| Clan Name: | MacDonell of Glengarry |
| Image Badge: | Clan member crest badge - Clan Macdonell of Glengarry.svg |
| Chiefs Crest: | A raven Proper perching on a rock Azure |
| Chiefs Motto: | Creagan an Fhitich (The Rock of the Raven)[1] |
| Chiefs Slogan: | Per mare per terras (By sea and by land)[2] |
| Region: | Scottish Highlands |
| District: | Ross-shire Inverness-shire |
| Gaelic Names: | Clann Dòmhnaill Ghlinne Garaidh[3] |
| Image Arms: | Coat of arms of the MacDonnel of Glengary.svg |
| Plant Badge: | Common Heath |
| Pipe Music: | Glengarry's March[4] |
| Chiefs Name: | Colin Patrick MacDonell of Glengarry |
| Historic Seat: | Strome Castle Invergarry Castle |
| Septs: | Alastair, Alexander, Allister, Carroon, Chomghain, Cowan, Cunningham, Greenfield, Kennedy, MacAlasdair, MacCowan, MacGillies, MacIlchomhghain, MacInnes, MacIntyre, MacIver, MacLellan, MacPhail, MacWalrick, Sanders, Saunders, Sanderson[5] |
| Branches: | MacDonells of Glengarry (chiefs) McDonells of Barrisdale MacDonalles of Knoydart MacDonells of Greenfield MacDonells of Lundie MacDonells of Scotus MacDonells of Ardnabie MacDonells of Invergarry MacDonells of Leek MacDonells of Lochgarry |
| Allied Clans: | Clan Cameron Clan Stewart |
| Rival Clans: | Clan Mackenzie Clan Fraser of Lovat Clan Campbell Clan Mackintosh |
| Chiefs Title: | The 24th Chief of Glengarry (Mac Mhic Alasdair) |
Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, also known as Clan Ranald of Knoydart & Glengarry (Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Clann Dòmhnaill Ghlinne Garaidh) is a Highland Scottish clan and is a branch of the larger Clan Donald.[6] [7] The clan takes its name from River Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen about 16 miles (25 km) north of Fort William, Highland. The progenitor of the MacDonells of Glengarry is Reginald, 4th great-grandson of the warrior Somerled. The clan chief is traditionally designated as the "Son of Alexander's son" (Scottish Gaelic: Mac Mhic Alasdair).[8] [9] [10]
The MacDonells of Glengarry have historically possessed land holdings in the districts of Ross-shire and Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands. Their territories occasionally resulted in land disputes with other clans, most notably Clan Mackenzie. The clan supported the House of Stuart during the Jacobite rebellions, pledging their allegiance to the Jacobite cause. After the Jacobite Uprisings, the clan suffered during the Highland Clearances. As the result of the Clearances, members of the clan emigrated to other parts of the world, specifically to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States of America.
Clan MacDonell of Glengarry has a chief that is recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon, and the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is the heraldic authority in Scotland.
Further information: Clan Donald and Lord of the Isles
The MacDonells of Glengarry are one of the branch clans of Clan Donald—one of the largest Scottish clans. The eponymous ancestor of Clan Donald is Donald, son of Reginald, son of Somerled. Somerled, son of Gillebride was a 12th-century leader, styled as "King of the Isles" and "King of Argyll".[11] Through ambitious military conquest, Somerled rose in prominence to create the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. However, his origins and ancestry are rather obscure.[12] Glengarry is located in Lochaber, which was part of the ancient Kingdom of Moray that was ruled by the Picts.[13] King Robert the Bruce, after the victory of Bannockburn, granted a charter of many lands to Aonghus Óg of Islay, including half the Lordship of Lochaber.[14] Angus Og's son John was the first Lord of the Isles. John's first marriage was to Amie MacRuari, heiress of Clann Ruaidhrí. John later divorced Amie and married Margaret, daughter of King Robert II. The children from John's first marriage were passed over in the main succession and the chiefship of Clan Donald and the later Macdonald Lords of the Isles would go on to descend from John's second marriage.[15] The MacDonells of Glengarry and MacDonalds of Clanranald both descend from John and Amie's eldest son, Reginald.
