Clan MacDonald of Largie

The Clan MacDonald of Largie, also known as Clan Ranald Bane, is a Scottish clan that traces its origins back to the late 16th century. The clan is a branch of the larger Clan Donald, one of the most powerful and prominent clans in Scotland. The founder of the clan was Ranald Bane MacDonald, a son of Iain Mhoir Tanistear Mic Dhòmhnaill, who was granted lands in Kintyre around Largie by his brother Donald Ballach MacDonald, Chief of Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg.

One of the most significant events in the history of the clan was the Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss in 1647, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The MacDonalds of Largie were routed and Largie Castle at Rhunahaorine was destroyed. As a result, their lands and estate were forfeited and given to Archibald Campbell of Inverawe. However, the lands and estate were returned to the clan during the Restoration in 1660.

The clan has had a number of chiefs throughout its history, starting with Ranald Bane MacDonald, the 1st of Largie. Other notable chiefs include Donald MacRanald Bane, 2nd of Largie, Alexander MacDonald, 3rd of Largie, and John Ranald Maxwell Macdonald, 11th of Largie. The current chief of the clan is Fergus John Logie Maxwell MacDonald.

The clan has a rich history and heritage, and today, many people around the world can trace their ancestry back to the Clan MacDonald of Largie. The clan’s main castle, Largie Castle, was located at Rhunahaorine and was destroyed during the Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss, but another castle Largie Castle, Tayinloan still exist.