Clan Maclachlan

Clan Maclachlan
Clann Lachlainn,[1] Clann Lachainn[1]
MottoFortis et Fidus (strong and faithful)
Profile
RegionHighlands
DistrictLoch Fyne, Argyll
Plant badgeRowan (or mountain ash)
Pipe musicMoladh Màiri (In Praise of Mary)
Chief
Euan John Maclachlan of Maclachlan
25th of Maclachlan and Baron of Strathlachlan
SeatNew Castle Lachlan
Historic seatOld Castle Lachlan
Clan branches
Maclachlan of Maclachlan (chiefs)
Claflin family (descendants)
Allied clans
Clan Maclean
Clan Campbell (late 15th to early 17th century)
Clan Ewen of Otter
Rival clans
Clan Campbell (late 17th to 18th century)
Clan Lamont
A Victorian-era romanticised depiction of a member of the clan by R. R. McIan, from The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, published in 1845

Clan Maclachlan, also known as Clan Lachlan,[2] Clann Lachainn (Argyll),[1] and Clann Lachlainn,[1] is a Highland Scottish clan that historically centred on the lands of Strathlachlan (Srath Lachainn "Valley of Lachlan") on Loch Fyne, Argyll on the west coast of Scotland.[3] The clan claims descent from Lachlan Mor, who lived on Loch Fyne in the 13th century, and who has left his name upon the countryside he once controlled: places such as Strathlachlan, Castle Lachlan and Lachlan Bay.[4] Tradition gives Lachlan Mor a descent from an Irish prince of the O'Neill dynasty, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain, died 1036. Clan Maclachlan has been associated with other clans, such as Clan Lamont, Clan Ewen of Otter, Clan MacNeil of Barra, and the MacSweens: as all claim descent from Anrothan O'Neill who left Ireland for Kintyre in the 11th century. From this descent the clan claims a further descent from the legendary Niall Noigíallach, High King of Ireland, who lived from the mid 4th century to the early 5th century.

The clan took part in the Jacobite risings as loyal supporters of the Stuart kings of Scotland. The seventeenth chief of the clan was killed in the Battle of Culloden in 1746.[4] Following the Jacobite defeat, a Government warship is said to have damaged the clan seat of old Castle Lachlan.[5]

Today the clan is alive and lives as the Clan Maclachlan Society and the Lachlan Trust. The Lachlan Trust is a registered Scottish charitable organisation which takes donations to preserve the heritage of Clan Maclachlan.[6] The Clan Maclachlan Society consists of eight branches around the world, including Australia, Britain & Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States of America.[7]

  1. ^ a b c d Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta". Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Archived from the original (docx) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  2. ^ Adam, p. 161.
  3. ^ Origins of the Clan Retrieved on 2007-12-14
  4. ^ a b Moncreiffe of that Ilk, pp. 87–92.
  5. ^ MacGibbon & Ross, 357–363.
  6. ^ Lachlan Trust Archived 6 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 2007-12-20
  7. ^ Branches Retrieved on 2007-12-20