Clan MacNeil Crest
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CREST: On a chapeau Gules furred Ermine, a rock Proper MOTTO: Buaidh no bas TRANSLATION: To conquer or die VARIATIONS: McNeil |
| The tale of Clan MacNeil begins with Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary fifth-century pagan king of Ireland. A descendant of Niall, Aodh O’Neil, ruled as King of the North of Ireland in the early eleventh century. It was his son, Niall MacNeil, who sought a new home and eventually arrived on the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides around 1049. Niall is recognized as the first chief of the MacNeil clan.
Barra, a place of beauty and mystery, became the stronghold of the MacNeils, where they would forge their destiny and write their name in the annals of Scottish history. The MacNeils quickly became prominent figures in Scottish affairs. Neil Og Macneil, son of the fifth chief, is believed to have fought valiantly alongside Robert the Bruce at the historic Battle of Bannockburn, a pivotal moment in Scotland’s quest for independence. The ninth chief, Gilleonan, secured a charter of Barra and Boisdale in 1427 from the powerful Lord of the Isles. |
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| Throughout the centuries, the MacNeils displayed their prowess in battle, and their influence extended beyond the shores of Barra, contributing significantly to the dynamics of the region.
The MacNeils’ relationship with Scottish monarchs was characterized by moments of loyalty and contention. The twelfth chief was deceived into attending King James V, resulting in his imprisonment. Later, the MacNeils embraced the Jacobite cause, supporting the exiled Stuart monarchs in their claim to the British throne. The clan’s steadfast Jacobite sympathies would come to the forefront during the rising of 1715 when Clan MacNeil rallied to fight for James VII at the Battle of Killiecrankie. The Jacobite loyalties would continue to shape the MacNeils’ identity and history in the years to come. The MacNeils faced trials and tribulations, particularly during the time of the twenty-first chief, General Roderick Macneil. Forced to sell Barra in 1838, this chapter marked a period of hardship for the clan. However, the undying spirit of the MacNeils persevered. In the early 20th century, the clan witnessed a momentous resurgence when the father of the present chief returned from the United States to reclaim Kisimul Castle and much of the island of Barra. His dedication to restoring the ancestral home served as a beacon of hope, and Kisimul Castle once again became the heart of the clan. |
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