some of his own clan members did not always agree with him. One of these was his cousin, Dougal Mor Mac Gillichallum. Dougal was a very active fighter. In 1513, he helped the clan get back lands in Petty. He also took over Inverness Castle. Lachlan did not like this because it caused problems with the King's authority. Dougal and his sons were later killed by the Earl of Moray when the Earl took back Inverness Castle.
Lachlan also managed to gain a lot of land in an area called The Aird by 1520. This area was usually controlled by the Clan Fraser of Lovat.
His Death
Lachlan was very kind to John Malcolmson, who was the son of Lachlan's older half-brother. In 1522, Lachlan even gave John land and arranged his marriage. However, on March 25, 1524, John Malcolmson and some others attacked and killed Lachlan Beg Mackintosh. This happened while Lachlan was hunting near Ravoch, Badenoch.
The people who killed Lachlan ran away to a fort at Loch-an-Eilan. But about three months later, they were caught. Donald Glas, who was the son of Lachlan's predecessor, and Donald MacWilliam, helped to capture them. The chief of Clan Gregor also helped, as he was married to Lachlan's sister.
John Malcolmson and his two main helpers were put on trial by the Earl of Moray. They were found guilty and put to death. John Malcolmson was beheaded.
Family Life
Lachlan and his wife Jean Gordon had one son named William Mackintosh, 15th of Mackintosh. When Lachlan died, William was only three years old. Sadly, William was later executed in 1550 in Aberdeen. This happened because another Lachlan, who was the son of John Malcolmson (the man who killed William's father), caused trouble for him.
Lachlan Beg Mackintosh also had three daughters and two sons from outside his marriage. His son John was the ancestor of the Mackintoshes in Dunachton. His son William was the ancestor of the Mackintoshes of Kinrara and Pittourie.
See also
