Clan MacDonald of Glencoe

Clan MacDonald of Glencoe
Clann Iain Abrach
Crest: a hand holding a sgian dhu surrounded by an open laurel wreath.
MottoNec Tempore Nec Fato (Neither Time Nor Fate)
Profile
RegionScottish Highlands
DistrictLochaber
Plant badgeCommon Heath
Pipe musicMort Ghlinne Comhann
Chief
Alan Donald MacDonald of Glencoe, Chief of the Name and Arms of MacDonald of Glencoe
Allied clans
Rival clans
A romanticised Victorian-era illustration of a MacDonald of Glencoe clansman by R. R. McIan from The Clans of the Scottish Highlands published in 1845.

The MacDonalds of Glencoe, also known as Clann Iain Abrach (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Iain Abrach), is a Highland Scottish clan and a branch of the larger Clan Donald. Named after Glen Coe, the MacDonalds (or MacIains as they were more specifically known) lived there from the early 14th century, until the glen was largely abandoned during the Highland Clearances of the late 18th century.

The MacDonalds of Glencoe were constantly involved in trouble with the law and for their consistent raiding, pillaging and cattle rustling. Combined with their participation in the Jacobite rising of 1689, this resulted in the clan being targeted in the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. They later took part in the risings of 1715 and 1745.

The last clan chief died in 1889, without producing an heir. In the 21st century, the clan has since had a chief recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms in January 2024: Alan MacDonald has been confirmed as Chief of the name and arms of MacDonald of Glencoe.


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