Clan MacColl: Sons of the Hazelnut Wood, Argyll Warriors, and Ancient Followers of the Lords of Lorne
Clan MacColl—Gaelic Clann Mhic Colla or Mac Colla, meaning “Son of the Hazel” or “Son of Colla”—is an ancient Argyllshire clan with deep roots in the western Highlands. Long associated with Lorne, Appin, and the rugged coastline between Loch Etive and Loch Linnhe, the MacColls are a proud Highland family renowned for their loyalty, military service, and poetic traditions.
They are historically connected with Clan Donald, Clan MacDougall, and Clan Stewart of Appin, giving them a unique place in Scotland’s western coastal history.
Their motto, taken from their nearest clan affiliation, is generally the Stewart/Appin motto “Quhidder Will Zie” or sometimes the MacDonald motto “Per Mare Per Terras”, depending on the regional branch. Modern MacColl societies often use:
“In Arduis Fidelis” — “Faithful in Difficult Times.”
Origins and Early History
1. A Name Rooted in Celtic Tradition
The name MacColl likely derives from:
Mac Colla, meaning “Son of Colla”, a personal name rooted in ancient Gaelic tradition
or
A poetic reference to hazel trees, symbolic of wisdom and druidic knowledge in Celtic culture.
2. Ancestral Seat in Argyll
MacColls appear early in:
Lorne
Appin
Glen Etive
The region around Loch Linnhe
These lands were controlled historically by:
The MacDougalls
The Stewarts of Appin
The Lords of the Isles
MacColls frequently appear as tenants, warriors, boatmen, and foresters loyal to these ruling families.
3. Norse–Gaelic Influence
Given their location, the MacColls were part of the Norse–Gaelic melting pot of the west Highlands, blending:
Celtic culture
Norse seafaring tradition
Highland clan loyalty
Their name appears in medieval charters related to the MacDougalls and early Appin Stewarts.
Territories and Clan Seats
While not a clan with a castle-owning chiefly line, MacColl families occupied strategic lands across Argyll:
1. Appin (Stewart Territory)
One of the strongest MacColl regions, where they served as:
Archers
Warriors
Boatmen
Guides in the steep glens
2. Glen Etive
Another important MacColl heartland tied to both MacDougall and MacDonald authority.
3. Lorne
The homeland of ancient Clan Colla traditions and the early Dalriadic kingdom.
4. Ardgour & Morvern
Later settlements following Highland migrations and wars.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Clan MacColl is traditionally treated as a sept (branch) of Clan Donald or Clan MacDougall, depending on region. Many modern MacColls identify with:
Clan Donald (largest connection)
Clan MacDougall (strong in Lorne)
Clan Stewart of Appin (especially in Appin territory)
Crests Used by Tradition:
MacColl families traditionally use the crest of the clan they were attached to:
With Clan Donald:
A hand holding a cross
Motto: Per Mare Per Terras (“By Sea and By Land”)
With Clan MacDougall:
A lion’s paw
Motto: Buaidh no Bas (“Victory or Death”)
With Stewart of Appin:
A pelican in her nest
Motto: Quhidder Will Zie
Modern MacColl societies often adopt a hazel tree emblem to reflect the surname origin.
MacColl Tartans
While no ancient MacColl tartan survives, several modern patterns are associated with the name:
1. MacColl (Designers’ Tartan)
A modern green-and-blue sett created for MacColl descendants.
2. Regional Tartans Used Historically
MacColls historically wore:
Stewart of Appin tartan
MacDonald tartan
MacDougall tartan
depending on their feudal allegiance.
Branches and Septs of the Clan
Because MacColl is a spreading Highland surname rather than a centralised clan, branches evolved by region:
1. MacColls of Appin
Warriors in the famous Appin Regiment, including at Culloden.
2. MacColls of Lorne
Among the oldest branches, tied to early Dalriadic lineages.
3. MacColls of Glen Etive
Strongly linked to the MacDonalds of Glencoe.
4. Hebridean MacColls
Families who migrated to:
Mull
Islay
Tiree
bringing their traditions westward.
5. Ulster MacColls
Many emigrated to Ireland during 17th-century upheavals.
Variants of the name include:
MacColl
McColl
MacCole
McCall
Coll
MacCoil
Alliances & Clan Associations
Depending on region, MacColls were associated with:
1. Clan Stewart of Appin
(Strongest overall connection)
2. Clan MacDougall
3. Clan MacDonald of Glencoe
4. Clan Cameron
(in later west Highland migrations)
5. Clan Campbell
(a complicated relationship due to regional history)
These alliances shaped MacColl identity for centuries.
Feuds and Conflicts
1. The Appin Wars
MacColls of Appin fought alongside the Stewarts against:
The Campbells
Government forces
2. The MacDonald–Campbell Rivalries
In Glen Etive and Glencoe, MacColl families were often drawn into the MacDonald side.
3. The Glencoe Massacre (1692)
Some MacColls living among the Glencoe MacDonalds were affected by the tragedy.
4. Jacobite Risings
MacColls fought with:
The Stewart of Appin regiment (notably at Culloden)
MacDonald regiments
Their Highland identity placed them clearly on the Jacobite side.
Warrior Tradition & National Service
1. Archers and Highland Swordsmen
MacColls had reputations as skilled:
Bowmen
Highland swordsmen
Piper families in some branches
2. Military Service
From the 18th century onward, MacColls served in:
The Black Watch
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Royal Navy
Overseas regiments of the British Empire
3. Global Migration
Large numbers emigrated to:
Canada
USA
Australia
New Zealand
preserving the name worldwide.
Notable MacColls in History
Alexander McColl (Appin Regiment)
Jacobite soldier at the Battle of Culloden.
Duncan MacColl
19th-century bard and tradition-bearer.
Allan MacColl
Highland piper and musician.
Iain MacColl
Modern pipe major of the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band.
Ewan MacColl (1915–1989)
Famous folk singer-songwriter (born Jimmie Miller, adopted MacColl as a bardic name but iconic for the surname’s cultural association).
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Chief:
Clan MacColl has no recognised chief and is considered an armigerous clan.
Clan Societies:
Active MacColl/McColl associations exist in:
Scotland
Canada
USA
Australia
Heritage Regions:
Appin
Lorne
Glen Etive
Argyll
Clan MacColl Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: MacColl / McColl
Region: Western Highlands (Argyll, Appin, Lorne)
Chief: None (armigerous)
Crest: Uses MacDonald / MacDougall / Appin Stewart crests depending on branch
Badge: Hazel tree (modern symbolic adoption)
Tartans: MacColl Modern; Stewart, MacDougall, MacDonald tartans historically
Alliances: Stewart of Appin, MacDougall, MacDonald
Notable Figures: Alexander McColl, Duncan MacColl
Status: Ancient west Highland clan/sept with deep Celtic roots
Conclusion
Clan MacColl is a truly Highland clan—shaped by the mists of Argyll, the glens of Appin, and the Norse–Gaelic shores of the western sea. Loyal warriors, hunters, pipers, and poets, the MacColls played essential roles under larger clans while retaining a strong identity of their own.
Their enduring motto, “Faithful in Difficult Times,” captures the resilience and quiet strength that define the MacColl heritage.