THE MACCALLUMS

The MacLeans are thought to have been of Irish origin. Gillean of the Battle-ax gave the clan name to the MacLeans (or Macgilleons). In 1296 he signed a roll as Gilliemore Macilean. The isle of Mull holds their ancestral castle, Duart Castle. Their ancestral enemies were their Argyll neighbors, the MacDonalds. A famous MacLean ancestor in the early sixteenth century had some marital troubles involving the MacDonalds: “At this time the Campbells of Argyll were useful allies, and the ties with this powerful family were strengthened by marriage, though in one instance this was to prove disastrous to the MacLeans. Lachlan MacLean of Duart took Campbell’s sister, Catherine, as his second wife. However, she failed to produce an heir for him, and in frustration he abandoned her on a rock that he know would be well covered by the incoming tide. Before the water covered the rock some passing fishermen saw her and returned her to her brother. Meanwhile Maclean had sorrowfully reported her death to the Earl. The Campbells soon took their revenge: in 1523 Lachlan was “dirked in bed” while on a visit to Edinburgh.” (Clan MacLean)  The rock on which Lady Catherine was marooned can be seen from the windows of Duart Castle. The current Lord MacLean, Lachlan MacLean, is a kind and gracious man, who welcomes MacLean descendants to his castle. Duart Castle is open for tours, (which includes the battlements and the dungeon), and MacLean descendants are asked to sign a special clan guest book. It is a treat any MacLean descendant should experience.