Reginald, 1st of Clanranald and Glengarry succeeded through his mother Amie MacRuari in the majority of the old lands of Clann Ruaidhrí.[16] Reginald married Lady Fiona Stewart, a daughter of Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl. Reginald himself had five sons.[6] One of them was Alan, the progenitor of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald and another was Donald, 2nd of Glengarry.[6] Little or nothing is known of Donald, however, an account was given in which the lands of Glengarry were returned to the control of the Scottish crown. These lands became a royal forest and were associated with Inverlochy Castle, which was a residence for the monarchy at that time. Meanwhile, the MacDonells of Glengarry were tenants of the crown. Over time, the clan managed to secure a crown charter, granting them legal ownership of the Glengarry lands that were originally taken away from them by their feudal superior, Godfrey of Garmoran, despite Godfrey never questioning the claims of Donald to the Lordship of the Isles. Donald married twice: firstly Laleve, daughter of the chief of Clan MacIver, by whom he had one son named John.[6] Donald married secondly a daughter of the chief of the Clan Fraser of Lovat by whom he had two more sons, Alexander and Angus.[6] Donald died in Lochaber in 1420, was buried at Rollaig Orain, and succeeded by his son.
The first son, John 3rd of Glengarry, died without heirs and was therefore succeeded by his half-brother Alexander "of the Woods", 4th chief of Glengarry, progenitor of Glengarry.[6] Alexander is sometimes considered the first true chief of Glengarry but is usually regarded as the fourth of Glengarry. From Alexander, the clan takes the Gaelic patronymic of Mac Mhic Alasdair, meaning "son of the son of Alexander".[6] [9]
According to Angus and Archibald MacDonald, the family seanachie MacVuirich recorded a death account of Alexander "of the Woods", who is referred to as "a powerful, bold, warlike Lord of the Clanranald", who died on the Isle of Abbas in 1460; However, due to the contemporary records being referenced by the Crown holding unto their lands, there is no mention of his territorial magnate.[17]
His successor, John MacAlister Ranaldsoune, 5th of Glengarry, inherited the lands of Glengarry from his father. The clan was part of the MacDonalds of Clanranald around this time, and took part in several battles, including supporting Aonghas Óg and his claim to the Lordship of the Isles from his father at the Battle of Bloody Bay. Sometime after, John MacAlister supported Aonghas Óg at the Battle of Lagabraad against Clan Mackenzie in order to acquire lands in the Earldom of Ross, which resulted in a victory for Clan Donald.[18] John Ranaldsoune was killed by Fraser of Lovat after being invited to a "friendly" interview with him in Achteraw in Abertarff, Inverness-shire in 1501. This resulted in a conflict between the MacDonells of Glengarry and the Frasers of Lovat, in which the Frasers were defeated and surrendered the lands of Abertarff to Glengarry.[19] According to A and A MacDonald, proceedings were initiated by Alexander MacIain of Glengarry before the Lords of Council against the murderers of his father.
