Clan Macdonald of Clanranald

Clan Macdonald of Clanranald is a Scottish clan and a branch of Clan Donald one of the largest Scottish clans. The founder of the Macdonalds of Clanranald is Reginald, 4th great-grandson of Somerled. The Macdonalds of Clanranald descend from Reginald's elder son Allan and the MacDonells of Glengarry descend from his younger son Donald. The clan chief of the Macdonalds of Clanranald is traditionally designated as The Captain of Clanranald and today both the chief and clan are recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the heraldic judge in Scotland.

History of the Macdonalds of Clanranald

Origins

The Macdonalds of Clanranald are one of the branch clans of Clan Donald—one of the largest Scottish clans. The eponymous ancestor of Clan Donald is Donald, son of Reginald, son of Somerled. Somerled, son of Gillebride was 12th century leader, styled as "king of the isles" and "king of Argyll",Brown 2004: p. 70. The Macdonalds of Clanranald descend from Donald's son, Angus Mor and then from his son, Angus Og. Angus Og's son John was the first Lord of the Isles. John's first marriage was to Amie mac Ruari, heiress of Clan Ruaidhri (which was founded by Ruaidhri, elder brother to Donald, founder of Clan Donald).Duffy 2007: pp. 77–85. John later divorced Amie and married Margaret, daughter of Robert II. The children from John's...
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