Ranald MacDonald of Smerby facts for kids

Ranald MacDonald of Smerby, also known as Ranald MacJames (Scottish Gaelic: Raghnall mac Séamuis), was an important figure in Scottish history. He was the son of James MacDonald, 6th of Dunnyveg and Agnes Campbell. His mother, Agnes, was the daughter of a powerful nobleman named Colin Campbell, 3rd Earl of Argyll. Ranald was given Smerby Castle by his father, which meant he was in charge of that land and its people.

Ranald played a part in the politics of his time. At one point, he was held as a hostage, along with his nephew James. Being a hostage meant he was held by another powerful leader, Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean, to make sure his own family behaved well and followed agreements. Later, Ranald was in charge of a group of soldiers, called a garrison, inside Loch Gorm Castle. On January 28, 1615, he gave up control of the castle to Sir John Campbell of Cawdor. Ranald MacDonald of Smerby passed away in 1616 and was buried at Saddell Abbey.

Ranald's Family Life

Ranald MacDonald of Smerby was married to a daughter of Bannatyne of Kames. Together, they had several children:

• Coll
• Archibald, who later had two sons named Coll and Archibald.
• Donald Gorm, who was also involved when Loch Gorm Castle was surrendered.
• Mary, who married Ranald Macdonald of Benbecula and had children of her own.