Alexander Ranaldson, 6th of Glengarry, was considered to be a rebellious chief. The MacDonells of Glengarry did not play an important part in the politics of Clan Donald until the late 15th century.[6] Traditional rights of the chiefs were being replaced with feudal relationships in which the Crown was the ultimate superior, as part of the royal policy to pacify the Scottish Highlands, including taking charters from lands formerly held by the Lords of the Isles.[6] The lands of Glengarry were leased to the Earl of Huntly, and the Camerons of Lochiel.[20] Most of the chiefs submitted to James IV of Scotland, and even the MacDonalds of Clanranald accepted charters in 1494.[6] Alexander Ranaldson did not receive a charter, suggesting that he continued to have a rebellious attitude at this time after the fall of the Lords of the Isles. In response, James IV tasked the Earl of Huntly and the Duke of Argyll in carrying out his policy in dividing the territories that once belonged to the Lordship of the Isles for their own holdings for their own clan lands. Alexander Ranaldson married a daughter of MacDonald of Lochalsh, who was a descendant of King Robert II of Scotland.[21]
In 1501, Alexander Ranaldson was summoned for occupying the lands in Morar without a title, while the eldest son of the Earl of Huntly was granted a portion of land in Glengarry. Alexander Ranaldson continued to rebel against the Scottish Crown in response, supporting Domhnall Dubh and his insurrection against the Scottish Crown, but not participating in the rebellion directly.[6] [22] In 1510, James IV granted Alexander, Earl of Huntly more lands in Glengarry, but shortly after the King's death at the Battle of Flodden, Donald Gallda of Lochalsh, father-in-law to Alexander Ranaldson, proclaimed himself Lord of the Isles, with Alexander Ranaldson supporting him.[23] During the rebellion, The MacDonells invaded Urquhart Castle, expelled the garrison, and plundered the lands of Clan Grant, causing John Grant of Freuchie to obtain a decree from the Lords of Council for his loss. After Donald Gallda's death, Alexander Ranaldson inherited half of the estate of his father-in-law, which included lands in Lochalsh, Lochcarron and Lochbroom and proclaimed himself Lord of the Isles, but this didn't go anywhere. After the failed rebellions of Domhnall Dubh and Donald Gallda, Alexander Ranaldson submitted to royal authority and was pardoned for past offences in 1531.[6] He received a Crown charter on 9 March 1539 for the lands of Glengarry, Morar, half the lands of Loch Alsh, Lochcarron, Loch Broom and also Strome Castle.[6] This did not stop Alexander Ranaldson following Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat in trying to reclaim the Lordship of the Isles.[6] Donald Gorm was killed attacking Eilean Donan Castle and the rebellion collapsed.[6] Subsequently, Alexander Ranaldson was amongst the island chiefs who were tricked into meeting James V at Portree and was imprisoned at Edinburgh where he remained until the king died in 1542.[6] Clan MacDonell of Glengarry supported Clan Cameron in their Raids of Urquhart in October 1544 and April 1545. The chief of Clan Grant petitioned to the Scottish monarchy for protection from the incursions of Lochiel and Glengarry. In return, King James VI issued letters to various chiefs in Lochaber, including the chiefs of Clan Mackintosh and Clan Mackenzie, charging them to defend the lands of the Grants in March of 1567.[24] Alexander Ranaldson was also present at the Battle of the Shirts, supporting John Moidartach and the MacDonalds of Clanranald and Clan Cameron against Clan Fraser of Lovat. It is said that only eight MacDonalds and five Frasers survived the battle.[25] Alexander Ranaldson soon died in 1590.[6]
Angus MacAlester, 7th of Glengarry, succeeded as chief of Glengarry. Angus MacAlester was politically astute, and used the influence of his father-in-law, the chief of Clan Grant, to gain a charter from James VI of Scotland, regaining his ancestral estates in 1574.[6] In a bond of manrent, dated 1571, between Angus MacAlester and Clan Grant, Glengarry makes an exception in favour "of ye auctoritie of our soverane and his Chief of Clanranald only ". This is held by Clanranald of Moydart as an acknowledgment by Glengarry of the Captain of Clanranald as his chief. The feud against Clan Mackenzie originated in the later 16th century, after Angus MacAlester inheritaed the lands of Lochalsh, Lochcarron, and Lochbroom in Western Ross, with the Mackenzies in possession of the other half of the region. The quarrel officially began when two cousins of Angus MacAlester sought out justice for the murder of their fathers in Lochcarron in 1580. They burned the house of one of the murderers at Applecross, killing him and his family, including a guest, Donald Mackenzie, who lived at Kishorn. Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail went to the Privy Council to present his accusation against the MacDonells by presenting the bloodied shirt of Donald Mackenzie before the Privy Council. Angus MacAlester, fearing penetlies in consequence, fled Edinburgh, causing escalation between the two clans.
