William Dubh MacLeod facts for kids

William Dubh MacLeod (born around 1415, died 1480) was an important leader of the Clan MacLeod. He was the 7th chief of this Scottish clan. William Dubh became chief in 1442 after his father, Iain Borb, passed away.

He led his clan in many battles. Sadly, he was killed in 1480 during the Battle of Bloody Bay. William Dubh was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on the special island of Iona. His son, Alasdair Crotach, took over as chief after him.

Becoming a Clan Chief

William Dubh was born around 1415. His father was Iain Borb, the MacLeod chief. Iain Borb had two sons, William and Norman, and two daughters.

Some old stories say Norman was the older brother. But he died young, and his son was too young to become chief. So, William became chief in 1442. This showed that the clan accepted William Dubh as their true leader.

William Dubh was also known as "Long Sword." This name probably came from his skill in battle.

Clan Adventures and Battles

William Dubh and his relative, Roderick MacLeod of Lewis, were important witnesses in 1449. They signed a special document for John MacDonald, who was a powerful Lord of the Isles.

Raiding Orkney

Later, William Dubh went on a raiding trip to Orkney. He was with Hugh MacDonald of Sleat and other young men from the Isles. They fought against the people of Orkney and won.

The Earl of Orkney was also killed in this fight. Hugh MacDonald then took many valuable things from Orkney. This adventure likely happened around 1460.

Fighting Other Clans

In the late 1400s, there was a big fight among the clans. Angus Og MacDonald tried to take power from his father, John MacDonald. Many clans supported Angus, including the MacLeods of Lewis.

But other island clans, like the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan (William Dubh's clan), supported John. The old stories say these clans fought many small battles across the Hebrides.

One big fight happened on the Isle of Skye. A large group of MacDonalds landed there. They wanted to attack the MacLeod lands. William Dubh was away at the time.

His only son, Alasdair, quickly gathered the clan's fighters. They marched to meet the MacDonalds. The two groups fought fiercely. Alasdair was hurt, but he bravely fought back. He killed the MacDonald leader and took his head as a trophy. The MacDonalds lost most of their men and ten ships.

The Battle of Bloody Bay

These smaller fights led to a huge battle in 1480, called the Battle of Bloody Bay. In this battle, William Dubh was killed early on. When their chief fell, the MacLeods started to lose heart.

But then, a priest told the person holding the Fairy Flag to unfurl it. The Fairy Flag is a very special banner of the MacLeod clan, believed to have magical powers. When the MacLeods of Lewis saw the flag, they switched sides. They joined the forces supporting John MacDonald.

However, the battle was already decided. Angus Og MacDonald's side won the day. Many MacLeods were killed, including the person carrying the Fairy Flag and the twelve men protecting it.

William Dubh's Burial Place

William Dubh's body was taken to the island of Iona to be buried. This was a very special place. It was where many MacLeod chiefs before him were laid to rest. The person who carried the Fairy Flag, Murcha Breac, was buried in the same tomb. This was a great honor.

William Dubh was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on Iona. The main part of Iona Abbey was built in the early 1500s. In the middle of the abbey, there is a large stone. People believe this stone marks the burial place of a MacLeod chief. It is the biggest carved stone on the island.

Family Life

William Dubh had two wives. His first wife was his cousin, a daughter of John Maclaine, chief of Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie.

After she died, William Dubh married Anne. She was the daughter of Ranald Ban MacDonald. After William Dubh passed away, Anne married her cousin, Hector Roy Mackenzie.

William Dubh had one son, Alasdair Crotach, who became chief after him. He also had at least one daughter.

See also

• Battle of Bloody Bay, a big battle where William Dubh was killed.
• Fairy Flag, a special flag of Clan MacLeod said to have magical powers.