Clan Chattan
Clan Chattan (Scottish Gaelic: Na Catanaich or Clann Chatain), also sometimes referred to as "Clan Dhugaill" (Quehele) after its progenitor Dougall-Dall, is a unique confederation of Highland clans. This distinctive allied community comprised at its greatest extent seventeen separate clans (currently twelve), who each had their own clan chief recognized under Scottish law, but were further united and bound to the superior chief of the Confederation for mutual solidarity, sustenance and protection in the Middle Ages and early modern period in the Great Glen and Cairngorms. A tribal coalition of this magnitude was a source of apprehension to both the Lord of the Isles and the Kings of Scots and records exist of machinations to "crying doon the Clan Chattan" by fomenting internal dissension.
| Clan Chattan | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Profile | |||
| Region | Highland | ||
| District | Inverness | ||
| Chief | |||
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| Malcolm Mackintosh of Torcastle, 33rd Chief of Clan Chattan, a resident of New Zealand represented by John Mackintosh of Mackintosh, 31st Chief of Clan Mackintosh and President of the Clan Chattan Association.[1] | |||
| Historic seat | Tor Castle in Lochaber, Moy Hall in Inverness (current) | ||
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Clan Chattan (Scottish Gaelic: Na Catanaich or Clann Chatain),[5] also sometimes referred to as "Clan Dhugaill" (Quehele) after its progenitor Dougall-Dall, is a unique confederation of Highland clans.[6] This distinctive allied community[7] comprised at its greatest extent seventeen separate clans (currently twelve),[8] who each had their own clan chief recognized under Scottish law, but were further united and bound to the superior chief of the Confederation for mutual solidarity, sustenance and protection in the Middle Ages and early modern period in the Great Glen and Cairngorms. A tribal coalition of this magnitude was a source of apprehension to both the Lord of the Isles and the Kings of Scots and records exist of machinations to "crying doon the Clan Chattan" by fomenting internal dissension.[9]
Origins and early history
[edit]There are multiple theories about the true origins of this clan:
- The name Chattan may derive from the Catti who were a germanic tribe that had been driven out by the Romans.[6]
- Another theory is that the name comes from Catav in Sutherland.[6]
- The most widely accepted theory is that they descended from Gillichattan Mor who was the great servant of Saint Cathan.[6] Gillichattan is believed to have been appointed the co-arb or bailie of the abbey lands of Ardchattan Priory, by the Lord of Argyll, Duncan MacDougall.[6][10]
In the time of Malcolm II of Scotland, the Clan Chattan possessed the lands of Glen Loy and Loch Arkaig.[6] It was here that Tor Castle became the clan chief's seat.[6] Not much is certain about the history of the clan until towards the end of the 13th century.[6]
The merging of the Chattan and Mackintosh clans
[edit]Eva, (most probably incorrectly anglicized from Aife), daughter and heiress of Gilpatric or Dougal Dall, 6th chief of Clan Chattan in Lochaber, married Angus Mackintosh, 6th chief of Clan Mackintosh, in 1291.[6] Thus Angus Mackintosh also became 7th chief of Clan Chattan.[11] Some members of alternative male inheritance lines have however questioned the validity of this decision through a female line which would lead to occasional discord. Neither side of this dispute have questioned the historicity of Aife, merely the inheritance line.[12][failed verification]
Migration out of Lochaber
[edit]The couple resided at Tor Castle before withdrawing to Rothiemurchus apparently due to the enmity of Aonghus Óg of Islay, chief of Clan Donald, the uncle of Angus Mackintosh. Tradition has it that he had intended to marry Eva off to one of his family members and in so doing acquire the Clan Chattan lands.[13][6] As a result, the lands at Arkaig were occupied by Clan Cameron who claimed that they had been abandoned.[6] This was the beginning of a long and bitter feud that was fought between the Clan Chattan and Clan Cameron until 1666.[6]
Another reason for the migration is explained in MacPherson clan traditions is that in 1309, Robert the Bruce offered the lands of Badenoch to them if they destroyed the Bruce's enemies, the Clan Comyn.[14]
Earliest written documents
[edit]The earliest official document, the MS 1467 which recognises the Clan Chattan is dated 1467; but the chronicler Bower, writing about 1440, speaks of Clan Chattan in 1429. Bellenden, in his translation of Boece, about 1525, is the first who mentions this clan having been at the Inches in Perth in 1396, and this probably owing to a misprint in the original, of Clan Quhete for Quhele'. He referred to it as Quhattan.[15]
From singular clan to Confederation
[edit]Prior to the 14th century, the Clan Chattan was a conventional clan.[6] However it evolved into an alliance or confederation of at least seventeen clans which was made up of:
- firstly of the descendants of the "blood" or the original clan (Clan Cattanach, Clan Vurich/Clan MacPherson, Clan MacPhail and Clan Dhai/Clan Davidson (according to Skene) and possibly Clan Vean/Clan MacBean (or McBain)).[10] The MacMartins of Clan Cameron and Clan MacMillan are also sometimes described as have being originally related to the Old Clan Chattan but parted ways.[16][17][18]
- secondly of the Clan Mackintosh and their cadet branches (Clan Shaw, Clan Farquharson, Clan MacThomas) and Clan Davidson (according to the Kinrara MS, the clans principal account of their origins and early history).[19]
- thirdly of families who were not originally related by blood (Clan MacGillivray who took protection around 1268,[20] Clan Tearlach/the Macleans of Dochgarroch,[21] the Clan Revan/MacQueens of Strathdearn and the Clan Inteir/MacIntyres of Badenoch). Other lesser known clans are also recorded:
- The Vic Gories, who took protection around 1369.[22]
- The Dhus of Strathnairn, who took protection around 1373.[22]
- Clan Slioch Gow Chruim/The Gows or Smiths, who took protection around 1399.[23]
- Clan Clerich/The Clarks, who took protection around 1400.[24]
- Clan Tarril, the Kinrara MS also states, " In the time of Lachlan (8th of Mackintosh, who died in 1407), a small clan from Strathnairn settled in Petty, becoming followers of Mackintosh." Within two generations however, their status changed. Gillespie, a brother of the Earl of Ross, entered Petty with reivers driving off cattle and inhabitants. The invaders were surprised at Culloden by Duncan and two other sons of Malcolm Mackintosh, who recovered the stolen goods, but were too late for Clan Tarril, nearly all of whom were slain.[25]
- The Sliochd Gillie vor MacAonas who took protection around 1485.[22]
- The Finlay Cheir who took protection around 1502.[26] and
- 'Clan an t-Saoir',[27] Clan Andrish or the MacAndrews ('Clan Gillandrish').[28][6] The Kinrara MS states a Donald MacGillandris, was part of a bridal retinue of Mora MacDonald of Moydart, future wife of the 10th Chief of Mackintosh. Settled at Connage in Petty. This family is mentioned in a royal summons for the "Maisterfull spoliatioun’’ of Halhill in 1513 with Dougal Mor Mackintosh.[29]
The Skene assumption
[edit]William Forbes Skene, however, gave a different version of how Clan Chattan was formed prior to the Mackintosh alliance.[30] Clan Vuirich (Clan MacPherson) and Clan Day (Clan Davidson) were the original co-founders and referred to as old Clan Chattan.[30] Added to these were six "stranger septs" who took protection from the clan.[30] These were Clan Vic Ghillevray (Clan MacGillivray), the Clan Vean (Clan MacBean), the Clan Vic Govies, the Clan Tarrel, the Clan Cheanduy, and the Sliochd Gowchruim or Smiths.[30]
However, Skene's phrase about "stranger septs" and the names linked to them is not supported by any of the works of the respected Clan Chattan historians,[31][32][33][34] and may therefore be a historical error by Skene, whose shortcomings have been noted by later writers – one of Skene's harshest critics was the Scottish philologist Alexander MacBain.
