Sir Lachlan Mackinnon (clan chief) facts for kids

Sir Lachlan Mackinnon (who passed away around 1634) was the leader, or chief, of the Scottish Highland clan Mackinnon. He was a very important person during a time of big changes and challenges in the politics of the West Highlands in the early 1600s.

Who Was Sir Lachlan Mackinnon?

Lachlan Mackinnon was the son of Lachlan Og, which means "Young Lachlan." His grandfather was Lachlan Dhu, meaning "Black-Haired Lachlan." Both his father and grandfather were also chiefs of the Mackinnon clan before him. The Mackinnons were a clan that liked to be independent, even though they were never a very large group of people.

Some old writings, like the MS 1467 manuscript, suggest that the Mackinnons shared a family history with other clans. These included the MacQuarrie, MacMillan, and MacLennan clans. For hundreds of years, the Mackinnon chiefs owned important lands. These lands were in Mishnish, located in the northern part of the Isle of Mull, and also in Strathaird, on the Isle of Skye.

What Were Clan Feuds?

In the late 1500s, there was a big conflict between the Maclean and Macdonald clans. This often turned into widespread fighting that involved many other clans. The Mackinnons supported the Maclean clan during these times.

In 1587, a temporary peace was made with the King's approval. This happened after Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean was captured by Angus Macdonald of Dunnyveg. Macdonald agreed to let Maclean go. In return, he would receive a pardon and eight important people as hostages. These hostages would promise that Maclean would keep his word.

Lachlan Mackinnon and his brother Neil were two of these eight hostages. The other hostages included Hector Maclean, who was Sir Lachlan Maclean's oldest son. There was also Alexander Macleod, brother of William Macleod of Dunvegan. John and Murdo MacNeil, sons of Ruari Macneil of Barra, were also hostages. Allan Maclean, son of Ewan Maclean of Ardgour, and Donald Maclean, son of Hector Maclean of Cairnburgh Castle, completed the group.

Soon after his release, Sir Lachlan Maclean attacked Islay. He did not seem worried about what might happen to the hostages. Angus Macdonald was away in Ireland at the time. Macdonald decided not to harm the hostages. Instead, he attacked Mull and Tiree in return.

The Privy Council, a group of royal advisors, ordered Macdonald to hand over the hostages to the King. When Macdonald did not do this, he was declared an outlaw. Maclean was then back in favor with the King for a while. Another agreement was made after Macdonald and Maclean had a trial in 1591.

Lachlan became the clan chief around 1600. Soon after, on January 8, 1601, he made a special friendship agreement with Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll.

How Did Laws Change the Highlands?

The Privy Council tried to control the Highland chiefs, though this was often difficult. They required the chiefs to regularly come to Edinburgh. On February 25, 1606, Lachlan made his first recorded visit. He promised to appear before the Council within 60 days if they called him. If he failed, he would have to pay a large fine of 10,000 merks.

On July 12, 1606, Lachlan made a special agreement called a manrent with Finlay MacNab of Bowaine. This was a promise of loyalty and service. On May 12, 1609, he appeared before the Privy Council again, as he had been called on February 6, 1609.

In 1609, Lachlan was one of twelve important Highland leaders. They formally agreed to follow the rules of the Bishop of the Isles (Andrew Knox) in Iona. In August, they signed an agreement to follow the Statutes of Icolmkill. This was a major reform to improve life in the Isles.

The other eleven chiefs who signed were Angus Macdonald of Dunnyveg, Hector Og Maclean of Duart, Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat, Ruari Macleod of Harris, Donald Macdonald (the Captain of Clanranald), Lachlan Maclean of Coll, Hector Maclaine of Lochbuie, Lachlan and Allan Maclean (brothers of Duart), Gillespie MacQuarrie of Ulva, and Donald Macfie of Colonsay.

On June 28, 1610, Lachlan was one of seven chiefs who came to Edinburgh. The others were Maclean of Duart, Macdonald of Sleat, Macdonald of Dunnyveg, Macleod of Harris, the Captain of Clanranald, and Allan Cameron of Lochiel. They had to promise to live peacefully together. They also had to help the King's representatives stop any trouble. They also had to provide large guarantees to appear before the Council again in May 1611.

Lachlan was made a knight in 1613. He appeared before the Council again on August 3, 1614.

On April 26, 1615, he was given a special order called a commission of fire and sword. This meant he had the authority to act against the Macdonalds of Kintyre and Islay. Two months later, he was appointed with Maclean of Duart, Maclaine of Lochbuie, and Maclean of Coll. Their job was to protect the area between Ardnamuchan and Lorne from the Macdonalds. Later that year, the King ordered that Lachlan should be given 200 men to defend his castles.

In 1616, Lachlan was one of six important islanders. The others were Macleod of Harris, the Captain of Clanranald, Maclean of Duart, Maclean of Coll, and Maclaine of Lochbuie. The Privy Council required them to promise to follow new rules. One rule was that Lachlan had to show one of his main family members to the Council every year. He was not allowed to have more than three gentlemen living in his home. He also had to live at Kilmorie in Skye. He was only allowed to keep one birlinn (a type of boat). Even his yearly wine use was limited to one large barrel.

Lachlan, like the other chiefs, had to be responsible for his clan's good behavior. However, he named five unruly Mackinnons for whom he would not be held responsible.

Later Years and Legacy

On August 24, 1616, Lachlan made another friendship agreement in Glasgow. This was with Ruari Macleod of Harris, Donald (the Captain of Clanranald), and Maclean of Coll.

In 1626, the Lords of "Secret Council" gave Lachlan a special task. He was to find and capture any Jesuits who might come into his lands. A similar job was given to his nephew Neil Mackinnon the next year. Neil was appointed as a minister in Strath.

On January 15, 1628, Lachlan's land of Strath was made into a special area called a Barony by King Charles I. Sir Lachlan Mackinnon died not long after this, around 1634. His oldest son, John Balbhan, which means "John the Dumb," became the next chief. John married a daughter of Maclean of Coll.