Lachlan Cattanach Maclean, 11th Chief facts for kids

Lachlan Catanach Maclean (born around 1465 – died 10 November 1523) was a powerful Scottish clan chief. He led Clan MacLean as its 11th chief from 1515 until his death in 1523. He was known for being a strong leader during a time when Scottish kings were trying to control the powerful clans of the Scottish Isles.

Lachlan Catanach Maclean's Life

Lachlan Catanach Maclean was a very important figure in Scottish history. He was likely the son of Lachlan Maclean, 10th Clan Chief. The name "Catanach" might have come from his mother's family, Clan Chattan. It also means "hairy," "rough," or "shaggy," which is why he was sometimes called Lachlan the Shaggy.

Leading the Macleans

Lachlan became the chief of the Macleans of Duart. This was a time when the Kings of Scotland wanted more control over the Scottish Isles. Before, the Macleans had worked for the Lords of the Isles. But after 1493, when John of Islay, Earl of Ross lost his title, the Macleans answered directly to James IV of Scotland.

King James IV supported Lachlan becoming chief. He even gave him a special royal document in 1496. However, Lachlan didn't always agree with the King's plans to control the Isles more tightly.

Conflicts with the King

By the end of 1503, Lachlan Maclean was openly rebelling against the King. He attacked the area of Badenoch and supported Donald Dubh MacDonald. Donald was trying to claim the title of Lord of the Isles. Because of these actions, King James IV called Lachlan a traitor.

The King sent a fleet of ships to the Isles. They captured Maclean's castle, Cairn-na-Burgh. This castle was on a small island called Cairn na Burgh Mòr, west of Mull. King James then gave the castle to Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll. After this defeat, Lachlan accepted the King's authority, and the charge of treason was dropped.

Becoming Clan Chief

Lachlan Maclean became the chief of Clan Maclean in 1513. This happened after the previous chief died at the Battle of Flodden on September 9, 1513.

In 1515, Lachlan rebelled again, but this uprising was also stopped. After this, he decided to follow the Earl of Argyll. This was a policy that future Maclean chiefs would continue for many years.

Family Life

Lachlan Maclean had several wives or partners during his life. To strengthen his ties with the powerful Argyll family, he married Catherine Campbell. She was the daughter of Archibald Campbell, 2nd Earl of Argyll.

This marriage was important for political reasons, but it was not a happy one. There were serious problems between Lachlan and Catherine. At one point, Lachlan arranged for Catherine to be left on Lady's Rock, a rock in the Sound of Mull, where she might have been drowned by the rising tide. However, she was rescued just in time.

Lachlan's Children

Lachlan's children included:

• Eachann Mor Maclean: He was Lachlan's main heir and became the next chief.
• Ailean Maclean: Known as Ailean nan Sop, or Allan o' the Wisp. He got this nickname because he was known for setting buildings on fire with straw. Many stories and legends are told about him.

Death

Lachlan Catanach Maclean was killed in Edinburgh on November 10, 1523. His murder was arranged by Sir John Campbell of Cawdor (nobleman). This was done as revenge because Lachlan had tried to drown Sir John's sister, Catherine, who was Lachlan's wife.