Old Rory facts for kids

Roderick Macleod (also known as Old Rory, born around 1500, died around 1595) was an important leader, or chief, of the Macleod clan of Lewis. He led his clan during the second half of the 1500s. His name in Scottish Gaelic was Ruaraidh Macleòid.

Roderick Macleod's Early Life and Leadership

Roderick was the son of Malcolm, who was a leader in Lewis. Malcolm got back the family's lands from the king in 1511. But when Malcolm died, Roderick was still young.

Another relative, John, tried to take control of Lewis. John was helped by Donald 'Gruamach' of Sleat. John's daughter, Màiri, married Donald Gorm of Sleat. Roderick, however, believed he was the rightful heir to lead the clan.

Challenges and Agreements

Roderick and Donald Gorm made an agreement. Roderick was allowed to take control of the Isle of Lewis. In return, Roderick promised to help Donald Gorm gain control of Trotternish. He also agreed to help against the chief of Harris-Dunvegan.

However, in 1539, Donald Gorm was killed while attacking Eilean Donan Castle. Around 1540, King James V arrived in Lewis with a large fleet. This caused a rebellion to end. Even though Roderick had acted against the king, he was forgiven.

Conflicts with the Scottish Government

Roderick and his clan continued to act independently. This meant they did not always follow the Scottish government's rules. In 1554, special orders were given to deal with Roderick of Lewis. These orders were also for John Moydertach of Clan Ranald and Donald Gorm's son. They had all refused to attend a meeting of leaders in Inverness.

Family Troubles and Clan Decline

The Macleod clan of Lewis began to lose power because of Roderick's family problems. These issues led to serious conflicts.

Roderick's Marriages and Heirs

Roderick's first wife was Siobhan. She was the daughter of Iain Mackenzie of Kintail. They had a son named Torcuil 'Connanach'. Siobhan later left Roderick. Roderick then divorced her. This event started a very difficult conflict for the clan. This conflict led to the loss of Lewis to the Mackenzies.

In 1541, Roderick married his second wife, Barbara Stewart. She was from Orkney. They had a son also named Torquil, who was called Oighre (meaning 'the Heir'). Around 1566, this younger Torquil drowned in a storm. He was sailing from Lewis to Skye across The Minch.

Struggles for Control

After the death of Torquil Oighre, Torcuil Connanach claimed his rights. The Mackenzies supported him. Torcuil Connanach captured Roderick, his father. He held Roderick prisoner for four years in Stornoway Castle. Roderick was only freed when he agreed to recognize Torcuil Connanach as his rightful heir.

In 1572, Roderick appeared before the Privy Council. He was forced to give up his lands of Lewis, Assynt, Coigach, and Waternish to the Crown. These lands were then given to Torcuil Connanach. Roderick only got them back for his lifetime. However, when Roderick returned to Lewis, he said he had been forced to agree. He cancelled the agreement on June 2, 1572. Later, in 1576, Regent Morton helped Roderick and Connanach make peace. Connanach was again named the lawful heir. He also received a special grant for the lands of Coigach.

Roderick then married a third time. His third wife was the sister of Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean. They had two sons, Torquil 'Dubh' and Tormod. Roderick chose Torquil Dubh as his heir.

Torcuil Connanach was again disinherited. He fought back, supported by two of Roderick's other sons. He captured Roderick again and fought some of his men. Connanach took all the important papers for Lewis. He gave them to the Mackenzies. Connanach's son, Iain, was put in charge of Stornoway Castle, with Roderick as a prisoner. But Iain was attacked by Lewis troops and killed. After this, Roderick was freed. He lived peacefully on the island for the rest of his life.

After Roderick's Death

When Roderick died, his son Torquil Dubh became the chief. Torquil Dubh married the sister of Roderick Macleod of Harris and Dunvegan.

In 1596, Torquil Dubh led a force of about 700 or 800 men. They attacked Torcuil Connanach's lands in Coigach. They also attacked the Mackenzie lands in Lochbroom. Because of this, Torquil Dubh was ordered to appear before the Privy Council. When he did not show up, he was declared a rebel. He was later captured by the chief of the Morrisons of Ness. Torquil Dubh was taken to Lord Kintail, who ordered him and his companions to be killed in July 1597.

The Future of Lewis

The conflicts in Lewis continued. The island was later taken by the king because the important land papers were not shown. These papers were held by the Mackenzies. This gave the king a chance to try a new plan. He tried to settle new people on Lewis. But the settlers eventually had to leave.

After Roderick's death, the Sleat chiefs believed they were the rightful heirs. They were related through Màiri, John's daughter. They invaded the island to claim it, even though Torquil Dubh had sons. The MacDonald of Sleat chief caused a lot of damage. But he was eventually driven off the island by the people of Lewis.