Sir Æneas Mackintosh/Charles-Fraser Mackintosh assumption
[edit]Noted historian of Clan Chattan, Charles Fraser-Mackintosh, in his 'An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan; its kith and kin' (the work known as 'Minor Septs of Clan Chattan') published a list of 16 associated tribes of Clan Chattan, along with an associated date reference, as written down by Sir Æneas Mackintosh. It begins with The Clan vic Gillivray, 1271. The second clan is The Clan Wurrich (Macpherson), 1291 and the third is The Clan Vean (Macbeans), 1292; then the fourth is The Clan Day (Davidsons), 1350. Others follow including (No.9) The Clan Tearlich (Macleans of the North), 1400, (No.10) The Clan Revan (Macqueens), 1400 and (No.14) The Clan Phail (Macphails), 1500.[35]
In his 'The Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan' (1903), A. M. Mackintosh arranges his chapters to provide a history of Clan Chattan, its chiefs and its Mackintosh branches, then in Chapter XV details the 'Tribes and Families of Clan Chattan other than the Mackintoshes of Inverness-shire'.
- He begins (page 405) with the heading 'Clans Springing from the Mackintoshes': the Shaws, the Farquharsons, the Mackintoshes of Dalmunzie, the McCombies and Clan Thomas.
- Then A. M. Mackintosh comes to Part II of this chapter headed 'Clans Supposed to be of the Blood of the Old Clan Chattan' (i.e. not Mackintoshes, but members of Eva's family): the MacPhersons, the Cattanachs, the MacBeans and the MacPhails.
- The author then covers in Part III of the same chapter, headed (page 496) 'Clans Not of the Blood of either MackIntoshes or Old Clan Chattan': the MacGillivrays, the Davidsons, the Macleans of Dochgarroch, Clan Tarril, the Smiths or Gows, the MacQueens or Clan Revan, Clan Andrish and the Clarks or Clan Chlerich.
The members today
[edit]Today, the Clan Chattan Association, which is based in Scotland with members across the world, comprises the following twelve principal clans:[36]
- Clan Davidson
- Clan Farquharson
- Clan MacBean
- Clan MacGillivray
- Clan Mackintosh
- Clan MacPhail
- Clan MacPherson
- Clan MacQueen of Strathdearn
- Clan MacThomas
- Clan Shaw of Tordarroch
- The MacIntyres in Badenoch
- The Macleans of Dochgarroch (the Macleans of the North), (See 15th century Battle of Harlaw)
Chiefs
[edit]Old Chattan Chiefs
[edit]The following is a list of the traditional chiefs of the Clan Chattan before marriage between Aife/Eva, heiress of Clan Chattan, with the Chief of Clan Mackintosh, through whose marriage a new line of Mackintosh Captains (Chiefs) of Clan Chattan was created :[11]
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gillicattan Mor, first known chief of Clan Chattan |
| 2 | Diarmid |
| 3 | Gillicattan, |
| 4 | Muirach, father of Gillicattan, and Ewan Ban, father of the 3 branches of Clan Macpherson |
| 5 | Gillicattan |
| 6 | Dougal or Gilpatric, his daughter married Angus Mackintosh, 6th chief of Clan Mackintosh, thus Mackintosh became 7th chief of Clan Chattan. |
Thereafter the Chiefs of Clan Mackintosh are also the Chiefs of Clan Chattan. See: Chiefs of Clan Mackintosh.
The Chattan Confederation Chiefs
[edit]Each Clan in the Confederation retained their chiefs, but acknowledged the Mackintosh chief as the overall Captain of the Confederation.
The separation of titles
[edit]In 1942, the Lyon Court separated the leadership of Clan MacKintosh and Clan Chattan. The leadership of Clan Chattan passed to the Mackintosh of Torcastle line. The Chief of Clan Mackintosh had been at the same time Captain of Clan Chattan, until the death of Alfred Donald Mackintosh of Mackintosh CBE, who chose as his heir to the Mackintosh inheritance Rear-Admiral Lachlan Donald Makintosh CB DSO DSC. The omission of a stipulation in Alfred's will, concerning inheritance of the captaincy of Clan Chattan, led The Lord Lyon of the day to create the historic separation of the two titles. Lachlan became The Mackintosh of Mackintosh, and his cousin Duncan Alexander Eliott Mackintosh became Mackintosh of Mackintosh-Torcastle, and Head of the hail kin of Clan Chattan.[1] At this juncture the chieftainship of Mackintosh and Clan Chattan split.
The last few Clan Chattan Confederation chiefs therefore were:
- Duncan Alexander Eliott Mackintosh of Mackintosh-Torcastle, born 1 December 1884 and died 29 May 1966. He married Ellen Primrose Smith and they had three sons and two daughters.
- Kenneth Mackintosh, born 23 November 1916, who became the 32nd Chief of Clan Chattan. He married Margaret Farmer and had two children.
- Duncan Alexander John Mackintosh, born in 1946, according to Burke's Peerage.
- However, a genealogy published in an updated history of the Clan Mackintosh noted that Duncan died young, and that his younger brother Malcolm Mackintosh (born 20 October 1950) succeeded their father, who died in 1976, as 33rd Chief of Clan Chattan, becoming styled as Malcolm Mackintosh of Mackintosh-Torcastle and Clan Chattan.[37][38]
Clan Mackintosh therefore remains the principal clan of the Clan Chattan Confederation and the current and past Mackintosh of Mackintosh has been President of the Clan Chattan Association.
Battles, Skirmishes and Raids
[edit]Clan Chattan as a whole or as individual clans were involved in the following events:
- Scottish–Norwegian War
- 1263 Battle of Largs
- Wars of Scottish Independence
- 1337 Battle of Drumlui
- Second War of Scottish Independence
- 1370 Battle of Invernahavon
- 1380–1390(?) Massacre of Dun Dige. A MacSorley chief of Glen Nevis invited Clan Chattan to a dinner to discuss a peace. His piper apparently played their war pibroch which resulted in the Chattan seeing this as an insult. They returned later in the evening and massacred the MacSorleys. The remnants of the MacSorelys would go on to merge with Clan Cameron.[39][40][41][42]
- 1391 Raid of Angus by Clan Shaw and led by the Wolf of Badenoch, an illegitimate son of King Robert II.[43]
- 1396 Battle of the North Inch, Judicial combat
- 1407 Invasion of Chattan lands by brother of Earl of Ross, Chattan Clan Tarril completely slain.[25]
- 1411 Battle of Harlaw
- 1420 The Macleans of the North hang several Camerons from the walls of Castle Spioradain[44]
- 1424 Clan Shaw ambush and skirmish with Clan Comyn at Lag na Cuimenach near Loch Pityloulish.[43]
- 1424 Comyns invasion of Mackintosh lands at Meikle, Geddes and Rait, as well as subsequent attack on Moy where they unsuccessfully tried to drown the Mackintoshes on their island of Moy. Subsequent reconciliation between the two parties at the Rait Castle led to the slaughter of the Comyn hosts.[45][46][failed verification]
- 1429 Battle of Palm Sunday, after a spreagh of cattle was stolen from Strathdearn apparently by some Camerons.[47]
- 1429 Battle of Lochaber
- 1431 Battle of Inverlochy
- 1441 Battle of Craig Cailloch
- 1450 Clan MacPherson retaliatory raid on the Clan Comyn (MacNivens) for stealing cattle near Raitt's Cave.[48]
- 1454 Battle of Clachnaharry, skirmish with Clan Munro on passage money demanded by Clan Mackintosh.[49]
- 1491 Raid on Ross
- 1526 Hector Mackintosh, uncle of the infant chief of Mackintosh raised the town of Dyke against the Earl of Moray who had the infant William Mackintosh in his custody[50][failed verification]
- 1528 King James V issues a commission of Fire and Sword against the entire Clan Chattan with the Earl of Moray to carry out "utter extermination and destruction" of the clan and its supporters "leaving none alive except priests, women and children" in an effort to catch Hector Mackintosh.