Donald MacAngus, 8th of Glengarry, succeeded Angus as chief of Glengarry, who is reputed to have lived for over one hundred years.[6] In February 1576, Donald MacAngus complained to the Privy Council that Hugh Fraser, 5th Lord Lovat prevented him and his followers transporting timber by water on Loch Ness towards Inverness, and Lovat was ordered not to interfere.[26] It would appear that Angus McAngus was favored by the Court, due to his law-abiding status and peaceful relations with neighboring clans. However, Colin Campbell, 6th Earl of Argyll, upon succeeding as chief of the Campbells in 1577, invaded and plundered the lands of the MacLeans and the MacDonalds, including making preparations for an invasion of the mainland, with the lands of Glengarry as his principle attack.[27] Threatened by the Earl of Argyll, Donald MacAngus hastley appealed to the Privy Council for protection. Realizing his situation, the Council prohibited the Earl of Argyll and his followers from harming the lands of Glengarry, declaring Glengarry and friends as "good subjects". The council also sent letters to the Frasers of Lovat, MacKenzie of Kintail, Grant of Freuchie, MacKintosh, Munro of Fowlis, Ross of Balnagown, MacDonald of Keppoch, and Chisholm of Strathglass, charging them to "pass to assist and defend with their kin and followers Donald MacAngus and his friends and servants". The council furthur prohibited MacLean of Duart, MacKinnion of Strath, and other clans from convocating in invading the lands of Glengarry under pain of treason.[28] The Earl of Argyll conceded, and ended his intended invasion.[29]
In November 1601, Angus MacDonell, younger son of Donald MacAngus, accompanied by a large following of his father's dependents, including the MacDonalds of Clanranald, came to the lands of Torridon and laid violence on the lands of the Mackenzies. A complaint was made to the Privy Council against Donald MacAngus, with the same charges made against his son, Angus. However, neither have appeared in the Privy Court.[30] The Records of the Privy Council under the date show of 9 September 1602 that Donald MacAngus was declared an outlaw and rebel. In response, the Council acquired Kenneth Mackenzie a commission of "fire and sword" against Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, and procured through the interest of the 1st Earl of Dunfermline by invading Glengarry's lands of Morar, plundering as he went. Similarly, the MacDonells raided their cattle and wasted the lands of Lochalsh and Applecross. The escalation came to head at the Battle of Morar, which was fought in 1602 between the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry and Clan Mackenzie, with Clan Ross supporting the Mackenzies.[31] The Mackenzies laid siege to Strome Castle, causing the MacDonells to surrender, and the Mackenzies demolished the castle by gunpowder.[32] The clan soon built Invergarry Castle on Creagan an Fhithich – the Rock of the Raven – in the Great Glen.
The conflict became more aggressive when Glengarry formed an alliance with MacDonald of Moidart against the Mackenzies. In return, Kenneth Mackenzie sought assistance from his brother-in-law, Hector Og MacLean of Duart. While Mackenzie was in Mull securing MacLean's support, Angus MacDonell led a raid on the mainland of Lochcarron, resulting in the burning of houses and slaughtering inhabitants of the MacKenzie lands. The MacDonells stocked their boats with plunder that they took from the MacKenzies, but the MacKenzies intercepted the MacDonells in small rowing boats at night on their way to the Isle of Skye, overturning the boat, and killing many men, including Angus. The survivors swam to the Isle of Skye and escaped, leaving their pillaged plunders behind.[33] The following year, the clan, led by Allan Dubh MacRanuil of Lundie, launched a fiercer raid on the Mackenzies by burning their lands, destroying their crops, and finally burning an entire congregation of Mackenzie clansmen in the church in Kilchrist. According to tradition, a bagpiper for the MacDonells of Glengarry marched around the burning church playing a spirited tune, which was later known as "Cillechriost".[34] [35]
By this time, the Privy Council ordered both clans to cease hostilities and swear an oath to keep peace in the Highlands. By mutual consent, the MacDonells abandoned their inheritance of lands in Ross-shire, paying the Mackenzies a small feu in order to keep territorial possessions.