What is the difference between the Clan MacLeod of Lewis and the Clan MacLeod of Harris?

The Clan MacLeod is one of the oldest and most famous Scottish clans, with a rich and storied history that spans over a thousand years. While the MacLeods are a single clan, there are two distinct branches of the clan – the MacLeods of Lewis and the MacLeods of Harris. These two branches have separate chiefs, and have their own distinct territories, traditions, and cultural identities.

The MacLeods of Lewis are based in the Isle of Lewis, which is part of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. This branch of the MacLeod clan traces its origins back to Leod, the son of Olaf the Black, who was a Norwegian prince and the progenitor of the MacLeod clan. The MacLeods of Lewis were known for their seafaring prowess, and they controlled the western seas of Scotland, including the Hebrides and the Isle of Skye.

The MacLeods of Harris, on the other hand, are based in the Isle of Harris, which is also part of the Outer Hebrides. This branch of the MacLeod clan traces its origins back to Tormod, a younger son of Leod. The MacLeods of Harris were known for their prowess on land, and they controlled the lands of Harris, Uist, and the mainland of Scotland.

Despite being two separate branches of the same clan, the MacLeods of Lewis and the MacLeods of Harris have a strong bond and often worked together. They would often support each other in times of war, and their shared history and heritage meant that they had a deep sense of loyalty and affection for one another.

Despite the strong bond and deep sense of loyalty between the two branches, there have been conflicts between the MacLeods of Lewis and the MacLeods of Harris throughout their history. One of the most notable conflicts was a dispute over the chiefship of the MacLeod clan in the late 17th century. The MacLeods of Harris claimed the right to be the chief of the clan, while the MacLeods of Lewis disputed this claim. This dispute caused a rift between the two branches, and the conflict was only resolved when the MacLeods of Lewis agreed to recognize the MacLeods of Harris as the chief of the clan.

Another conflict between the two branches was over territory. The MacLeods of Lewis and the MacLeods of Harris each controlled different territories, and there were sometimes disputes over land and resources. These disputes could be resolved peacefully, but there were also instances where violence was used to resolve these conflicts.

One of the most notable differences between the two branches is their respective tartans. The MacLeods of Lewis have a tartan that features predominantly blue and green stripes, while the MacLeods of Harris have a tartan that features predominantly red and green stripes. These tartans are a symbol of each branch’s unique identity and heritage, and are still worn by members of the MacLeod clan today.

The MacLeods of Lewis and the MacLeods of Harris are two distinct branches of the Scottish clan MacLeod, each with their own rich history, traditions, and cultural identity. Despite their differences, they share a strong bond and a deep sense of loyalty and affection for one another. Whether you’re a MacLeod of Lewis or a MacLeod of Harris, you can take pride in your heritage and the rich history of the Clan MacLeod.