- 1531 Clan Mackintosh lay siege to Darnaway Castle[50][failed verification][51]
- 1534 Battle of Glasgow Muir see Mackintosh of Killachie
- 1544 Battle of the Shirts
- Anglo-Scottish Wars
- 1547 Battle of Pinkie
- Mary, Queen of Scots feuds
- 1562 Battle of Corrichie
- 1568 Battle of Langside
- 1569–1573 Chanonry Castle, Mackintoshes supported the Mackenzies in besieging the Munros.[52]
- 1570 Battle of Bun Garbhain
- 1592 Retaliatory Mackintosh raid into Strathdee and Glenmuick on 10 November, during which four Gordon lairds were killed.[53][54]
- 1592 Auchindoun Castle of the Gordons destroyed by Clan Mackintosh in retaliation due to the 6th Earl George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly's, killing their ally, The Bonny Earl O’Moray.[55][56]
- 1594 Battle of Glenlivet, Both sides
- Cattle Raiding Period
- 1602 Raid on GlenIsla, Largest recorded cattle raid in Scottish history when MacGregors, MacDonells of Glengarry and Clan Chattan, carried away over 2000 cattle, but were subsequently ambushed by the Robertson's of Straloch [57][58][59][60]
- 1602 Skirmish at Loch Garry, Clan Macpherson ambushes a Clan MacColl raiding party[61]
- 1602 Battle of Cairnwell Pass, west of Meall Odhar involved a skirmish between the Clan MacThomas and cattle reivers attempting to steal a herd of black cattle.[62]
- 1604 Raid on the Earl of Airlie, Cattle raid by Finlay Farquharson [63]
- 1606 Raid on Delreddy, Cattle raid by Donald Farquharson and others[63]
- 1607 Raid on Gask, Cattle raid by Clan Mackintosh[63]
- 1612 Raid on Kilvarock, Cattle raid by Clan Mackintosh[63]
- 1618 Fire and Sword: Sir Lauchlan Mackintosh obtained commission against Macdonalds of Keppoch for laying waste his lands in Lochaber. He conceived he had a right to the services of the whole Confederation but some were now tenants of the Marquis of Huntly, but were ordered nonetheless. This offended the Earl of Enzie, the marquis's son, who summoned Mackintosh before the Privy Council, for having, as he asserted, exceeded his commission.
- 1624 Raid on John Steward, Cattle raid by Gillichallum Mackintosh[63]
- 1630 Outlaw James Grant of Carron and his freebooters were surprised at Auchnachayle in Strathdon in the night, where a skirmish ensued killing four of the cateran, the rest taken prisoner and sent to Edinburgh for trial.[64][65]
- 1633 Clan Farquharson skirmish with Maclaughlins near the Braes of Mar attempting to steal cattle and raid plunder.[66]
- 1634 Raid on Hew Ross, Cattle raid by Clan Mackintosh[63]
- Wars of the Three Kingdoms
- 1644 Battle of Tippermuir Royalist Forces levy conscripts in Badenoch mainly from Clan MacPherson[67][68]
- 1645 Battle of Alford Royalist Forces levy 300 conscripts from Clan Farquharson
- 1645 Battle of Kilsyth Royalist Forces levy 300 conscripts from Clan Farquharson
- 1645 Battle of Philiphaugh Chief of Clan MacThomas withdrew his support from Royalists after this defeat.[69]
- 1665 Stand-off at the Fords of Arkaig, amicable end to feud with Clan Cameron
- 1665 Skirmish in Inverness, between of the MacDonells of Glengarry and Mackintoshes in Inverness resulting in £4,800 in damages and fees for a surgeon.[70]
- 1665 Bandit Raid on Balchirie, another Lachlan Mackintosh operated a cattle lifting gang which with 25 men raided the estate of John Lyon of Muiresk at Balchirie and successfully rounded up about 60 cattle. He was declared a outlaw and was captured four months later and executed in Edinburgh in January 1666.[71][72][73]
- 1688 Battle of Mulroy, Fort Dunachton destroyed, Clan MacPherson rescue the Mackintosh chief.[74]
- Jacobite rising of 1689
- Jacobite rising of 1715[75]
- 1715 Battle of Preston, Clan MacPhails' Tainistear captured and deported to Virginia.[76]
- 1715 Siege of Culloden House
- Jacobite rising of 1719 see William Mackintosh of Borlum
- Jacobite rising of 1745
- 1745 Siege of Carlisle a Macbean was said to be the first over the walls.
- 1745 Clifton Moor Skirmish
- 1745 Battle of Inverurie
- 1746 Battle of Falkirk Muir
- 1746 Atholl raids
- 1746 Battle of Culloden[77]
Gathering the Confederation for Battle
[edit]No single gathering point is known to exist for the entire Confederation to have ever used, but several other gathering points have been identified:
- Clach An Airm in Strathnairn: Known gathering point of the MacGillivrays to organise and sharpen weapons.[78][79]
- Clach na Coileach: Meeting place in the MacThomas lands.
- Carn na Cuimhe beside the river Dee, east of Invercauld: Known gathering point of the Farquharsons. A fire cross was said to have been sent around the clan lands by runners to notify fighting men to gather.[80]
- Creag Dhubh: Known gathering point of the Macphersons, a rocky hill near Cluny Castle in times of emergency.
- Dunlichity Church: Known gathering point of the Mackintosh and nearby MacPhails with evidence of the stone walls being used to sharpen swords.[81]
Confederation Agreements
[edit]The list below shows some of the more important agreements of the Confederation in terms of bands of union, friendship, maintenance and manrent.
