Clan Macdonald of Sleat

Clan Macdonald of Sleat is a highland Scottish clan originating in the Inverness-shire district. This clan is considered to be a branch of the larger Clan Donald but also has its own clan chief known as the “ Chief of Macdonald of Sleat”, and is recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. It is believed that the progenitor of the clan was Hugh of Sleat, who was the 6th great-grandson of Somerled, a 12th century warlord who became king of the Isles.

The clan’s motto is Per Mare Per Terras which translates into “By sea and land”, and the clan’s crest features a hand holding a cross above a crown.

The historic seat of the clan is Dunscaith Castle located in the Parish of Sleat on the Isle of Skye. The castle was originally occupied by the MacDonald’s of Sleat but was taken by Clan MacLeod in the 14th century. The MacDonalds were able to regain control of the castle in the 15th century and resided there until the 17th century when it was finally abandoned. The castle is currently a ruin protected as a scheduled monument. Duntulm Castle located in Trotternish on the Isle of Skye was built by the MacDonald’s in the 14th century to protect themselves against the MacLeod clan. This castle became the clan seat after the abandonment of Dunsciath Castle in the 17th century. This castle was abandoned in 1732 when the chief built a new home near by . This castle is also protected as a scheduled monument. The Clan seat then moved to Armadale Castle, built in 1790, In 1855 part of the house was destroyed by fire, the dwelling was abandoned by the MacDonald’s in 1925. Armadale Castle is now home to the Museum of the Isles operated by the Clan Donald Centre.

The Sleat 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.