MacLaine of Lochbuie Crest
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CREST: a branch of laurel and a branch of cypress in saltire surmounted of a battle axe in pale all Proper MOTTO: Vincere vel moir TRANSLATION: To conquer or die VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The MacLaines trace their lineage back to the fierce warrior Billean of the Battleaxe, who held lands in Mull and Morvern during the mid-thirteenth century. His son, Gillean, and three grandsons fought valiantly at the Battle of Largs, earning their place of honor in Scottish history. Their heroic feats captured the attention of King Alexander II, further solidifying the clan’s prominence.
Gille-losa, the successor of Gillean, was succeeded by his son Malcolm, who fearlessly led his clan into battle at Bannockburn. The subsequent generations witnessed the rise of notable figures within the MacLaine lineage. Ianin Dubh, Malcolm’s son, became the father of Eachainn Reaganach (Hector the Stern) and Lachlan Lubanach (Lachlan the Wily). Eachainn Reaganach founded the Macleans of Lochbuie, while Lachlan Lubanach established the Macleans of Duart. |
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| Hector the Stern, the founder of the Macleans of Lochbuie, was granted lands in Mull by the Lords of the Isles around 1350. These lands expanded to encompass Mull, Scarba, Jura, Morvern, Locheil, and parts of Tiree and Morvern. Hector’s castle, Moy Castle, became the stronghold of the Lochbuie chiefs, later succeeded by Lochbuie House in 1725. Their influence extended beyond their lands, as they held positions on the Council of the Isles until its forfeiture in 1493.
The Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie is intertwined with intriguing legends, none more captivating than the story of the headless horseman. The tale recounts the tragic fate of Ewan, son of Iain Og, who engaged in a fatal battle with his father. The ghostly apparition of Ewan, riding on his black charger, clad in a green cloak, still haunts the night, believed to foretell imminent family deaths. Such legends add an air of mystique to the clan’s folklore. Throughout their history, the MacLaines have produced notable figures who left an indelible mark on Scotland’s narrative. John Mor, the seventh chief, earned fame as an exceptional swordsman and successfully dueled an Italian master-at-arms. Hector, the eighth chief, initiated the spelling of the surname as “Maclaine,” which remains prevalent to this day. Murdoch Mor, the tenth chief, fought alongside the Marquess of Montrose and faced the hardships of land forfeiture and subsequent restoration. The Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie continued to make their presence felt in Scottish history. From Hector’s triumphs in Jacobite campaigns to John’s memorable encounter with Dr. Samuel Johnson and James Boswell during their tour of the Hebrides, the MacLaines maintained their reputation as hospitable hosts and proud bearers of their heritage. |
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