Clan MacNicol: A Legacy of Scorrybreac, Skye and the Grey Ridge
Introduction
Clan MacNicol, also known by its Gaelic form Clan MacNeacail, and often connected with the surname Nicolson, is a historic Highland Scottish clan rooted especially in Scorrybreac, Portree, Trotternish, Skye, Lewis, Snizort, Finlaggan, the Lordship of the Isles, and the wider Scottish diaspora.
The Gaelic name is:
MacNeacail
meaning:
Son of Nicol
or
Son of Nicholas
The personal name Nicol / Nicholas comes ultimately from Greek and is usually interpreted as:
victory of the people
The clan motto is:
“Scorrybreac”
from Gaelic:
Sgorra Bhreac
meaning:
Grey ridge
The Clan MacNicol Federation explains that the motto within the crest strap was revised to SCORRYBREAC, from the Gaelic words Sgorra Bhreac, meaning grey ridge.
The chief’s motto below the shield is:
“Meminisse Sed Providere”
meaning:
“Remember but look ahead.”
The Clan MacNicol Federation states that the chief’s arms were revised with the motto above the crest as Scorrybreac and the motto below the shield as Meminisse Sed Providere, translated as Remember but look ahead.
The historic seat is:
Scorrybreac, near Portree, on the Isle of Skye.
The present chief is:
John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac
The Clan MacNicol archive identifies the present chief as John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac, son of the late Iain MacNeacail.
Chapter I: Origins of Clan MacNicol
The surname MacNicol comes from Gaelic:
Mac Neacail
meaning:
Son of Nicol
or:
Son of Nicholas
Historic spellings and related names include:
MacNicol
MacNeacail
MacNicail
MacNicoll
MacNichol
MacNicholl
MacNickle
MacNychol
MacNycholl
Nicolson
Nicholson
Nicol
Nichol
Nickelson
Nickleson
CLAN’s MacNicol surname list includes forms such as MacNeacail, MacNicail, MacNiccoll, MacNichol, MacNicholl, MacNickle, MacNicoll, MacNychol, and related spellings.
Clan MacNicol is officially known today as:
The Highland Clan MacNeacail
The Clan MacNicol Federation states that the clan’s chiefs were long known as Nicolson of Scorrybreac, taking their territorial designation from lands near Portree on Skye, but that the chief has adopted the original Gaelic surname MacNeacail, from which the clan now takes its name.
Clan MacNicol is therefore a clan of:
Skye roots
Scorrybreac chiefship
Lewis origin traditions
Lordship of the Isles history
Portree and Trotternish identity
MacLeod and MacDonald connections
Nicolson surname survival
tartan pride
diaspora restoration
Its motto gives the clan its place-name voice:
Scorrybreac — Grey ridge.
Chapter II: Clan Territory and Ancestral Lands
Clan MacNicol’s strongest historic territories include:
Scorrybreac
Portree
Trotternish
Skye
Lewis
Snizort
Finlaggan
The Lordship of the Isles
The wider Scottish diaspora
The great symbolic homeland is:
Scorrybreac
Scorrybreac lies near Portree, on the Isle of Skye.
For Clan MacNicol, Scorrybreac represents:
chiefship
Skye identity
the grey ridge
the house of the chiefs
the clan’s modern name-memory
The clan’s earlier story also includes Lewis. Clan MacNicol’s own history states that after the loss of clan lands on the Isle of Lewis, the male line continued on Skye at the house of Scorrybreac.
The MacNicol landscape is one of:
Skye ridges
sea cliffs
island lordship
Lewis memories
Portree harbour
MacLeod marriages
MacDonald alliances
Nicolson families scattered across the world
Chapter III: Scorrybreac and the Grey Ridge
No Clan MacNicol article is complete without Scorrybreac.
The name comes from Gaelic:
Sgorra Bhreac
meaning:
Grey ridge
That phrase became central to the modern clan crest badge and identity.
For Clan MacNicol, Scorrybreac represents:
home
chiefship
Skye memory
territorial identity
the ridge that gave the clan its motto
The MacNicol chiefs were long known as:
Nicolson of Scorrybreac
This title preserved the clan’s connection to Skye even when the surname appeared in the anglicised form Nicolson. The modern revival of MacNeacail brings the Gaelic identity back to the front of the clan’s name.
Scorrybreac is therefore not just a place.
It is the anchor of the clan.
Chapter IV: Lewis, Skye and the MacLeod Connection
Clan MacNicol has an important tradition of earlier lands on Lewis.
The Isle of Skye history guide explains that a MacNeacail heiress married Torquil MacLeod, after which the MacNeacail lands on Lewis were absorbed into the Lewis MacLeod estate. The male descendants then established themselves at Scorrybreac House above Portree on Skye, which remained the clan heartland until 1825, when Chief Malcolm Nicolson sold the lands and emigrated to Tasmania.
This gives the clan a major turning point:
Lewis lands lost through heiress marriage
MacLeod absorption of ancient territory
male line continuing at Scorrybreac
Skye becoming the clan’s later heartland
For Clan MacNicol, this story represents:
loss
survival
movement from Lewis to Skye
the resilience of the male chiefly line
the importance of Scorrybreac as a new centre
The MacLeod connection does not erase MacNicol identity.
