Branches of Clan MacFarlane
MacFarlanes of Arrochar (Chiefly Line)
The Arrochar line was the chiefly family of Clan MacFarlane, descending from Gilchrist of Lennox in the 13th century. They held the Barony of Arrochar on the western shore of Loch Lomond for over 500 years. Chiefs of this line led the clan in battle and in feud, notably at Flodden (1513) and Langside (1568). The 20th chief, Walter MacFarlane, was a noted scholar and collector of Gaelic antiquities. The estate was lost in 1767 due to debts, and the last recognized chief died in 1866, rendering the chiefship dormant. Today, Arrochar remains central to MacFarlane heritage.
MacFarlanes of Kenmore
Founded by a younger son of the 8th Chief in the 15th century, the Kenmore branch held lands near Loch Lomond and became a prolific source of cadet lines. They spread into Glen Fruin and Argyll, forming branches such as Auchinvenal, Muckroy, and the Irish line of Dunnamanich. The Kenmore estate itself faded from prominence by the 17th century, but the branch played a vital role in the clan’s expansion across Scotland and into Ulster.
MacFarlanes of Tullich
This branch, founded by Dugald MacFarlane of the 16th century, secured lands in Glen Douglas during the clan’s feud with the Colquhouns. The family’s position near Glen Fruin placed them at the edge of MacFarlane territory, where they defended clan interests. The line eventually merged into its cadets at Finnart and Gortan, and the Tullich name faded as a separate identity by the 17th century.
MacFarlanes of Finnart
A cadet of Tullich, the Finnart branch became lairds of Gortan on Loch Long in the early 1600s. They built and occupied Gartartan Castle and played a leading role in the southern expansion of the clan. The estate was sold in 1798, and the family dispersed or emigrated. The line is now inactive but remembered for their role in clan settlement and feuds.
MacFarlanes of Inversnaid
Established by a younger son of the Arrochar line, the Inversnaid family secured a foothold on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. Strategically placed between clan rivals, they likely participated in cattle raids and defended the clan’s frontier. The branch disappeared after the government built a garrison in the area in 1718, signaling its end.
MacFarlanes of Gartartan
This cadet line, descending from Walter of Ardleish, settled in Gartmore and built Gartartan Castle. They intermarried with Lowland gentry and preserved clan memory through literature. James MacFarlane of this line authored the clan’s first major history in 1922. Though the estate and branch faded by the late 19th century, their scholarly legacy remains vital.
MacFarlanes of Ballancleroch
Also known as the Kirkton branch, this line was founded by a descendant of the 12th chief and settled in Campsie, Stirlingshire. Integrated into Lowland society, the family included friends of Sir Walter Scott and maintained Ballancleroch House until it was lost to fire in 1883. The branch is now extinct but contributed to the clan’s professional and literary reputation.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
MacFarlanes of Ballaggan
A minor cadet of the Gartartan line, this branch held lands in Menteith but never rose to prominence. It vanished from records by the 18th century and is preserved only in genealogical charts.
MacFarlanes of Muckroy
An Argyll-based cadet of Kenmore, this branch migrated west and established itself near Glenralloch. Active in the 16th and 17th centuries, they were known for independence and occasional rivalry with other Highland clans. The line became extinct in the 18th century.
MacFarlanes of Auchinvenal
A cadet in Glen Fruin that participated in clan feuding during the late 1500s. Auchinvenal was a frontier branch near Colquhoun territory and was involved in the infamous Battle of Glen Fruin. The estate was lost in the early 1800s, and the branch disappeared shortly afterward.
MacFarlanes of Drumfad
A small sept in Glen Fruin, likely related to the Auchinvenal family. Drumfad was abandoned or sold during the 18th century, and the family left no lasting legacy.
MacFarlanes of Dunnamanich
Founded during the Plantation of Ulster, this Irish branch established itself in County Tyrone in the early 1600s. They were prominent in the Scots-Irish diaspora but disconnected from the Scottish clan structure. While descendants remain in Northern Ireland, the branch is no longer active as a clan entity.
References (APA Format)
Clan MacFarlane Society Australia. (2016). A Guide to MacFarlane Country, Scotland (Rev. ed.). Retrieved from https://www.clanmacfarlane.org.au
Helensburgh Heritage Trust. (2020). Loch Long estate had colourful history. Retrieved from https://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk
MacFarlane, J. (1922). History of the Clan MacFarlane. Glasgow: [n.p.]. Retrieved from https://archive.org
The Scotsman. (2014, November 6). Scottish clan profile: MacFarlane. Retrieved from https://www.scotsman.com
Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Clan MacFarlane. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_MacFarlane