Known also as the Clan Ranald of Lochaber, the MacDonells of Keppoch and Garragach are descended from Alastair Carrach, 3rd son of John, 1st Lord of the Isles. Alastair was, like the progenitors of Clanranald and Glengarry, a grandson of King Robert II. In 1432 Alastair was forfeited for his part in the insurrection of Donald Balloch, and part of his lands were granted to MacKintosh, chief of Clan Chattan, which caused a long fued between the two clans. John, 4th of Keppoch, was deposed by the clan for delivering a clansman to the MacKintosh.

He was succeeded by his cousin-german Donald Glas, whose son Ranald assisted John of Moidart at Blar-na-leine in 1544, and for his part in the rebellions was executed in Elgin along with Locheil. Ranald, 9th of Keppoch, an outlaw most of his life, served in the Spanish army.

Alexander, 12th of Keppoch, was with his brother, murdered in 1663, an event commemorated in Tobair-nan-ceann, the well of the heads, near Invergarry, where the heads of the seven murderers were washed before being placed before Lord McDonell of Invergarry. Coll, 15th of Keppoch, known as “ Coll of the Cows” withstood all attemps of the MacKintoshes, assisted by government troops, to capture him, and for forty years he held his lands in Lochaber by right of the sword. His son, Alexander, succeeded him, and with his followers joined Prince Charles Edward in 1745, and by intercepting government troops attempting to surpise the gathering at Glenfinnan, they were first to strike a blow in “ the ’45.” Keppoch died fighting single-handed at Culloden.

Crest: A hand in armour holding a cross crosslet, fitchy, gules.

Badge: Heath. War Cry: Dia’s Naomh Aindrea ( God and St. Andrew). Pipe music: Latha no Maoile Ruadh ( The Battle of Mulroy).