Stag in the Scottish Highlands

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It is difficult in a short sketch to outline the history of the various branches of the Clan Donald, and they are so interwoven with each other it is almost impossible to disentangle the respective families.

The MacDonalds of Sleat are descended from Hugh, 3rd son of Alexander, 3rd Lord of the Isles. He died in 1498 and was succeeded by his son John who died in 1502. Donald “ Gallach ” 3rd of Sleat, was murdered by his half-brother in 1506.

The MacDonalds of Clanranald take their name from Ranald, younger son of John, 1st Lord of the Isles. In 1373 he received a grant of the North Isles and other lands, and from him are descended the families of Moidart, Morar, Knoidart, and Glengarry.

The most powerful of all the Highland Clans, the Clan Donald takes its name from Donald, granson of Somerled, King of the Isles. The clan held extensive territory, and during the struggle of Bruce, Alexander, chief of the clan opposed him.

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.