1397 Band of Union
[edit]The Chattan Confederation's first band may have been created in 1397 after the Battle of the North Inch, but it only lasted 14 years until 1411 when Clan MacPherson decided to take a different stand from the rest of the Chattan Confederation in regional politics.[50][failed verification]
1543 Band of Union
[edit]Signed at Inverness by most of the chiefs of the septs of Clan Chattan, including the Macphersons, they agreed that they would support their chief, William Mackintosh, 15th of Mackintosh, as a vassal of the Earl of Huntly.[82][83]
1609 Band of Union
[edit]After the death of Mackintosh of Dunnachten in 1606, the Mackintoshes made an effort to reunite the clan and bring to an end the "controversies, questions, debates and hosts, that has fallen furth betwixt the said haill kin of Clan Chattan these times bygone, whereupon there followed groat incanvanisnciss". The Earls of Mar and Huntly who had been feuding, had fueled this division to gain advantage over each other had also been a major cause of this disunity. The Chattan Confederation came together at Termit about five miles from Inverness in 1609 to sign a new Band.[84][85]
1664 Band of Union
[edit]Renewal of the 1609 Band, signed at Kincairne, but with an additional clause of action against Ewan Cameron in response to a Royal Commission seeing the Camerons as rebels at that point.[86]
1756 Band of Union (Deed of Consent)
[edit]The MacBeans of Faillie ventured into land holdings[clarification needed] but had developed a huge debt. As the MacBean's estate was not enough to pay off the debt, these lands fell under control of the court. The whole debt, with interests and costs, then fell onto the wider Clan Chattan. The burden, however, was still too heavy, and the estate was of little use to the MacBeans after 1744. By 1756 William MacBean consented to MacKintosh's reclaiming the Laggau[Laggan?] lands, signing a deed of consent. This deed was also signed by other leaders of Clan Chattan, such as Alexander MacPhail of Inverernie; Robert MacKintosh, Tacksman of Termit; William MacKintosh of Aberarder; William MacKintosh of Holme; and John MacKintosh of Calclachie. These heads of Clan Chattan signed this agreement at Gask, in Strathnairn, on 27 October 1756, in presence of Donald MacBean and Alexander Fraser, farmer in the Mains of Tordarroch. This document is particularly interesting as it is dated several years after the Heritable Jurisdictions (Scotland) Act 1746 came into effect, which abolished such agreements and the powers of clan chiefs.[87]
2009 Band of Union
[edit]To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the 1609 Clan Chattan Band of Union, a new Band of Union was signed in 2009 to renew the clan's historic connection.[88][89]
Other agreements
[edit]- 1467: Friendship with Lord Forbes and others, on the one part; and Duncan Macintosh, of Clan Chattan, Hugh Rose of Kilravock and others, on the other part.
- 1481: Maintenance between Farquhar Macintosh, son and apparent heir of Duncan Macintosh, of Clan Chattan, to Hugh Rose of Kilravock.[90]
- 1490: Manrent and marriage between Duncan Mackintosh to Cawdor.[91][92]
- 1527: Friendship between Hector Mackintosh of Mackintosh and Hector Munro of Foulis, Chief of Clan Munro; John Campbell of Cawdor, Hugh Rose of Kilravock, Chief of Clan Rose; and "Donald Ilis of Sleat".[93]
- 1549: Friendship between William Mackintosh of Dunachton and Earl John of Sutherland.[94]
- 1568: Friendship between Lachlan Mackintosh and Earl of Huntly as his superior and confirmation of control of the lands of Benchar, Clune, Kincraig, Schiphin, Essich, Bochrubin, Dundelchat and Tordarroch.[95]
- 1588: Friendship with William Macleod of Macleod, 13th chief of Clan Macleod.[96]
- 1589: Bond agreement between Mackintosh and MacDonald of Keppoch that he would pay 2000 pounds for rent in his lands.[97]
- 1590: Friendship and protection between clans Mackintosh and Grant of Freuchy and against aggressive Earls.[98]
- 1591: Manrent between MacPherson and the Earl of Huntly signed at Huntly Castle.
- 1593: Manrent between Mackintosh of Dunnachten and the Earl of Moray.[99]
- 1595: Manrent between Clan Farquharson and Clan Chattan and acknowledgement of the Chief of the Mackintosh as their superior chief.[100]
- 1609: Manrent between Donald MacQueen of Corrybrough and the chiefs of Clan Chattan.[101]
Internal and external disputes that affected the unity of the Confederation
[edit]Internal disputes
[edit]- 1370: Between clans MacPherson and Davidson as to which clan would form on the right wing of the Confederation Chief in battle.[102][103][failed verification]
- 1464: Between clans Mackintosh and Shaw after Shaw gained possession of Rothimurchus lands from the Bishop of Moray, making them independent of the Mackintosh.[104]
- 1572: Honor killing of Dougal MacPherson by Hector MacKintosh to revenge the killing of his father 21 years earlier.[105]
- 1591: Between clans Mackintosh and MacPherson over the hereditary leadership of the Clan Chattan Confederation and sealing a separate agreement of manrent with the Earl of Huntly. In 1672, Duncan MacPherson of Cluny applied for and obtained from Lord Lyon the matriculation of arms as "the laird of Cluny MacPherson as the only true representer of the ancient and honorable family of Clan Chattan". However, the Chief of MacKintosh at that time successfully sued a reduction and Lyon apparently charged Cluny with adding supporters which had not been really granted in the text of the parchment. MacIntosh was thus upheld as the Chief of Clan Chattan.[106]
- Between clans MacKintosh and MacPherson over the construction of a mill in the same river as that of the existing MacPherson one. This argument led to the Mackintoshes asking the Grants to assist them in the fight to which they refused and the MacPhersons pulling down the incomplete structure.[107]
- Between clans Shaw and Farquharson: a fight between a party from Rothimurcus and Finla Mor Farquharson and his followers over a claim made by Shaws to the lands of Invercauld.[108]
- 1669-1699: twice letters of horning between MacPails and Shaws.[109]
- 1673: Between clans Farquharson and MacThomas over disputed grazing rights in upper Glenisla.[110]
It is not clear if the Confederation had a formal dispute resolution process for internal disputes. There is however a recorded agreement dated 4 June 1726, appointing MacGillivray of Dunmaglass arbiter between Lachlan, 20th chief of MacKintosh, and Lachlan MacPherson of Cluny, in any disputes that might arise in the carrying out of an agreement made between the two at Moy Hall on 15 September 1724.[111]
External disputes
[edit]Throughout the 16th Century, the Clan Chattan Confederation was caught up in the machinations of the Earls of Mar, Moray and Huntly, particularly George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly, mainly to use parts of the clan in their respective earldoms in disputes between themselves. This led to external attempts to divide the various tribes of Clan Chattan by undermining known internal disputes.[112][113]
James Stuart, 3rd Earl of Moray tried to take back lands in Pettie and Strathern from Clan Chattan. His father, James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray had gifted them for loyal support. This then resulted in an insurrection against the Earl. The Earl then issued at letter of intercommuning against the Clan Chattan, preventing anyone from assisting or harboring clan members under severe penalty. The matter was resolved after large fines were paid and several clan members executed. Details of this issue was recorded by John Spalding, a noted historian of the era.[114][115]
Post Culloden and Highland Clearances
[edit]Clan Chattan was not immune to Government reprisals after the Battle of Culloden. Key land forfeitures and consequences included: • Macpherson of Cluny: Ewen Macpherson of Cluny, had his estates in Badenoch confiscated. He evaded capture for nine years before escaping to France in 1755. His lands remained under sequestration until 1784.[116] • MacGillivray: The estates of the MacGillivrays, whose chief commanded the Clan Chattan regiment at the Battle of Culloden, were also affected by forfeiture for their role in the rebellion.[117] • Mackintosh estates: The principal Mackintosh estates escaped full confiscation because their chief was serving in the government's Black Watch regiment. However, the loss of tenants (many of whom had fought for the Jacobites) and subsequent government policies, such as the Heritable Jurisdictions (Scotland) Act 1746, greatly diminished the traditional power and land authority of all clan chiefs.[118]
The Badenoch Land clearances of 1797, affected the township of Biallid Beag, the location of an ancient Macpherson/Macintyre cemetery, St. Patricks.[119]
From Confederation to Association
[edit]The activities of the Clan are carried on by the Clan Chattan Association, a descendant of the original association established in 1727 for the purpose of defending the interests of the clan "against all who would seek the injury of any of its subscribers".[120]
In the nineteenth century, many clan societies and associations emerged, with the aim of promoting social interaction between people linked by a common name, and interest in their clan's history. Among these was the second Clan Chattan Association, founded in Glasgow in 1893. Initial support for the association was strong with the meetings, lectures and dances described as "a brilliant success", but it faded out by about 1900. Even so, clan historians of that period produced several works which are still used today.[120]
In the summer of 1933, the third Clan Chattan Association was founded in London. Now based in Scotland, the association has worldwide membership. It organizes a number of activities, such as the annual events in early August at Moy Hall in conjunction with the Highland Field Sports Fair. Members are kept informed of events through the annual journal of the association.[120]
Modern Council of Clan Chattan Association
[edit]The council of Clan Chattan Association comprises eight Chiefs, who represent all of the individual clans, as president and Vice Presidents:[121]
- John Mackintosh of Mackintosh (President)
- Philip Farquharson (Vice President)
- James Brodie Macpherson of Cluny (Vice President)
- Iain Shaw of Tordarroch (Vice President)
- Richard McBain of McBain (Vice President)
- Grant Guthrie Davidson of Davidston (Vice President)
- Andrew MacThomas of Finegand (Vice President)
- The Very Reverend Allan MacLean of Dochgarroch (Vice President)
Of the remaining clans of the Chattan Confederation:
- Clan MacGillivray has a clan Commander but no claimant to the chiefship.
