Clan MacDonell: Warriors of Glengarry, Highland Royalty, and the Fiercest Swords of Clan Donald
Clan MacDonell (Gaelic: Clann Mhic Dhomhnaill, specifically Mac Dhòmhnaill Ghlinne Garadh) is one of the most distinguished and martial branches of the mighty Clan Donald. Known as the MacDonells of Glengarry, they were among the finest fighting families in the Highlands—feared and respected in equal measure.
Their history is marked by warfare, leadership, allegiance to the ancient Lordship of the Isles, and fierce loyalty to the Jacobite cause.
Their motto, “Cragan an Fhithich” — “The Raven’s Rock” — evokes the dark, dramatic mountains of Glengarry and the raven symbol associated with Celtic war tradition.
Origins and Early Lineage
1. A Proud Branch of Clan Donald
The MacDonells of Glengarry descend from Ranald, son of John MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, and thus share royal lineage with the ruling families of the Hebrides.
2. The Name
“MacDonell” is a Highland spelling variation of “MacDonald,” but it represents a separate, noble branch with its own:
Chiefship
Territories
Tartan
Heraldry
Military legacy
3. Establishment in Glengarry
The MacDonells settled in:
Glengarry
Lochaber
Knoydart
These remote and mountainous districts became synonymous with their clan identity.
The Glengarry Territory: A Highland Stronghold
1. Glengarry
A rugged glen defined by:
Steep forests
Lochs
High ridges
It was both a defensive stronghold and a launching point for warfare.
2. Invergarry Castle
The great seat of the chiefs, perched above Loch Oich.
Famous for:
Hosting Bonnie Prince Charlie
Withstanding attacks during the Jacobite Wars
Being burned by the Duke of Cumberland’s forces after Culloden
Invergarry remains one of the most evocative clan castles in Scotland.
3. Knoydart
Known as “The Rough Bounds,” Knoydart was home to some of the toughest Highland fighters—many of them MacDonells.
The Crest, Motto & Symbols of Clan MacDonell
Crest:
A raven perched upon a rock, symbolising:
War
Prophecy
Ancestral power
Highland ferocity
Motto:
“Cragan an Fhithich”
“The Raven’s Rock.”
Badge:
The clan’s plant badge is the crowberry, a hardy Highland plant.
Arms:
The arms of the Glengarry chiefs incorporate:
The island galley (marking their Lordship of the Isles heritage)
The raven
Swords and Highland weaponry
Strong Celtic elements
MacDonell Tartans
The MacDonell tartans are among the most iconic in Scotland:
1. MacDonell of Glengarry
Bold red and green sett; often worn with the distinctive Glengarry bonnet.
2. MacDonell Hunting
A rich green Highland pattern used for field and outdoor wear.
3. Glengarry Red
A striking, widely recognised tartan associated with the clan’s military dress.
These tartans reflect the clan’s martial legacy and visual identity in Highland regiments.
Branches of Clan MacDonell
1. MacDonell of Glengarry (Chief Line)
The principal family.
2. MacDonell of Scottas
A major cadet branch, historically influential in the northern territories.
3. MacDonell of Aberchalder
A significant family involved in the Jacobite risings.
4. MacDonells of Keppoch
Though spelled similarly, the Keppoch line forms its own branch of Clan Donald, but many families intermarried.
Spelling variants include:
MacDonell
MacDonnell
McDonell
McDonnell
Clan Allegiances & Relationships
Allies:
Clan Donald (parent clan)
Clan Cameron (close partners in Lochaber)
Clan MacLeod
Clan MacKinnon
Rivals:
Clan Fraser
Clan Mackenzie
Clan Campbell
Clan Grant
Territorial disputes often shaped these relationships.
The MacDonells in War, Rebellion & Honour
1. The Wars of Montrose (1640s)
The MacDonells fought under Alasdair MacColla, the legendary swordsman who led Irish and Highland forces during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
Their role was pivotal in:
Inverlochy (1645)
Auldearn (1645)
Kilsyth (1645)
2. The Jacobite Risings
The MacDonells were among the fiercest supporters of the Jacobite cause.
They fought at:
Killiecrankie (1689)
Sheriffmuir (1715)
Prestonpans (1745)
Falkirk (1746)
Culloden (1746)
The Glengarry regiment was one of the best-known Highland fighting units in the Prince’s army.
3. After Culloden
Their lands were ravaged and Invergarry Castle was burned.
Yet the MacDonells survived through resilience and the diaspora.
The MacDonell Diaspora & Global Influence
1. Canadian Pioneers
The MacDonells became central to the Scottish settlement of Canada.
Prominent figures include:
John McDonell of Aberchalder — co-founder of Glengarry County in Ontario
Miles Macdonell — governor of the Red River Colony
Bishop Alexander Macdonell — dominant religious figure and community leader
2. Military Leadership
MacDonells served prominently in:
Highland regiments
Canadian military units
Colonial administrative services
3. Cultural Legacy
The Glengarry Highland Games in Canada preserve MacDonell heritage to this day.
Modern Clan Status
Chief:
The Right Honourable Aeneas Ranald Eoin MacDonell of Glengarry,
Chief of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry.
Clan Centre:
Historic Glengarry and Lochaber regions.
Active Clan Societies:
MacDonell societies thrive in:
Scotland
Canada (especially Ontario)
USA
Australia
New Zealand
Clan MacDonell Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: MacDonell / MacDonnell
Region: Glengarry, Lochaber, Knoydart
Chief: Aeneas Ranald Eoin MacDonell
Crest: Raven on a rock
Motto: Cragan an Fhithich
Badge: Crowberry
Tartans: Glengarry Red, MacDonell Hunting, MacDonell Modern
Historic Role: Elite Highland warriors, Jacobite leaders
Status: One of the most distinguished branches of Clan Donald
Conclusion
Clan MacDonell embodies the spirit of the Highlands: proud, fierce, resilient, loyal, and deeply connected to Gaelic tradition. From the towering slopes of Glengarry to the battlefields of Scotland and the pioneering settlements of Canada, the MacDonells carved a legend that endures across continents.
Their raven crest, a symbol of prophecy and war, reflects a clan whose legacy is inseparable from Scottish history itself.