| The MacDougalls are
descended from Dugall, eldest son of Somerled of the Isles,
progenitor of Clan Donald. The first record of the name is in 1230
when Duncan M'Kowele founded the Priory of Ardchattan in
Argyllshire. Unfortunately for the MacDougalls, their chief
supported Balliol against Robert the Bruce (through intermarriage
with the Comyns) and was therefore deprived of his lands. At the
time the family controlled Lorn and Benderloch, the islands of Mull,
Lismore, Coll and Tiree. In 1354 however some of these lands were
restored when John MacDougall of Lorne married Robert the Bruce's
granddaughter. Although they were descended from a common ancester
the MacDougalls and MacDonalds feuded. The hostility that resulted
was compounded during the 16th century when after an heiress had
carried their lands to the Campbells via the Stewarts, MacDougall of
Dunollie acknowledged Argyll as his feudal superior. The chiefship
passed to the MacDougalls of Dunollie as the nearest male heir. The
MacDougalls fought for Charles I during the Civil War and after,
following the Stewart cause during the 1715 Rebellion. The chief's
wife held Dunollie castle against the government troops while he was
fighting at Sheriffmuir. The estate was confiscated but restored
just prior to 1745 because of their loyalty to the Crown. The
previous chief, Madam MacDougall of MacDougall and Dunollie, died on
5th May, 1990, aged 85 years. She has been succeeded by her niece,
who has become the 31st hereditory chief of the clan. The new
chief's daughter has inherited the ancient title of Maid of Lorn. |
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