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Clan MacDonald | History, Symbols, and Tartan

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Clan MacDonald, or Clan Donald, is one of the largest and most powerful clans in Scotland, with a history that stretches back over 800 years. At their peak, the MacDonalds controlled vast swathes of the western Highlands and Hebrides, ruling as the mighty Lords of the Isles. Their influence extended beyond Scotland, shaping the politics of Ireland and the North Atlantic.


The clan motto, “Per mare per terras” – “By sea and by land” – reflects their mastery of both seafaring and territorial dominance. Their crest depicts an armoured hand holding a cross, symbolising faith and leadership. The MacDonald tartans are among the most recognised, with striking red and green setts that remain popular today.


The MacDonalds are remembered as ambitious, independent, and often defiant – a clan whose power rivalled that of the Scottish Crown itself.



Origins and Early History

The MacDonalds trace their ancestry to Somerled, a 12th-century Norse-Gaelic warrior who carved out a kingdom in the western seaboard of Scotland. Somerled’s descendants took the name Mac Dhomhnuill (“son of Donald”) from his grandson, Donald of Islay, who consolidated the family’s holdings in the Hebrides and western mainland.


By the late Middle Ages, the MacDonalds had established themselves as rulers of the Lordship of the Isles, a semi-independent dominion stretching from the Isle of Man to the Outer Hebrides. From their base at Finlaggan on Islay, they commanded fleets of galleys, levied taxes, and held court with the authority of near-kings.


Their Norse-Gaelic heritage gave them a unique identity, blending Viking maritime prowess with Highland clan traditions.



Rise of the Clan

At the height of their power in the 14th and 15th centuries, the MacDonalds were arguably the most influential family in Scotland outside the royal Stewarts. They held the allegiance of numerous smaller clans, fielded large armies, and controlled vital sea routes.


The title of Lord of the Isles carried immense prestige, rivalled only by the Scottish Crown. This inevitably led to tension with the monarchy. In 1493, James IV of Scotland finally stripped the MacDonalds of their lordship after repeated rebellions. While this marked the end of their independent rule, the clan remained powerful through its many branches.



Crest, Motto, and Symbols

The MacDonald crest shows a hand in armour holding a cross, reflecting both martial strength and Christian faith. Their motto, “Per mare per terras” (“By sea and by land”), encapsulates their dual power on both water and land.


The clan’s war cry, “Fraoch Eilean” (“the Heathery Isle”), recalls their island strongholds. Branches of the MacDonalds, such as Clanranald, Glengarry, and Sleat, developed their own crests and mottos while retaining ties to the central family line.


Together, these symbols underline the clan’s identity as warriors, sailors, and leaders of the Isles.



The MacDonald Tartans

MacDonald tartans are numerous, reflecting the many branches of the clan. Some of the most notable include:


  • MacDonald of the Isles: A striking sett of dark green and blue with thin red and white lines.

  • MacDonald of Clanranald: A vibrant red-based tartan with green and yellow overstripes.

  • MacDonald of Glengarry: A bold red and black pattern, one of the best known of all Highland tartans.

  • MacDonald Dress: A brighter version, often incorporating more white for ceremonial wear.


These tartans remain popular across the world, worn by descendants of the clan and those drawn to their powerful history.



The MacDonalds in Scottish History

The MacDonalds were central players in Scotland’s turbulent history. Their fleets and warriors made them key allies – or formidable enemies – in conflicts from the Wars of Independence to the Jacobite risings.


  • Wars of Independence (13th–14th centuries): Many MacDonalds supported Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314, strengthening ties with the Crown.

  • Lordship of the Isles (14th–15th centuries): The clan ruled much of western Scotland semi-independently until the forfeiture of 1493.

  • The Massacre of Glencoe (1692): One of the darkest moments in Highland history, when government troops – many of them Campbells – killed members of the MacDonald clan after they had delayed swearing allegiance to William III.

  • Jacobite risings (1715 & 1745): MacDonald branches were prominent in the Jacobite cause, fighting for the restoration of the Stuart monarchy. Their regiments fought with distinction at battles such as Killiecrankie, Sheriffmuir, and Culloden.


These events cemented the MacDonalds’ reputation as both defiant rebels and proud defenders of their heritage.



Feuds and Alliances

The MacDonalds’ sheer size and ambition brought them into frequent conflict. Their most famous rivalry was with the Campbells, rooted in competition for land and royal favour. The feud was bloody and long-lasting, culminating in episodes like Glencoe.


The MacDonalds also fought with the MacLeods over the Isle of Skye and clashed with the MacKenzies and other clans across the Highlands. Yet they were equally adept at forging alliances, often marrying into other powerful families to secure their position.



The Clan Today

Though the Lordship of the Isles is long gone, Clan MacDonald remains a proud and active family. There are now multiple recognised chiefs representing different branches, including:


  • The High Chief of Clan Donald, based in Armadale Castle on Skye.

  • Chiefs of branches such as Clanranald, Glengarry, and Sleat.


Clan Donald societies exist worldwide, particularly in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where many Scots emigrated in the 18th and 19th centuries. Annual clan gatherings celebrate their heritage with music, Highland games, and, of course, tartan.


Historic sites such as Finlaggan (Islay), Armadale Castle (Skye), and Glencoe remain powerful symbols of their past.



Clan MacDonald’s history is one of power, independence, and resilience. From their Norse-Gaelic origins to their rule as Lords of the Isles, they shaped the history of Scotland’s west coast. Their motto, “By sea and by land,” captures their dominance in both realms, while their many tartans remain a living symbol of their identity.


Though they lost their lordship, the MacDonalds continue to thrive as one of Scotland’s most iconic clans, remembered for their ambition, their battles, and their enduring spirit.


For more on the clans of Scotland, see our guides: The Language of Tartans, Family Crests & Clan Symbols, and Choosing a Tartan Today.

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