Sir Lachlan Maclean, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Lachlan Maclean, 1st Baronet and 17th Clan Chief
17th Clan Chief 13th Laird of Duart 1st Baronet
In office 1626–1649
Preceded by	Hector Mor Maclean, 16th Chief, brother
Succeeded by	Sir Hector Maclean, 2nd Baronet, son
Personal details
Born	Lachlan Maclean circa 1600
Died	18 April 1649
Nationality	Scottish
Spouses	Mary MacLeod, the second daughter of Sir Roderick Macleod of Macleod, 15th Chief
Children	Sir Hector Maclean, 2nd Baronet Sir Allan Maclean, 3rd Baronet
Parents	Hector Og Maclean, 15th Clan Chief Janet Mackenzie of Kintail
Relatives	Hector Mor Maclean, 16th Chief, brother Donald Maclean, 1st Laird of Brolas, brother John Hans Makeléer, brother

Sir Lachlan Maclean, 1st Baronet (born around 1600, died April 18, 1649) was an important Scottish leader. He became the 17th Chief of Clan Maclean, a powerful family group in Scotland. King Charles I gave him the special title of Baronet. This made him the first Baronet of Morvern in his family.

Lachlan became the Clan Chief in 1626 after his brother passed away. He was a strong supporter of the King during a difficult time in Scotland. He fought in several major battles, showing his loyalty to the Royalist side. From his time onward, all future Maclean Clan Chiefs would also hold the title of Baronet.

A Leader in Tough Times

Lachlan was the second son of Hector Og Maclean, 15th Clan Chief. His mother was the daughter of Colin Mackenzie of Kintail. When his older brother died in 1626, Lachlan stepped up to lead the clan.

Scotland faced a period of civil war from 1644 to 1651, known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. At first, a powerful leader named Archibald Campbell tried to get Lachlan to join his side. However, Lachlan chose to support the King and the Royalists instead.

Fighting for the King

Lachlan was a brave fighter and a key ally of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Montrose was a famous Royalist general. Lachlan and his clan fought alongside Montrose in several important battles.

Key Battles and Loyalty

One famous event happened the night before the Battle of Inverlochy. Lachlan met with Montrose in a place called Lochaber. He joined the battle with about 30 of his men.

After that battle, he gathered his whole clan. They joined Montrose again after the Battle of Alford and stayed with him through the Battle of Kilsyth. These were all major victories for the Royalists.

After the Battle of Kilsyth, Lachlan and another brave leader, Alasdair MacColla, won a surprising victory. They defeated a much larger group of their enemies, even though they had fewer men.

Lachlan was preparing to join Montrose for another fight. However, he learned that the King had ordered Montrose to stop fighting. So, Lachlan returned home and stayed there quietly.

Later, a general named Sir David Leslie came to the Island of Mull. He had many soldiers and forced Lachlan to hand over eight Irish gentlemen who were seeking safety with him. Seven of these men were sadly executed.

Family Life

Sir Lachlan Maclean was married to Mary MacLeod. She was the second daughter of Sir Roderick Macleod of Macleod, 15th Chief. Together, they had five children: two sons and three daughters.

• Isabella Maclean (born around 1630) married Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel.
• Mary Maclean married Sir Lachlan "Mor" Mackinnon, who was the 28th chief of his clan.
• Marian Maclean passed away when she was young and did not marry.
• Sir Hector Maclean, 2nd Baronet (born around 1640, died 1651) was his oldest son and took over as chief.
• Sir Allan Maclean, 3rd Baronet (1645–1674) was his second son.

Sir Lachlan Maclean led his clan for 23 years. He passed away in 1649. His eldest son, Sir Hector Maclean, 2nd Baronet, became the next Clan Chief and Baronet.