The MacLachlans are of an ancient origin. As early as 1230 Gilchrist MacLachlan witnessed a charter granted by Lamond, ancestor of the Lamonds. In 1292 Gilleskel MacLachlan received a charter of his lands in Argyll from King John Balliol, and in 1308 Gillespie MacLachlan was a member of the first parliament of Robert the Bruce in St. Andrews. During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries the chiefs of the clan made grants to the Preaching Friars of Glasgow from their lands of Kilbride, near Castlelachlan.

In 1615 the Maclachlans formed part of Argyll’s army that apposed the forces of Sir James MacDonald of Isla, and in 1689 they were with Dundee at the Battle of Killiecramkie. During “ the ‘45” the clan supported Prince Charles, and the chief who had been appointed A.D.C. to the Prince was killed at the Battle of Culloden. The estates were attained, but in 1749, Robert, then chief, regained possession of the lands.

There are several branches of the clan in Argyll, Perthshire, Stirlingshire and Lochaber.

Crest: A castle triple-towered. Badge: Mountain ash, Broom, Little periwinkle. Pipe music: Moladh Mairi ( The praise of Mary).