- Clan MacPhail's last reported chief died in Australia in the early 1900s.[76] The clan has however started a process to select a Commander.[122]
- Clan MacQueen's chiefly line moved to New Zealand and although descendants remain, there has been no claimant to the chiefship.
Clan Profile
[edit]- The correct pronunciation of Chattan is Hattan. The "C" is silent. The "H" is slightly guttural.
- Pipe music: Gathering of Clan Chattan /Cruinneachadh Chloinn Chatain.[123]
| Image | Notes |
|---|---|
|
Clan Chief's Coat of Arms:
|
 |
* Crest badge: A cat salient, proper.
There is various thoughts as to the origin of the cat as this clan's crest: 1. As a play on words related Saint Catan. 2. As an ancient totem: The original clan residence, Tor Castle has a field adjacent called Dail a’ Chait i.e. ‘The field of the Cats’ where ‘Divination’ is said to have occurred. The correct designation is Tigh-ghairm nan Cat; i.e. ‘The House of Invocation of the Cats.[129][130] |
 |
Clan Chattan tartan. Individual Clans of Clan Chattan each have their own tartans. There is however also a specific Clan Chattan tartan, formerly known as Mackintosh Chief, recognised by The Lord Lyon in 1938.[131] James Logan, author of the Scottish Gael[132] states that the Chief of the Clan Mackintosh, Sir Aeneas Mackintosh of that Ilk, acknowledged this sett as the Clan tartan in 1816. ('The Scottish Gael' 1831). It was also included in the recording of Arms by George C McChlery, Public Register of Arms and Bearings 44/66 on 22 August 1960.[133] |
 |
Heraldic Standard of Clan Chattan. |
 |
Clan plant badge: Red Whortleberry or Braoileag, Latin vaccinium vitis-idaea |
In Folklore and Culture
[edit]- In a book of Scottish Songs, published in Edinburgh in 1791, there is a ballad entitled "Hardyknute" which contains the following:
"Syne he has gane far hynd attowre
· Lord Chattan's land sae wyde
That Lord a worthy wight was ay
Quhen faes his courage seyd :
Of Pictish race by mother's syde,
Quhen Picts ruled Caledon,
Lord Chattan claim'd the princely maid,
Quhen he saift Pictish crown."[134]
- The Burning of Auchindoon, a ballad about the vendetta between the Earl of Huntly and the Clan Mackintosh in 1592[135]
- The Black Chanter, part of a set of pipes that allegedly fell from the heavens in battle and is in the custody of Clan Macpherson at Newtonmore.
- The Bod an Deamhain or Devil's Point a mountain in the Cairngorms. In the 17th century rumors were spread that girls of the Clan Chattan would hear a voice call their names in the middle of the night enticing them to climb the mountain and step off the edge.
- The Fair Maid of Perth is an 1828 novel by Sir Walter Scott, one of the Waverley novels. Inspired by the strange, but historically true, story of the Battle of the North Inch,[136] it is set in Perth (known at the time as Saint John's Toun, i.e. John's Town) and other parts of Scotland around 1400.
- The ghost of a handless woman in a blood-drenched white dress said to haunt Castle Rait.[137]
- The Farquharson's Hanging Tree, became the plant symbol of this clan.[80]
- The grave of Seath Mòr Sgòr Fhiaclach, chief of Clan Shaw is said to have a spirit known as a Bordach an Duin which guards the grave.[138][139]
- Gaelic ballad, called MacPhail of Colonsay, and the Mermaid of Corrivrekin.
- The 1886 novel Kidnapped by author Robert Louis Stevenson details the Macpherson chief Ewen MacPherson of Cluny in the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.[140]
- "The Curse of Moy" is a poem by Mr. Morrit of Rokeby, included in Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. During the period 1704 and 1833 no Mackintosh Chief left a son to follow him, a circumstance known as "The Curse of Moy," with the result that the leadership of the clan passed from kinsman to kinsman.[141]
- The Green Lady of Newton Castle, a type of ghost specific to the highlands called a Glaistig.[142][143]
- Macpherson's Rant, A "lament" said to have been composed by Jamie Macpherson on the eve of his execution.
- Painting, Battle of the Clans, 19th-century oil painting at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery created by an unknown artist, is dated to around 1850–1900 and depicts the Battle of the North Inch, a staged trial by combat that took place in Perth in 1396. The painting is housed at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery.[144]
People who have had a huge influence on the Chattan Confederation
[edit]- Alexander MacGillivray of Dunmaglass: Commanded the Clan Chattan at Falkirk Muir and Culloden. Known to be a fearsome warrior, standing some 6 ft 5 in tall
- Anne Mackintosh: Leader in the Jacobite Rising of 1745 who mustered the Clan Chattan Regiment
- Ewen MacPherson of Cluny: Leader in the Jacobite Rising of 1745
- Henry Smith: Blacksmith who aided Clan Chattan at the Inches of Perth
- Hector Mackintosh: Uncle of the infant chief in custody of the Earl of Moray, used the Clan Chattan to cause destruction throughout the region in an attempt to get his nephew released.
- Seath Mòr Sgòr Fhiaclach: Leader of Clan Chattan at the Inches of Perth
- John Farquharson, also known as the Black Colonel.
- William Mackintosh of Benchar: Summoned the whole clan to meet at Termit in 1609 to rekindle the Bond of Union.
- William Mackintosh of Borlum: Leader in the Jacobite Rising of 1715
Castles and other structures associated with the Confederation
[edit]- Ardchattan Priory
- Borlum Castle, held by the Mackintoshes and later replaced by a mansion, the castle was the seat of the Jacobite William Mackintosh of Borlum.[145]
- Braemar Castle, home of the Clan Farquharson chief.