[36] Following this event, the two powerful clans maintained friendly relations, benefiting both themselves and the wider district over which they held sway. Donald MacAngus were later compensated by the acquisition of Knoydart from Clanranald in 1611, as well as committing cattle raids against Clan MacLeod of Lewis. Invited in 1626 by Lord Ochiltree, the Lord Chancellor of Scotland to discuss Royal policy for the Western Isles, Donald MacAngus disagreed with the proposals and was imprisoned for a time. Despite this, in March 1627 he obtained a charter under the great seal that erected Glengarry into a free barony.When the Wars of the Three Kingdoms began in 1639, Donald MacAngus was too old for active campaigning and leadership. He passed these duties to his son and heir, Aeneas, 9th of Glengarry to take his place. Aeneas, a staunch Royalist, fought during the British Civil Wars, serving under James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose throughout his 1644–1645 campaign and protected him after the Battle of Philiphaugh. In 1640, Montrose's army defeated Argyll's Covenanters at the Battle of Inverlochy. In the aftermath, The Keppoch bard John MacDonald, known as Iain Lom, immortalized the battle in verse, taunting the defeated Campbells to retrieve their lost bonnets from the River Lochy and advising them to "take swimming lessons before returning to Glengarry." Donald MacAngus soon died in 1645, leaving Aeneas to succeed as chief of Glengarry. Aeneas appeared to continue in the King's service, but was ordered to go to Confederate Ireland in 1647, accompanied by Randal MacDonnell, 1st Marquess of Antrim. His regiment joined the army of Thomas Preston, 1st Viscount Tara in opposing Ormondists. According to MacVuirich, the Highlanders were "esteemed and honoured for their taking of great towns from the enemy until they broke from the army of Preston".[37] Aeneas was eventually taken prisoner and sent to Kilkenny, but was eventually released by the Marquis of Antrim. After his service during the war, Oliver Cromwell forfeited his estates when Scotland was incorporated into the Protectorate (1653-1659), temporarily losing his lands to the control of Cromwell. They were returned after the 1660 Restoration and he received the Jaccobite peerage title Lord MacDonell and Aros.
On 25 September 1663, seven men fell upon Alexander MacDonald, 12th of Keppoch and his brother Ranald and murdered them during a brawl in the mansion of Insch, just outside the village of Roybridge, Lochaber. The identity of the killers, Alexander MacDonald, Keppoch Tacksman of Inverlair, and his six sons, were well known. The cause of the murders were a manner of rival claimants to the chieftainship of Clan MacDonald of Keppoch. The Keppoch bard Iain Lom appealed for revenge before Lord Glengarry, but found apathy to the request. The seven killers were eventually hunted down and killed two years later by men sent by MacDonald of Sleat. Iain Lom brought the severed heads to Invergarry Castle in order to show them to Lord MacDonell of Invergarry, who had failed to bring the murderers to justice. This event became known as the Keppoch murders.
In 1665, a serious quarrel broke out between the MacDonells of Glengarry and the town of Inverness; a dispute led to an escalation resulting in several casualties. The MacDonells threatened revenge on the town due to their longstanding feud with the Mackintoshes, who were friendly with Inverness. The town sought support from neighboring Mackintoshes, while the MacDonells proposed a treaty with demanding conditions. The Privy Council ruled in favor of the MacDonells, ordering Inverness to pay Glengarry £4,800 in damages and fees, including the fees due to the surgeon who attended the wounded MacDonells.
Aeneas produced neither male heirs, nor any eligible children, and the title died with him in 1680.[38] Ranald, 2nd of Scotus, and 10th of Glengarry succeeded as chief of Glengarry in 1680. When James II & VII was expelled in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Ranald was at this point an old man past active exertion. However, this did not stop him from acting as head of the Catholic Jacobite faction during the 1689 Jacobite rising. Ranald's son, Alastair Dubh MacDonell, acted on behalf of his father as chief and leader of the Glengarry clan.[39] The Scots Parliament confiscated Glengarry's lands, although the MacDonells continued to hold Invergarry Castle.[40] The clan, along with 2500 clansmen, fought under John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee at the Battle of Killiecrankie. During this time, the MacDonells of Glengarry, along with their kinsmen the MacDonalds of Glencoe began looting and raiding other neighboring clans, including the lands of Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. In his subsequent appeal for compensation, Robert Campbell of Glenlyon showed he clearly believed the Glengarry men to be the more culpable, making no mention of Glencoe.[41] By late 1691, Invergarry was closely besieged and the Scottish government was determined to "make an example" of the MacDonells. Ranald did not take the oath of allegiance to the new Williamite government until 4 February. John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair's letter to Campbell of Breadalbane on 2 December showed the decision to make an example of Glengarry was taken before the deadline for the oath, originally as a much bigger operation; "...the clan Donell must be rooted out and Lochiel. Leave the McLeans to Argyll...". However, after agreeing to pardon Ranald MacDonell of his treason, the Williamites switched targets to the MacDonalds of Glencoe, which resulted in the Massacre of Glencoe. Ranald died in 1705, and was succeeded by his second son.
