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MacDonnell of Glengarry
Motto: Creag an Fhitich (The raven’s rock)
This different spelling of MacDonald was adopted in the 17th century by this early division of the Clanranald branch. The Glengarry founder was Alister, second son of Donald, eldest son of the 14th century Ranald. Apart from disputes of their own with the neighbouring MacKenzies, the Glengarries went along with the other Clanranalds, particularly in support of all the Stuart causes.
By the later 15th century Glengarry was playing an independent role in the politics of Clan Donald. While other Chiefs were accepting the feudal relationship with the Crown, Alexander of Glengarry did not receive a charter at this time, assuming he did not accept this situation. By the mid 16th century he finally submitted. Despite this he went on to follow Donald Gorm of Sleat in an attempt to reclaim the Lordship of the Isles. This resulted in his imprisonment and death in custody. His son Angus regained the ancestral lands in a charter of James VI in July 1574.
By 1627, the lands of Glengarry had been made into a free barony. The family were loyal to Charles I and were rewarded during the Restoration; Aenas, great grandson of Angus, was created a peer with the title Lord MacDonell and Aros, although this became extinct when he died without children in 1680.
The Stuart monarchs looked to the MacDonnells again when they returned to claim their throne in 1715. The captain of Clanranald was killed at the Battle of Sherrifmuir. Alasdair, eleventh of Glengarry, was raised to the peerage by James VIII as a result, but was only recognised by Jacobites.
The Chiefs of Glengarry have served their country over the centuries; including a General Sir James MacDonnell who was one of the heroes of the Battle of Waterloo 1815. The Glengarry tartan is one of around 30 tartans attributed to the various branches of the MacDonald Clan.
Choose from one of the MacDonnell Of Glengarry tartans listed below:
