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MacLean of Duart Coat of Arms

MacLean of Lockbuie Coat of Arms

The CLAN MACLEAN who at one time or another held extensive lands in the Western Isles and mainland are descended from Gilleathain na Tuaidh, Gillian of the Battleaxe, in the 13th century. Two brothers, his descendants, were Lachlan Lubanch, progenitor of the MacLeans of Duart, and Eachan Reaganach, progenitor of the MacLaines of Lochbuie.

The Macleans were supporters of the McDougals of Lorn, but later transferred their allegiance to MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, and became one of their most most powerful vassals. The MacLeans fought at the Battle of Harlaw, where their chief Red Hector of the Battle was killed. On the forfeiture of the Lordship of the Isles in 1493, the MacLeans, then divided into four separate branches, became independent.

Lachlan MacLean of Duart was killed at Flodden in 1513, and during the 16th and 17th centuries the MacLeans were one of the most important clans in the Western Isles. In 1632 Lachlan MacLean of Morven, heir to Hector MacLean of Duart, was created a baronet.

MacLeans fought at Inverlochy under Montrose, and at Inverkeithing, and in latter battle occurred the famous incident of seven brothers in the clan each giving his life to protect his chief, each as he fell shouting “Another for Hector.” The sacrifice was unavailing for Sir Hector too was killed. The MacLeans supported Dunde at the Battle of Killiecrankie, and joined the Earl of Mar in 1715. Sir Hector, chief in 1745, was imprisoned in London for two years, but the clan appeared at Culloden under the Duke of Perth.

Sir Fizroy Maclean, 10th Baronet, repurchased Duart Castle in 1910

Brief History of Duart Castle

An extremely impressive and daunting fortress, Duart Castle consist of large 13th - century walls, enclosing a courtyard on a rocky knoll. In 1390 Lachlan Lubanach, 5th chief, built the keep on the outside of the curtain wall, enclosing the existing wall. There are later ranges of buildings within the walls. The McLeans of Duart claim to be descendant of Gillean of the Battle Axe.

Lachlan Lubanach married Lady Elizabeth, daughter of the Lord of the Isles, granddaughter of Robert II King of Scots, and was granted the first known charter for Duart dated 1390 as her dowry. While fighting with the MacDonald's, the 6th chief Red Hector was killed at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411, slaying and being slain by Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum. Lachlan Cattanach, 11th Chief, became so unhappy with his Campbell wife that he had the poor woman chained to a rock in the Firth of Lorn to be drowned at high tide. However, she was rescued and taken to her father, the Campbell Earl of Argyll. As a result, MacLean was murdered in his bed at Edinburgh by Sir John Campbell of Cawdor.

In 1674 the castle was acquired by the Campbell Earl of Argyll. The MacLeans remained staunch Jacobites throughout Risings. Although garrisoned, the castle was not used as a residence, and was abandoned after the Rising of 1745 to become derelict and roofless. Fitzroy MacLean, who restored the castle, acquired it in 1911.