Clan MacDougall

Clan MacDougall is a highland Scottish Clan originating in the Argyll district of Scotland. The surname MacDougall is Anglicized from the Gaelic Mac Dhùgaill, meaning “Son of Dougal”. The progenitor of the clan is Dougall MacSomairlie, the King of the Hebrides in the late 12th century and the son of King Somerled. Through Somerled the clan shares a common ancestry with Clan Donald. Clan MacDougall was considered to be one the most powerful clans in western Scotland until they sided with Clan Comyn against Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century.

The clan’s motto is Buaidh No Bas which translates into “Conquer or die”, and the crest features an armoured arm holding a cross.

The historic seats of the clan were Dunollie Castle and Dunstaffnage Castle. Dunollie Castle was an ancient fort in the town of Oban, that was refortified in the 13th century by the MacDougall Clan. The castle was lost and recaptured by the MacDougall’s several times over the years and was finally abandoned by the clan in 1746. Currently the site is home to a museum that supports the preservation of the Castle. Dunstaffnage Castle was built in the 13th century by Duncan MacDougall. The MacDougall’s lost the castle during the Battle of the Pass of Brader to Robert the Bruce. Clan Campbell took control of the castle. In 1958 the Campbell’s gave the Castle to Historic Scotland and it is currently open to the public.

The Clan MacDougall Society was founded in 1964 to participate in the Scottish community and help to preserve Scottish traditions. Castle Dunollie is the home of the Miss Hope MacDougall collection. Hope MacDougall was the aunt to three successive chiefs of the clan and started collecting artifacts related to the clan in the 1950’s.