Torquil MacLeod facts for kids
Torquil MacLeod (also known as Torcall mac Murchaidh in Scottish Gaelic) was an important Scottish leader in the 1300s. He is seen as the person who started the MacLeods of Lewis. This part of the MacLeod family is known in Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill, which means "seed of Torcall". Torquil was the son of Murdoch MacLeod. He was also a great-grandson of Leod, who was the first leader of all the MacLeod clans.
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Who Was Torquil MacLeod?
For a long time, people believed that Torquil was a direct son of Leod, the first MacLeod chief. They thought Torquil and his brother Tormod started the two main branches of the clan. One branch was the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, called Sìol Tormoid. The other was the MacLeods of Lewis, called Sìol Torcaill.
However, historians today have a different idea. They now believe Torquil was the son of Murdoch. Murdoch was a grandson of Leod. This means Torquil was still part of the main MacLeod family, but not a direct son of Leod.
The MacNicol Connection
The name Torquil was not very common among the MacLeods. It was more often found in the MacNicol family. The MacNicols had old ties to the Isle of Lewis. Historian William Matheson suggested that Torquil's father, Murdoch, might have married a MacNicol heiress. An heiress is a woman who inherits land or property. If this happened, Torquil would have inherited MacNicol lands. He might have also been given the MacNicol name, Torquil.
There's an old story from Lewis that says Torquil and the MacNicols had a conflict at sea. This conflict might have helped Torquil become the leader of the MacNicol lands.
Torquil's Life and Role
Torquil MacLeod and his uncle, Malcolm, are the first MacLeod chiefs mentioned in official records. Their names appear in a special document called a royal charter from 1343. This was during the time of King David II. The charter officially gave Torquil the lands of Assynt.
At that time, Torquil would have held the Isle of Lewis. He would have held it not directly from the King of Scots, but from the powerful lords of the Isles. These lords were very important rulers in the Scottish islands.
Torquil was also known for helping to settle disagreements. An old story says he was a special advisor between two rival clans on Lewis. These were the Macaulays and the Morrisons. He helped them after a big battle near a place called Barvas.
Torquil's Family
Torquil is said to have married a woman named Margaret. She was a MacNicol heiress from Assynt. This marriage likely helped connect the MacLeods to the MacNicol lands. Torquil was later followed as chief by his son, Roderick.
MacLeod of Lewis Coat of Arms
The coat of arms for the MacLeods of Lewis is quite special. It shows a black burning mountain on a gold background. Experts believe this symbol likely came to the MacLeods through the marriage to a MacNicol heiress. Some think the burning mountain might represent the MacNicols' old job. They might have been coast watchers for the early Norse kings in the islands. They would have lit fires to signal danger.
The early MacLeod of Lewis coat of arms shown here was recorded in the mid-1400s. It is described as gold, with a blue rock in red flames.
