Sir Hector Maclean, 5th Baronet facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Hector Maclean, 5th Baronet
21st Clan Chief 5th Baronet 1st Lord Maclean of Scotland
In office 1716-1750
Preceded by	Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet, father
Succeeded by	Sir Allan Maclean, 6th Baronet, third cousin
Personal details
Born	Hector Maclean circa 1700
Died	1750 or 1751
Spouses	Mary, daughter of Sir Aeneas Macpherson of Invereshie
Parent	Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet

Sir Hector Maclean, 5th Baronet was an important leader of the Scottish Clan Maclean in the 1700s. He became the 21st Chief of his clan when he was quite young, around 16 years old. He was also known as the 5th Baronet of Morvern. Sir Hector was a strong supporter of the Jacobite cause, which wanted to bring the old Stuart royal family back to the throne of Scotland and Britain.

Sir Hector Maclean's Life and Leadership

Becoming a Clan Chief

Sir Hector Maclean was born around the year 1700. His father was Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet. When his father passed away in 1716, Hector took over as the leader, or "Chief," of Clan Maclean. This made him the 21st person to hold this important position.

He was also given the special title of "Lord Maclean" in 1716. This was part of the Jacobite Peerage, which was a way for the Jacobite royal family to give special honors to their supporters. This title was meant to be passed down to his male family members.

Lands and Influence

As the Clan Chief, Sir Hector was in charge of several areas. These included some small islands in western Scotland. Among them were Eigg, Muck, Coll, and Tiree. These lands were important to the Maclean clan.

Supporting the Jacobite Cause

Sir Hector was a strong believer in the Jacobite cause. This was a movement that wanted to restore the Stuart family to the British throne. In December 1744, Sir Hector sent a message to Charles Edward Stuart, also known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie." This message asked the Prince to come to Scotland and try to take back the throne.

Sir Hector's message was very important. It helped convince Prince Charles to launch his plan to invade Scotland. Sir Hector wrote that many people from nearby clans, about 5,000 men, were loyal to the Stuart family and ready to fight.

Arrest and Release

In June 1745, Sir Hector was in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. He was arrested there, along with his servant. The authorities believed he was working for the French and trying to get men to join their army.

After his arrest, Sir Hector was sent to the Tower of London. This famous prison is in England. He stayed there for some time. He was finally set free in 1747, thanks to a special law called the Indemnity Act of 1747. This law pardoned many people who had supported the Jacobite cause.

Later Life and Successor

Sir Hector Maclean never married and did not have any children. He passed away in Paris, France, in early 1751. After his death, his third cousin, Sir Allan Maclean, 6th Baronet, became the new Chief of Clan Maclean.