Alastair Dubh MacDonell, 1st of Titular, Lord MacDonald, and 11th of Glengarry has been described as "one of the most distinguished warriors of his day in the Highlands". Alastair Dubh and his father were among the first of the Highlanders who joined Viscount Dundee in the attempt to restore Prince James Francis Edward Stuart. Alastair Dubh took part in the Jacobite rising of 1715 on behalf of James Francis Edward Stuart, son of the disposed James VIII.[42] Alastair Dubh joined Viscount Dundee "on the appointed day" of 18 May 1689 in Lochaber, with 300 of his followers. Montrose wrote his famous letter to Clan MacLeod on 23 June 1689, in which he says "Glengaire gave me account of the subject of a letter he receaved from you; I shall only tell yow, that if you hasten not to land your men, I am of opinion you will have litle occasion to do the king great service". When Ailean Dearg, the Chief of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald was mortally wounded at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, Alasdair Dubh rallied the faltering warriors of Clan Donald by throwing up his blue bonnet and crying Buillean an-diugh, tuiream a-màireach! ("Blows today, mourning tomorrow!");[43] Although considered a victory, it was ineffective in restoring the Stuarts to the British throne.[44] In 1716, James Francis Edward Stuart issued a warrant for a patent of favour of Alasdair Dubh and his heirs, bestowing the title of Lord MacDonell in the Jacobite peerage.[6] [45] General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men.[46] Alastair Dubh died at Invergarry in 1721, and was eulogized in the song-poem Alistair à Gleanna Garadh by his kinswoman Sìleas na Ceapaich, which hearkens back to the mythological poetry attributed to Amergin Glúingel and which remains an iconic and oft imitated work of Scottish Gaelic literature.[47] Alastair Dubh was succeeded by his eldest son, John.
John, 2nd of Titular, Lord MacDonald, and 12th of Glengarry succeeded as chief. John obtained a charter for himself and male heirs of the lands of Knoydart from John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll in August 1724. The following year, a "Bond of Friendship" between John of Glengarry and Patrick Grant of Glenmoriston took place, binding themselves to maintain peaceful relations between their clans.[48] John did not take an active involvement in the Jacobite rising of 1745. Instead, Aeneas, Alasdair Dubh's second son, served throughout the 1745 Rising. Glengarry's Regiment were involved in many battles, including the Highbridge Skirmish, which was the first engagement between Government and Jacobite troops during the uprising. The regiment also fought at the Clifton Moor Skirmish and the Battle of Prestonpans, a Jacobite success. However, Aeneas was accidentally shot after the regiment's engagement at Falkirk and died three days later.[49] He was replaced by his kinsman, Donald MacDonnell of Lochgarry, who lead the Glengarry regiment at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746, under the command of James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth. Glengarry's numbered up to 530, the largest in the entire Jacobite army.[50] During the battle, the MacDonald regiments were located on the extreme left wing of the Jacobite army, instead of their preferred place on the right wing. According to legend, these regiments refused to charge when ordered to do so, due to the perceived insult of being placed on the left wing. The Glengarry regiment disbanded in May 1746 after their defeat at Culloden. Charles Edward Stuart found himself in a challenging situation when he sought shelter at Invergarry Castle by way of Fort Augustus. At that time, the castle was deserted and lacked basic necessities such as furniture and provisions. After Charles left to hide in the moors of the Highlands, Invergarry Castle was afterwards plundered and burnt to the ground by Cumberland's troops. Aeneas's elder brother Alastair Ruadh, later 13th of Glengarry, was captured in November 1745 by a Royal Navy frigate while travelling from France to join in the Jacobite Rising. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, he was released in 1747 and at some point became a Hanoverian mole inside the Jacobite Movement, with devastating results. While his motivations are still disputed, Scottish historian Andrew Lang confirmed that Alistair Ruadh was in fact 'Pickle the Spy' in 1747.
