It is claimed that the MacColls are a branch of the Clan Donald, because Coll is a name common in that greatest of all the clans.

Tradition tells that the MacColls were settled round Loch Fyne at an early date and from their proximity to the land of Campbells they followed that clan. It is related that MacColls joined with other clans in their feuds with the MacGregors and from this circumstance found themselves opposed to the Macphersons who were assisting the MacGregors. At Drum Nachder in 1602, the MacColls returning from a raid into Ross were met by the Macphersons when a sanguinary fight took place. The MacColls lost more of their men including their leader.

The Clan has produced a Gaelic poet of more than ordinary renown. Evan McColl was born at Kenmore on Loch Fyne in 1808. He was the author of The Mountain Minstrel, better known under its Gaelic title Clarsach nam Beann. He died in 1898 and a monument erected to his memory at Kenmore, Loch Fyne, was unveiled in 1930 by his Grace the Duke of Argyll.

Crest: A star between the horns of a crescent, gules. Badge: Heath. Pipe music: Ceann na Drochaide Moire ( The head of the High Bridge).