MacDonald of Lochalsh

The Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was a Scottish family that was part of the larger Clan Donald. The branch was founded by Celestine MacDonald, who was the second son of Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles. Despite his efforts, Celestine was unable to succeed his father as chief of Clan Donald and Lord of the Isles, and the position went to his older brother John of Islay instead. The Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was led by Alexander MacDonald, the son of Celestine, after his father’s death.

The Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was involved in several conflicts during the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1497, Sir Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh led a rebellion against the King, but was defeated by the Clan Mackenzie at the Battle of Drumchatt and driven out of Ross-shire. Sir Donald MacDonald of Lochalsh, who was attempting to lay claim to the Lordship of the Isles, besieged Mingarry Castle, the seat of the Clan MacIain of Ardnamurchan, in 1515 and 1517, and took possession of the castle, burning and destroying the surrounding lands. The Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh was also involved in the Raid on Ross, in which they clashed with the Clan Mackenzie of Kintail and occupied Inverness Castle.