The Highland Clearances of the early 19th century forced the majority of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry into exile; most settled in Glengarry County, Ontario and parts of Nova Scotia. The most systematic evictions were ordered by the 15th chief, Alexander Ranaldson MacDonell of Glengarry, who was allegedly the model for the haughty and flamboyant Scottish clan chief Fergus MacIvor in Walter Scott's 1814 novel, Waverley. In June 1815, Glengarry formed the Society of True Highlanders, a rival to the Celtic Society of Edinburgh, reflecting the strong sense of Highland identity and pride that characterized the time; he was closely involved in arguments over precedence before, during, and after George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822. The occasion is best remembered for popularizing the idea of tartans and traditional Highland dress.
His kinsman Fr. Alexander MacDonell (1762–1840) became a Catholic priest in Lochaber. In 1794, during the French Revolutionary Wars, Fr. MacDonell became the first Catholic military chaplain in post-Reformation British military history after helping to raise the Glengarry Fencibles, which was disbanded in 1804. Father MacDonell accompanied his clansmen to Glengarry County, Ontario, where he helped resurrect the regiment for active service in the War of 1812. In 1826, he was appointed first Bishop of the local Diocese of Kingston. Sir James MacDonell, brother of the 14th Chief of Glengarry, fought under Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, winning glory for the clan at the Battle of Waterloo during the Napoleonic Wars. The Duke of Wellington awarded him £1000 for his part in the battle calling him "the bravest man in the British Army". General MacDonell insisted on splitting this money with his sergeant, James Graham.
Aneas Ranaldson, 16th of Glengarry sold his estate and, along with a significant portion of his clan, departed and emigrated to Australia in 1840. This event caught the attention of contemporary publications, "We cannot regard the expatriation of the head of an old Highland family, with its clan associations, its pipe music, and its federal recollections, from the battle of Inverlochy downwards, without some regret and emotion".[51] The departure marked a significant change for the clan and its longstanding connections to their ancestral lands, evoking a sense of sentimentality and reflection. Aneas Ranaldson later returned to Knoydart where he died in 1851.[51]
The 17th chief of Glengarry, Alexander Ranaldson, also returned from Australia, but later sold his estate to the Marquess of Huntly and emigrated with his sons to New Zealand where he later died in 1862. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Charles Ranaldson, 18th chief of Glengarry, but died on his way home from New Zealand, rendering the chief line from the 11th chief of Glengarry, Alasdair Dubh, extinct.[52] However, he was "posthumously" succeeded by his distant relative, Aneas Ranald, 19th of Glengarry through the Scotus branch, thus continuing the chief succession of the clan.[53]
Aeneas Ranald Wesdrop, 10th of Titular, 20th chief was educated at Eton College, and entering upon a commercial career, he was latterly connected with New Zealand Midland Railway Company, a well-known oil producer in London and Moscow.[54] Aeneas died at in Chelsea in 1901 and was succeeded by his son. Aeneas Ranald MacDonell, 11th of Titular, 21st chief. Aeneas was educated at St Paul's School, London, and was for a short time connected with the banking firm of Herries Farquhar & Company. During World War I, he was given the rank of Major and sent on a British military mission in Tbilisi, making the journey on a 36-hour train from Baku in December 1917.[55] Aneas Ranald Donald, 12th of Titular, 22nd chief succeeded as chief in 1941 and died in 1999. His brother, Aeneas Ranald Euan MacDonell, 13th of Titular, 23rd chief, succeeded him in 1999. Ranald MacDonell died in 2021, he was succeeded by his younger brother.[56]
The current chief is Colin Patrick MacDonell, 24th Chief of Glengarry, who lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The heir apparent is Angus Curt MacDonell, Younger of Glengarry.[57]
Castles that have been owned by Clan MacDonell of Glengarry include: