Clan MacAlister

The Clan Macalister is a highland Scottish clan originating in the Kintyre District.  The are considered to originally be a branch of Clan Donald.  The progenitor of the clan is believed to be MacAlister of Loup and Kennox, a descendant and possibly a son of Alister Mhor , Lord of the Isles. The clan can trace its roots back to the late 13th century and opposed Robert the Bruce in his claim to the Scottish throne. The surname MacAlister is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname “MacAlasdair”, meaning son of Alasdair.  They became their own independent clan in the 15th century under the leadership of Chief Ian Dhu.

The motto of the clan is Fortiter, meaning Boldly, and the clans crest features An armoured arm with the hand holding a dagger.

The historic seat of the clan is Kennox House located in North Anyrshire in the parish of Dunlop overlooking the Glazert Burn.  The house was originally called the Crivoch House and was owned by John of Crivoch until the mid-1600s.  The House was then purchased by the Somerville family.  The MacAlisters acquired the property in 1792 when Charles McAlester, 12th of Loup married into the Somerville family.  This marriage is said to have restored much of the MacAlister fortune that was lost after supporting the Jacobites in 1745.  Kennox House is now a private retreat available for group and individual rentals.

In 1991 the Lord Lyon King of Arms recognized William St John Somerville McAlester of Loup and Kennox as the rightful chief of the MacAlister Clan.  There are several cadet branches of the larger clan including the MacAlisters of Tarbet, the MacAlisters of Glenbarr and the Alexanders of Menstrie.

The Clan MacAlister Society is setup as a nonprofit organization responsible for organizing festivals, Highland Games, along with social events.  The clan organization claims to connect MacAlisters from all across the world.

Septs. and Dependents – MacAlaster.

Septs. and Dependents