Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie

Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie is a highland Scottish Clan originating from the Island of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. The surname MacLaine is an English translation of the Gaelic name Mac Gille Eathain which means “son of the servant of Saint John”. The clan’s progenitor is Hector Eachan Reganach, the brother of Lachlan, who is the progenitor of Clan MacLean. Many consider MacLaine of Lochbuie a sept of the larger Clan MacLain, however it is viewed by the Lord Lyon as a separate clan with its own chief.

The motto of the clan is Vincere Vel Mori which means “To conquer or die”, and the clans crest features a battle-axe, crossed by a branch of laurel and cyprus.

The historic seat of the clan is Moy Castle located in Lochbuie on the Island of Mull. The land was acquired in the 14th century by the first chief Reganach, and the castle was constructed sometime in the 15th century by the clan. The castle was briefly lost in 1674 during a feud with the Campbell Clan. The castle remained under control of the Maclaine Clan until 1752 when it was abandoned for a house built near by. The ruins of the castle are now a Scottish Scheduled Monument.

The Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie society or association is under direct control of the current chief of the clan. The membership to the clan is controlled directly through the chief by application. The organization has branches around the world and produces a newsletter called Hector’s Herald.