- Cairn Park, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, a stone cairn was raised in 1983 to commemorate Clan Chattan and other various clan families who had settled in eastern Nova Scotia in the late 18th Century.[146]
- Carn Na Croiche: (Cairn of the Gallows) near Dunmaglass where criminals were hung[147]
- Clachnaharry Monument, erected in 1821 by Mr R. Duff of Muirton, Column damaged in 1934 by bad weather.[148]
- ClanChattan Street, Belfast, a side-street off Limestone Road, gets its name from Sir Walter Scott's novel 'The Fair Maid of Perth' (1828)"That on the application of the owner of property (Mr John Thompson) two new streets near Alexandra Park- " be named Alexandra Road " and "Clanchattan Street.” (Improvement Committee, 16th July 1890).[149]
- Cluny Castle
- Corrieyairack Mountain Pass (Màm Choire Ghearraig): Linked Chattan lands to Fort Augustus occasionally needed to be protected from cattle reivers.
- Dalrossie Church with numerous Davidson graves[150]
- Dalcross Castle[151]
- Daviot Church, built by MacPhail and Macfarlane for the chief of Clan Mackintosh.[148]
- Dalmunzie Castle, associated with Clan MacThomas[152]
- Drimtaidhvrickhillichattan on the Isle of Mull translates to 'ridge of the house of the son of Gille Chatain', and is recognised as the longest place name in Scotland.[153]
- Drumochter Mountain Pass, was the key entrance to Badenoch from the south, leading directly into the heart of Clan Chattan/Macpherson territory, occasionally needed to be protected from cattle reivers.
- Dunachton estate
- Dunlichty Church, graveyard of MacPhail, Shaw and MacGillivray chiefs[154]
- Dunmaglas, about six miles east of Inverfarigaig in Inverness-shire, was held by the MacGillivrays from at least the sixteenth century, if not earlier.[145] Dalcrombie, which is nearby, was also held by the clan.[145]
- Ewen MacPherson of Cluny Exile Monument in Dunkirk, France[155]
- Finegand in Glenshee, a hamlet associated withe the MacThomas.
- Forest of Gaick, famous story of the death of Captain John MacPherson in a avalanche whilst hunting stag.[156]
- Invercauld Castle
- Inverness Castle
- Inverness Old High Church, with numerous Chattan family gravestones.
- Kirkmichael church with several Davidson graves[157]
- Kinchyle, which is six miles south-west of Inverness, was the historic seat of the chiefs of Clan MacBean until it was sold in 1759.[158]
- Kinlochlaggan, hosting the Clan MacPherson Museum.
- Lairig Ghru, mountain pass through the Cairngorms used by Clan Shaw to move their cattle to market.[159]
- Loch Moy
- MacBain Memorial Park, near the village of Dores close to Inverness[160]
- Moy Hall
- Newton Castle
- North Inch, Perth
- Rait Castle
- Rothiemurchus Old Church, near Aviemore contains the grave of Seath Mòr Sgòr Fhiaclach, chief of Clan Shaw.[161]
- Shieling, numerous shieling huts or "airigh" in Gaelic are found on higher slopes throughout Chattan lands. Black cattle were taken to these higher pastures in the summer to let pastures lower down to recover. Found especially throughout the Badenoch area, and usually constructed as low stone covered structures.
- Spioradain Castle, a stronghold of the Macleans of the North, demolished with building of the Caledonian Canal.[162]
- Tor Castle
- Tordarroch in Strathnairn, associated with the Shaws[163]
- Tulloch Castle
See also
[edit]- Cateran
- Cat Sith
- St Catan
- Scottish wildcat
- Clan Line - a passenger and cargo shipping company which owned three ships named SS Clan Chattan.
Published academic works
[edit]- Cathcart, Alison: Kinship and Clientage 1451 to 1609, Published by Brill Leiden, Boston 2006.
- Cathcart, Alison: Clan Chattan’s response to government policy in the Scottish Highlands c. 1580–1609, pages 163–184 a chapter from Fighting for Identity, Editors: Murdoch S and Mackillop A, Crisis of Identity? ISBN 978-90-04-47430-7 Publication: 26 Jul 2021.
- Farquharson, S, The Jacobite Rising of 1715: A Clan Farquharson Perspective, 74 pages, ISBN 978-069-246-0566.
- Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles; Dunachton Past and Present: Episodes in the History of the Mackintoshes, pub The Inverness Advertiser, Inverness, 1866.
- Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles; An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin, pub. J.Mackay, Glasgow, 1898.
- Gibson, John Graham; The Highlander, vol II, no. 143, (5 Feb. 1876), Letters from Carmichael concerning Mackintosh´s Lament, Old and New World Highland Bagpiping, pub. Birlinn Ltd., 2005.
- Mackintosh, Margaret; The Clan Mackintosh and the Clan Chattan, pub. W. and A.K. Johnston, Edinburgh and London, 1948.
- Mackenzie, Graeme; For Ever Unfortunate – The Original Clan Chattan", TGSI, Vol. LXI, 1999–2000; Inverness, 2003.
- Mackenzie, Graeme; "Gillicattan's Posteritie: MacMillans, MacPhersons, Mackintoshes & Camerons, and the great Lochaber feud"; Highland Roots, Inverness, 2009.
- Macpherson, Alan G; An Old Highland Parish Register, Survivals of Clanship and Social Change in Laggan, Inverness-shire, 1755–1854, The Journal of the School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh, Part Two, 1967.
- Macpherson, Alan G; Day´s March to Ruin: The Badenoch Men in the ‘Forty-Five, pub. Clan Macpherson Association, 1996.
- Macpherson, Alan G; The loyal dissuasive and other papers concerning the affairs of Clan Chattan. Ed Scottish History Society, 1902.
- Macpherson, Alan G; The seanchaidhean, Historians of the Macpherson (Part 2). Journal of the Clan Association, 7(6), pgs 356–359, 1982.
- McGillivray, R. The Clan MacGillivray, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 146 pages, 2004.
- Murdoch Mackenzie of Ardross The origin of the haill tribes of the Clan Chattan, 1687.
- Paton, Henry; The Mackintosh Muniments 1442 to 1882 published in 1903.
- Stanley, Thomas: Loyal Clan Chattan The role of Clan Chattan during the Jacobite Risings, 1989.
- Taylor, David Vaughan, PHD Thesis, A society in transition, Badenoch, 1750–1800, University of the Highlands and Islands, 2015 details the post Culloden Battle era for Mackintosh and Macpherson families in the Badenoch area presenting an analysis of the social and economic transformation.
- Taylor, Elizabeth, Braemar Highlands: Their tales, traditions and history, University of Guelph, ISBN 143-713-1816, 1879.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Lawson, H. A. B. (27 March 1947). "Two entries: one for Mackintosh of Mackintosh-Torcastle and one for Mackintosh of Mackintosh" (PDF). The Edinburgh Gazette. p. 125. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d Scots Kith & Kin. HarperCollins. 2014. p. 57. ISBN 9780007551798.
