Clan Macdonald of Clanranald

Clan MacDonald of Clanranald, or Clan Ranald, is a highland Scottish Clan originating in the Lochaber district of Scotland. This clan is considered to be a branch of the larger Clan Donald but also has its own clan chief known as “The Captain of Clanranald” and is recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. According to legend the founder of Clanranald is Reginald who is believed to be the 4th great-grandson of Somerled, a 12th century warlord who became king of the Isles.

The clans motto is “My Hope Is Constant In Thee”, and the clans crest features a three towered castle with an armoured hand, holding a sword, issuing from the centre.

The historic seat of the clan is Castle Tioram, located on the island Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart, Lochaber. It is believed that the castle was built sometime in the 13th century by Clan Ruaidhri, a medieval clan. The castle may have become the historic seat of the clan Maconald of Clanranald after the lands of Lochaber were granted to them by Robert the Bruce, after the clan assisted Robert to victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, in 1314. The clan lost control of the castle in 1692 after it was seized by government forces, due to the fact that the Clan Chief aligned himself with the Jacobites. In 1715 the clan recaptured the fort only to torch it to keep it out of enemies hands. The fort has be unoccupied since and now is in extremely poor condition. The fort is now controlled by Historic Environment Scotland. The current seat of the clan is Morenish House in Killin, Perthshire, where the current chief resides with his family.

In 1944 Angus Roderick, the 23rd of Clanranald died with out leaving a heir. The chiefship of the clan was passed to a new branch known as the Macdonalds of Boisdale, this new chief was recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms in 1956. The Clanranald chief is also part of the High Council of Clan Donald . The High council brings all the branches of the clan together to provide leadership and guidance to a united Clan Donald. The Chief of Glengarry, The Chief of Sleat, Lord Macdonald of Macdonald, The Captain & Chief of Clanranald and The Earl of Antrim make up this council.

Septs. and Dependents – Allan, Allanson, Macallan, MacEachan, MacEachin, MacGeachie, MacGeachin, MacIsaac, MacKeachan, MacKeochan, MacKichan, MacMurrich, MacVurich