It explains how the clan’s story shifted from one island power base to another.
Chapter V: Clan MacNicol and the Lordship of the Isles
Clan MacNicol also has an important place in the world of the Lords of the Isles.
The Clan MacNicol Federation states that during the 16th century, MacNicol of Portree was identified as one of the 16 members of the Council of the Isles, which met at Finlaggan on Islay to advise the Lord of the Isles.
This is a major mark of status.
It places MacNicol within the political heart of the western sea-lordship.
For Clan MacNicol, Finlaggan represents:
council power
island aristocracy
the Lordship of the Isles
MacNicol participation in Hebridean governance
This means the MacNicols were not just a local Skye surname.
They were part of the high politics of the Gaelic west.
Chapter VI: Important People of Clan MacNicol
MacNicol of Portree
In the 16th century, MacNicol of Portree was named among the members of the Council of the Isles at Finlaggan.
For Clan MacNicol, this figure represents:
rank
island authority
Skye leadership
a place among the advisers of the Lord of the Isles
The Nicolsons of Scorrybreac
The chiefly line was long known as:
Nicolson of Scorrybreac
This line preserved the clan’s territorial identity on Skye.
Rev. Donald Nicolson of Scorrybreac
One important figure was:
Reverend Donald Nicolson of Scorrybreac
He was an Episcopalian minister of Kilmuir on Skye and head of Clan MacNeacail. Modern summaries identify him as head of the clan and note his Episcopalian religious role.
He is remembered as an important ancestor of many Skye families.
Malcolm Nicolson of Scorrybreac
In 1825, Chief Malcolm Nicolson sold the Scorrybreac lands and emigrated to Tasmania. This marked the end of Scorrybreac as a continuously held chiefly homeland.
For Clan MacNicol, this represents:
loss of land
diaspora movement
survival beyond Scotland
the export of clan memory to the other side of the world
John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac
The present chief is:
John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac
The Clan MacNicol archive identifies him as the current chief.
He represents the modern continuation of the MacNeacail name.
Chapter VII: Churches, Burial Places and Historic Sites
Scorrybreac
Scorrybreac is the clan’s strongest place-name identity.
For Clan MacNicol, it represents:
the grey ridge
the chiefly line
Skye memory
the motto of the clan
Portree
Portree is important because Scorrybreac lies near the town and because MacNicol of Portree appears in the Lordship of the Isles context.
For descendants, Portree is one of the key places to visit when tracing MacNicol history.
Snizort and St Columba’s Church
The MacNicols were important patrons of the cathedral church of St Columba on the River Snizort. Modern summaries state that twenty-eight chiefs of the clan are believed to lie buried there, and that a small chapel bears the name MacNicol’s Aisle in honour of their generosity.
For Clan MacNicol, Snizort represents:
burial memory
religious patronage
chiefly continuity
Skye sacred geography
Finlaggan
Finlaggan, on Islay, was the council centre of the Lords of the Isles.
MacNicol’s presence on the Council of the Isles makes Finlaggan part of the clan’s political landscape.
Lewis
Lewis represents the older remembered clan lands, lost through marriage into the MacLeod line.
Chapter VIII: Clan Alliances, Conflicts and Island Politics
Clan MacNicol belonged to the complex world of the Hebrides and Skye.
Its story includes connections with:
Clan MacLeod
Clan MacDonald of Sleat
The Lords of the Isles
The Council of the Isles
Skye church patronage
Jacobite-era island politics
After the fall of the Lordship of the Isles, the MacNicols followed the MacDonalds of Sleat. Modern summaries state that after the dissolution of the Lordship, the clan followed the MacDonalds of Sleat, and MacNicol individuals appear in the MacDonald-MacLean conflicts of the 16th century.
The clan’s history is therefore deeply linked to:
MacLeod marriage and land transfer
MacDonald political allegiance
MacLean conflict traditions
the shifting power of Skye and the Hebrides
This is a clan shaped by island politics.
Chapter IX: Jacobite and Civil War Memory
During the 17th century, MacNeacails again appear in association with the MacDonalds of Sleat.
Modern summaries note that during the Scottish Civil War, MacNeacails fought alongside the house of Sleat and that Sorley MacNicol was listed among supporters of Sir James MacDonald in service of Charles I and the Marquis of Montrose.
In the Jacobite era, the position was complex.
The Isle of Skye guide notes that Donald Nicolson’s Episcopalian and non-juring loyalties aligned with Jacobite sympathies, and tradition maintains that a band of Nicolsons fought at Culloden in Jacobite service, though the MacDonalds of Sleat avoided action in 1745.
For Clan MacNicol, this history represents:
royalist memory
Episcopalian loyalty
Jacobite sympathy
Skye caution and survival
tradition of service under the MacDonalds of Sleat
Chapter X: Crest, Motto and Badge
Clan Crest
The MacNicol crest badge is commonly shown as:
A hawk’s head / kite’s head
ScotlandShop describes the Clan MacNicol crest as the hawk’s head, or kite, with the word Scorrybreac.