- ^ "The Clan". clanmacthomas.org. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Clan MacThomas". celticlifeintl.com. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta". Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Archived from the original (docx) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 102–103. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan, Its Kith and Kin. Glasgow: John MacKay 'Celtic Monthly' Office. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
- ^ "Clan Chattan Association". clanchattan.org.uk. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
- ^ Adam, Frank (1907). The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands (PDF). Edinburgh: W. & A. K. Johnston. pp. 208–209. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ a b Hewison, James King (1893). The Isle of Bute in the Olden Time, with illustrations, maps and plans. Vol. 1. Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood & Sons. pp. 138, 229, 232, 248. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ a b Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Margaret; Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Lachlan (1982). The Clan Mackintosh and the Clan Chattan. MacDonald (Publishers). ISBN 0-904265-73-0.pg 12-13
- ^ MacIntosh, Donald; A collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familiar phrases; accompanied with an English translation, intended to facilitate the study of the language; illustrated with notes. ... By Ge d’ db’eignicbear an fean-f bocal, cha bbreugaicbeare, Edinburgh,1785, pg. 19
- ^ Mackintosh-Shaw, Alexander (1880). Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. London: Printed for the author by R. Clay, Sons and Taylor. pp. 72–73. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 256–257. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
- ^ MacPherson, John, M.D. (10 March 1873). "Part 1, Notes on the names of the Clan Chattan and what they indicate". Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Vol. X. Edinburgh: Printed for the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland by Neil and Company. pp. 114–115. doi:10.9750/PSAS.010.112.133. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Mackenzie, Alexander (1884). History of the Camerons, with Geneoalogies of the Principal Families of the Name. Inverness: A. & W. Mackenzie. pp. 6-7. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
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- ^ Cathcart, A. Patterns of kinship and Clanship: the Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan from 1291 to 1609, University of Aberdeen 2001 especially chapter 4
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. p. 1. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
Croy MS. history
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ "Tearlach". electricscotland.com. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ a b c Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. pp. 144-145. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. pp. 118-122. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. pp. 112-117. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ a b Mackintosh-Shaw, Alexander (1880). Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. London: Printed for the author by R. Clay, Sons and Taylor. p. 585. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. p. 146. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. pp. 136-138. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. pp. 142-143. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ The Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan by A.M. Mackintosh, Edinburgh, 1903 pp 517
- ^ a b c d Skene, William Forbes (1876). Celtic Scotland : A History of Ancient Alban. Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas. p. 315. Retrieved 25 December 2020.pg 310–313
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). "Minor Septs of Clan Chattan". An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan, Its Kith and Kin. Glasgow: John MacKay 'Celtic Monthly' Office. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
- ^ Mackintosh-Shaw, Alexander (1880). "I: The Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan". Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. London: printed for the author by R. Clay, sons, and Taylor. pp. 6–11. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
- ^ Margaret Mackintosh of Mackintosh: The History of the Clan Mackintosh and the Clan Chattan. 1st Edition by W. & A. K. Johnston, 1948; 2nd edition by Macdonald Publishers 1982. 3rd revised edition (edited by Celia Mackintosh of Mackintosh) by the Pentland Press, 1997
- ^ Lachlan Mackintosh of Kinrara: A Chronicle of the Family of Mackintosh to the Year 1680. MS, Latin. An edition published in 2009 by the Clan Chattan Association, edited by Jean Munro.
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan, Its Kith and Kin. Glasgow: John MacKay 'Celtic Monthly' Office. pp. 143-144. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
- ^ Home Page Clan Chattan Association. Archived from the original on 9 November 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
- ^ Burke's Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage, 107th edition, Volume 2, ed. Charles Mosley, Burke's Peerage Ltd, 2003, pg 2510.
- ^ The History of The Clan Mackintosh and The Clan Chattan, by Margaret Mackintosh of Mackintosh – 3rd Edition, revised by Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh, 30th Chief of the Clan Mackintosh, published in 1997 by The Pentland Press, Copyright Celia Mackintosh of Mackintosh. The 1st Edition was published in 1948, and 2nd Edition in 1982.pg 92–93
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- ^ MacIntosh, Donald; A collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familiar phrases; accompanied with an English translation, intended to facilitate the study of the language; illustrated with notes. ... By Ge d’ db’eignicbear an fean-f bocal, cha bbreugaicbeare, Edinburgh,1785, pg. 65
- ^ Mackintosh-Shaw, Alexander (1880). Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. London: Printed for the author by R. Clay, sons, and Taylor. pp. 142. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ Roberts, J. L. (1999). Feuds, forays and rebellions: History of the Highland clans 1475 – 1625. Edinburgh University Press.
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- ^ a b c Macpherson, A. (1902). The loyal dissuasive and other papers concerning the affairs of Clan Chattan. Edinburgh: Scottish History Society.
- ^ Macpherson, A. G. (1982). The seanchaidhean, Historians of the Macphersons (Part 2). Journal of the Clan Chattan Association, 7(6), pg 356–359
- ^ Mackintosh-Shaw, Alexander (1880). "VII". Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. London: printed for the author by R. Clay, sons, and Taylor. pp. 232–233. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
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- ^ "Historical Summary". www.theclanshaw.org. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. pp. 188-191. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Brown, Jennifer M. (1974) Bonds of manrent in Scotland before 1603, University of Glasgow, pg 322
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. pp. 192-197. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1898). An Account of the Confederation of Clan Chattan: Its Kith and Kin. 9 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow: John Mackay "Celtic Monthly" office. p. 45. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Clan chattan events clip 2009. Scotland. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via YouTube.
An extract from the DVD , filmed over three days during the 400th anniversary of the signing of the Band of Union.
- ^ Maclean, The Very Rev Allan of Dochgarroch, Chairman, The Clan Chattan Association (28 July 2009). "Clan Band of Union was of national importance". The Inverness Courier. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Anderson, William (1877). The Scottish Nation or the Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours and Biographical History of the People of Scotland. Vol. 3. 44 South Bridge, Edinburgh and 45 Ludgate Hill, London: A. Fullarton & Co. pp. 360–361. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Cawdor Muniments, press1, shelf 1, bundle 4
- ^ The Mackintosh Muniments, 1442–1820 ed. Henry Paton, pg 37 (privately printed, edinburgh, 1903)
- ^ Innes, Cosmo; Campbell, John Frederick Vaughan of Cawdor (1859). The Book of the Thanes of Cawdor: A Series of Papers Selected from the Charter Room at Cawdor. Edinburgh. pp. 167-168. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Fraser, William (1892). The Sutherland Book. Vol. 3. Edinburgh. p. 108. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Brown, Jennifer M. (1974) Bonds of manrent in Scotland before 1603, University of Glasgow pg 73
- ^ NRS:GDI176/151
- ^ Lochaber Archive Centre
- ^ Brown, Jennifer M. (1974) Bonds of manrent in Scotland before 1603, University of Glasgow pg 118
- ^ Brown, Jennifer M. (1974) Bonds of manrent in Scotland before 1603, University of Glasgow pg 389
- ^ MacDonald, Fiona Anne (1994) Ireland and Scotland: historical perspectives on the Gaelic dimension 1560–1760. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow pg 318
- ^ "The MacQueens". The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans (Library ed.). Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston & G.W. Bacon Ltd. 1886. p. 74. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ Macpherson, Alexander (1893). Glimpses of Church And Social Life in The Highlands in Olden Times. Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood & Sons. pp. 474-478. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ MacIntosh, Donald; A collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familiar phrases; accompanied with an English translation, intended to facilitate the study of the language; illustrated with notes. ... By Ge d’ db’eignicbear an fean-f bocal, cha bbreugaicbeare, Edinburgh,1785, pg. 20
- ^ Eyre-Todd, George (1923). The Highland Clans of Scotland: Their History and Traditions. Vol. 2. New York: D. Appleton & Company. p. 476. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ Macpherson Alan, G, Murder among the Clan Chattan: A century of assassinations and revenge killings, Journal of the Clan Chattan Association Vol XI ‐ No. 5, 2005
- ^ "The Chiefship of Clan Chattan." A Lecture delivered to the Inverness Field Club in November 1895 by Alexander MacBain, M.A. pg 17
- ^ The Chiefs of Clan Macpherson, Macpherson of Dalchully, W. Cheyne-Macpherson F .S.A. SCOT., 1947, Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh: Tweedale Court, London: 98, Great Russel street, pg 121
- ^ Taylor, Elizabeth (1869). The Braemar Highlands; Their Tales, Traditions, and History. Edinburgh: William P. Nimmo. p. 137. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
- ^ Mackintosh-Shaw, Alexander (1880). Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. London: printed for the author by R. Clay, sons, and Taylor. pp. 543–544. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ Buchan, Jamie (28 August 2017). "Bloody feud relived at Clan MacThomas gathering". The Courier. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ Shaw, Alexander Mackintosh (1877). A Genealogical Account of the Highland Families of Shaw. London: privately printed. p. 93. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ Fraser-Mackintosh, Charles (1866). Dunachton, Past and Present: Episodes in the History of the Mackintoshes. Inverness: Advertiser Office, printed for private circulation. pp. 7–10, 18–23. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
- ^ Cathcart A (2002) Crisis of Identity: Clan Chattan’s response to government policy in the Scottish Highlands, c. 1580–1609’. In: Fighting for Identity: Scottish Military Experience, 1550–1990. History of Warfare, HW 15. Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, pp. 163–84.
