Tormod MacLeod facts for kids

Tormod MacLeod, also known as Norman MacLeod, was an important leader in the Scottish Highlands. He lived in the late 1200s. Tormod was the son of Leod, who is known as the founder of Clan MacLeod.

Not much is known for sure about Tormod. Like his father, his name does not appear in any official records from his time. However, his name lives on today. One part of his family, the MacLeods of Dunvegan, are called Sìol Thormoid in Scottish Gaelic. This means "seed of Tormod," showing his lasting importance to the clan.

Who Was Tormod MacLeod?

Tormod MacLeod was the son of Leod, the person who started the famous Clan MacLeod. It's interesting that we don't have any official papers or documents from Tormod's time that mention him. The first time a MacLeod chief is written about in history is after Tormod's time, during the rule of King David II of Scotland (from 1329 to 1371).

What We Know from Old Stories

Most of what we know about Tormod comes from an old family history called the Bannatyne manuscript. This book was written in the early 1800s. It's the main source of information about the first leaders of Clan MacLeod.

The Bannatyne manuscript says that Tormod was a very brave soldier. It even claims he fought in the famous Battle of Bannockburn. This battle was a big win for Scotland. The manuscript also says Tormod was in charge of law and order as the sheriff of Skye and "the Long Island".

The stories describe Tormod as living to be very old. He was said to have a long, white beard that he had to tuck into his belt! The manuscript tells us that Tormod passed away at his castle on Pabbay. He was then buried next to his grandfather on the island of Iona.

Tormod's Family

According to the Bannatyne manuscript, Tormod had three sons with his wife: Malcolm, Leod, and Godfrey.

• Leod was said to have gone with Robert the Bruce to Ireland, where he died without children.
• Godfrey was a monk and died in another country.

Tormod's oldest son, Malcolm, became the next leader of the clan.

However, some historians, like William Matheson, think the Bannatyne manuscript might not be completely accurate. This is because it's the only source that mentions sons named Leod and Godfrey. Also, it doesn't mention another very important son named Murdoch. Murdoch is believed to be the father of Torquil MacLeod. Torquil started another big branch of the family, the Clan MacLeod of Lewis, known as Sìol Torcaill ("seed of Torcall").

See also

• Torquil MacLeod, a grandson of Tormod, who founded the MacLeods of Lewis.