Clan MacDonell

Clan MacDonell of Glengarry is considered to be a branch of the larger Clan Donald.  The clan’s name originates from Glen Garry, Lochaber, located in the Scottish Highlands.    Alexander, the Grandson of John MacDonald, (John of Islay), chief of clan Donald is considered by many to be the first chief of Clan MacDonell.  This would place the originating date of this clan somewhere in the 15th century.

The Clans motto is Creag an Fhitich, meaning, the Raven’s Rock, and the crest features A raven perched on a rock.

On march 9th, 1539,  the clan chief received a charter from the crown, giving them control of lands in Glengarry, Morar, Loch Alsh, Lochcarron, Loch Broom and Strome Castle.

The original historic seat of the MacDonell clan was at Strome Castle located on the shores of Loch Carron. This castle was granted to the Macdonell Clan by James V of Scotland in 1539.  The castle was attacked and burned to the ground, in 1602, by the Mackenzie clan.   The Invergarry Castle became their historic seat in 1602, the clan fortified it after the sacking of Strome Castle.

As a result of the Highland Clearances taking place in the 18th century most of the MacDonell clan emigrated to the new world.  A good number of the Clan members settled in Glengarry County, Ontario, Canada.

The Glengarry heritage visitor centre was opened in 1999 and houses an exhibition that features the history of the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry.