What is the difference between the MacLaines of Lochbuie and The MacLeans of Duart?
The Scottish Highlands are home to many proud and distinguished clans, each with its own rich history, traditions, and identity. One such clan is the Clan MacLean, a powerful and influential family whose members are spread throughout the world. However, within the Clan MacLean, there are two distinct branches: the MacLeans of Lochbuie and the MacLeans of Duart. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two branches of the Clan MacLean.
The MacLeans of Lochbuie are descendants of a younger son of a MacLean chief. This branch of the clan was established in the mid-14th century and held lands in the area of Lochbuie on the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. The MacLeans of Lochbuie were known for their seafaring skills, and they often served as privateers, preying on English shipping lanes during times of conflict. Over the centuries, the MacLeans of Lochbuie maintained their distinct identity, and they continue to have a strong presence in the area today.
On the other hand, the MacLeans of Duart were the senior line of the Clan MacLean and held the chiefship of the clan. This branch of the clan was established in the 13th century and held lands in the area around the castle of Duart on the Isle of Mull. The MacLeans of Duart were known for their military prowess, and they played a prominent role in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century. Today, the MacLean of Duart is recognized as the official chief of the Clan MacLean, and he continues to hold a prominent position within the clan and the Scottish Highlands.
While the MacLeans of Lochbuie and the MacLeans of Duart are both part of the Clan MacLean, there have been instances of conflict between the two branches in the past.
One notable conflict between the two branches took place in the late 16th century, when the MacLeans of Lochbuie challenged the authority of the MacLean of Duart. This led to a series of disputes and skirmishes between the two branches, and eventually, the MacLeans of Lochbuie were forced to recognize the MacLean of Duart as their chief.
Another conflict took place in the 17th century, when the MacLeans of Duart supported the Royalists during the English Civil War, while the MacLeans of Lochbuie supported the opposing side, the Covenanters. This resulted in further tensions between the two branches and added to the already strained relationship between them.
Despite these conflicts, however, the two branches have remained united under the larger banner of the Clan MacLean, and they continue to work together to promote their shared heritage and interests. Today, the two branches have put aside their differences and have come together to celebrate their shared history and traditions, and to support each other as members of the same clan.
While there have been conflicts between the MacLeans of Lochbuie and the MacLeans of Duart in the past, these disputes have been resolved, and the two branches continue to coexist peacefully as part of the larger Clan MacLean. Regardless of their differences, the MacLeans of Lochbuie and the MacLeans of Duart are both proud members of the same clan, and they remain united in their shared heritage and traditions.