- ^ Browne, James (1850). A History of the Highlands and of the Highland Clans. Vol. 1. London, Edinburgh, and Dublin: A. Fullarton & Co. pp. 287-288. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ Anderson, William (1877). The Scottish Nation or the Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours and Biographical History of the People of Scotland. Vol. 2. 13 Blair Street, Edinburgh, and 45 Ludgate Hill, London: A. Fullarton & Co. p. 749. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Eyre-Todd, George (1923). The Highland Clans of Scotland: Their History and Traditions. Vol. 2. New York: D. Appleton & Company. p. 412. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
- ^ Publications of the Scottish History Society, Volume LVII, Scottish Forfeited Estates Papers 1715;1745 , Edited from the Original Documents with Introduction and Appendices by A.H. Millar, LLD, F.S.A. Scot, Edinburgh Printed at the University Press by T. and A Constable for the Scottish History Society, October 1909 Extracts from List of Claims sustained upon Estates forfeited by the Rebellion of 1745-46, pg 310
- ^ "3 Women of the Jacobite Risings". rabbies.com. Archived from the original on 11 November 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ Gravestones in the Graveyard at Biallid Beag, Transcripts of Inscriptions, Alan G. Macpherson, Creag Dhubh No 21.
- ^ a b c "History Of The Clan Chattan Association". Clan Chattan Association. Archived from the original on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ Home webpage of the Clan Chattan Association (as of 30 May 2022)
- ^ "Clan Phail to commence selection of Clan Commander, as advised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms". Council of Scottish Clans & Associations. 5 September 2022. Archived from the original on 19 January 2026. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ "Gathering of Clan Chattan". Piobaireachd Society. Archived from the original on 3 May 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ Plate XXVIII, Scots Heraldry by Sir Thomas Innes of Learney (Published 1956). Source reference give: 25 March 1947, Lyon Register, xxxvi. 40; Scots Law Times (Lyon Court) 5.
- ^ Matriculation of the Arms of Mackintosh of Mackintosh-Torcastle, 9 April 1947, Lyon Register, xxxvi. 36. Illustrated as Plate XLVI in Scots Heraldry by Sir Thomas Innes of Learney (Published 1956)
- ^ "Coat of Arms – Clan Mackintosh". cmna.org. Archived from the original on 21 January 2026. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ "Our Motto and Badge". The Clan Chattan Association. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
- ^ Matriculation and Confirmation of Arms and Chiefship to Duncan Alexander Mackintosh of Clan Chattan as 31st Hereditary Chief of Clan Chattan, 9 April 1947, Lyon Register, xxxvi. 36. See 1950 Scots Law Times, p.5; Lyon Court Reports.
- ^ Scammell, Eilidh (21 July 2010). "Torcastle and Banquo". ainmean-aite.scot. Archived from the original on 19 May 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ "Exploring the legend of Banquo near Lochaber". AOC Archaeology Group. Archived from the original on 16 January 2026. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ "Chattan Tartans". scotclans.com. Archived from the original on 13 September 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
- ^ The Scottish Gael; Or Celtic Manners, As Preserved Among The Highlanders (1831) London: Smith Elder and Co, 65 Cornhill pg 126 and 205
- ^ "Tartan Details – Chattan, Clan". Scottish Register of Tartans. Archived from the original on 22 November 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ The Chiefs of Clan Macpherson, Macpherson of Dalchully, W. Cheyne-Macpherson
F .S.A. SCOT., 1947, Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh: Tweedale Court, London: 98, Great Russel street, pg 91 - ^ "Burning of Auchindoon". mainlynorfolk.info. Archived from the original on 15 February 2026. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ Wyntoun, Andrew; Laing, David (1879) [Originally written by Andrew of Wyntoun c.1420]. The Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland. Vol. 3. Edinburgh: William Paterson. pp. 63–65. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
Qwhen thretty for thretty faucht in barreris, at Sanctjohnstoun, on a day, bysyde the Blackfreris
- ^ "Haunted Scottish Highlands: The Handless Wraith of Rait Castle". spookyscotland.net. Archived from the original on 16 October 2025.
- ^ Eyre-Todd, George (1923). The Highland Clans of Scotland: Their History and Traditions. Vol. 2. New York: D. Appleton & Company. p. 475. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
- ^ Shaw, Alexander Mackintosh (1877). A Genealogical Account of the Highland Families of Shaw. London: privately printed. p. 20. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
- ^ MacLachlan, Christopher (2006). "Further Thoughts on Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped"
- ^ "Annotation:Laird of Mackintosh". The Traditional Tune Archive. 6 May 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Newton Castle, Blairgowrie, Scotland". medieval-castle.com. Archived from the original on 12 December 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ Noble, Shelagh Macpherson (March 2016). "The Green Lady - The Ghost of Newton Castle" (PDF). The Green Banner. Vol. 10, no. 1. p. 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 December 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ "Back in the Day: The truth about the most famous – and certainly most bizarre – clan battle in Scottish history". March 2016.
- ^ a b c Coventry, Martin. (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. pp. 372. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
- ^ https://www.townofantigonish.ca/parks.html
- ^ "Strathnairn Heritage Association | A Brief History".
- ^ a b "Search – High Life Highland".
- ^ https://www.belfaststreetnames.com/clanchattan-street/
- ^ https://clanchattan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CLAN-CHATTAN-2024.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ "The Castles of Scotland Goblinshead Martin Coventry – Dalcross Castle".
- ^ https://www.clanmacthomas.org/the-clan
- ^ "Mull, Druim Tighe Mhic Gille Chattan | Canmore".
- ^ "Dunlichity Parish Church".
- ^ https://clanchattan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CLAN-CHATTAN-2024.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ MacPherson, Alexander. Glimpses of church and social life in the olden times, Kingussie,1883
- ^ https://clanchattan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CLAN-CHATTAN-2024.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Minor Septswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12497136.ancient-drove-roads-put-on-map-as-part-of-drive-for-cairngorm-tourism-leaflet-to-give-information-on-the-history-of-the-paths/
- ^ https://mcbainofmcbain.com/mcbain-memorial-park/ [bare URL]
- ^ https://www.standrewschurchaviemore.org/_files/ugd/1e9d73_e58ee950de3c43ac86adcf17f4eaf11d.pdf?index=true
- ^ Coventry, Martin. (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. pp. 386–388. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
- ^ https://www.trove.scot/image/2363741
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