The hawk or kite suggests:
watchfulness
height
sharp sight
Highland ridge country
a clan looking out from Scorrybreac
Clan Motto
The clan crest motto is:
“Scorrybreac”
meaning:
Grey ridge
This is unusual and powerful because it is not a boast or threat.
It is a place.
The motto says:
remember the land
remember the ridge
remember Scorrybreac
identity begins in place
Chief’s Motto
The chief’s motto is:
“Meminisse Sed Providere”
meaning:
“Remember but look ahead.”
This is one of the most fitting modern clan mottoes because it balances heritage with future vision.
It means:
remember the ancestors
do not live only in the past
carry the name forward
honour memory through action
Plant Badge
A distinct MacNicol plant badge is not consistently recorded in the major sources used here.
For accuracy, the strongest MacNicol symbols are:
Scorrybreac
the grey ridge
the hawk / kite crest
the MacNicol tartans
Snizort church memory
the chief’s motto “Remember but look ahead”
Chapter XI: Clan MacNicol Tartans
Nicolson / MacNicol Tartan
The Nicolson / MacNicol tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 3139.
This is one of the principal tartans associated with the clan.
MacLeod / MacNicol Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans also records a MacLeod / MacNicol tartan under reference 2631.
This reflects the historical connection between MacNicol and MacLeod traditions.
Clan MacNicol Recognised Tartans
The Clan MacNicol Federation states that the clan recognises two tartans:
a dress tartan
and
a hunting tartan
with each available in three colour variations.
Modern clan tartan options therefore include:
MacNicol / Nicolson Dress
MacNicol / Nicolson Hunting
Ancient colour variation
Modern colour variation
Weathered or muted colour variation, where available
The Meaning of MacNicol Tartan Today
For modern MacNicol descendants, tartan represents:
Scorrybreac
Skye
Portree
Lewis memory
MacLeod and MacDonald connections
the motto “Scorrybreac”
family pride and diaspora identity
The MacNicol tartans give this Skye clan a visible and wearable Scottish identity.
Chapter XII: Heritage, Identity and Clan Traditions
Clan MacNicol represents a Highland identity built on Skye landholding, Lewis memory, island lordship, church patronage, surname survival and modern Gaelic revival.
Its story includes:
MacNeacail — son of Nicol
Scorrybreac
Portree
Skye
Lewis lands lost through marriage
MacLeod connection
MacDonald of Sleat following
Council of the Isles
Finlaggan
Snizort and MacNicol’s Aisle
the hawk / kite crest
the motto “Scorrybreac”
the chief’s motto “Remember but look ahead”
MacNicol and Nicolson tartans
a living recognised chief
Associated names and spellings include:
MacNicol
MacNeacail
MacNicail
MacNicoll
MacNichol
MacNicholl
MacNickle
MacNychol
Nicolson
Nicholson
Nicol
Nichol
Nickelson
The name’s strength lies in its ability to exist in two forms:
MacNeacail, the Gaelic clan name
and
Nicolson, the long-used chiefly surname of Scorrybreac
Both belong to the same story.
Chapter XIII: Clan MacNicol Today
Today, Clan MacNicol is active through the:
Highland Clan MacNeacail Federation
The Federation states that the clan has active participation in societies in Britain, North America, Australasia and Europe.
The present chief is:
John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac
Modern Clan MacNicol identity can be found through:
Clan MacNicol / MacNeacail societies
family history research
MacNicol and Nicolson tartan wearing
study of Scorrybreac and Portree records
visits to Skye and Snizort
research into Lewis and MacLeod links
Scottish heritage events
Highland games
diaspora family networks
For MacNicol descendants, the best first step is to trace the family’s spelling and region:
MacNicol?
MacNeacail?
MacNicoll?
MacNichol?
Nicolson?
Nicholson?
Nicol?
Skye?
Scorrybreac?
Portree?
Lewis?
Snizort?
MacLeod country?
MacDonald of Sleat country?
Tasmania?
Canada?
Australia?
New Zealand?
The United States?
That will determine the strongest family-history path.
Chapter XIV: Legacy of Clan MacNicol
The story of Clan MacNicol begins with a name:
MacNeacail — Son of Nicol.
From Lewis came early memory.
From Scorrybreac came the heartland.
From Portree came the territorial centre.
From Finlaggan came council status.
From Snizort came church patronage and burial memory.
From 1825 came the diaspora turning point.
From the crest came the hawk.
From the motto came the place:
Scorrybreac — Grey ridge.
And from the chief’s motto came the clan’s modern wisdom:
Meminisse Sed Providere — Remember but look ahead.
That phrase captures the MacNicol spirit: rooted in Skye, mindful of Lewis, proud of the Nicolson name, restored through MacNeacail identity, and still looking forward.
From Scorrybreac to Portree, from Skye to descendants across the world, Clan MacNicol continues to carry its heritage forward.
Its legacy is written in tartan, hawks, grey ridges, island councils, old chapels, family records and the pride of those who still honour the name.
Tartan Time Machine Closing Paragraph
At Tartan Time Machine, we bring Scotland’s past into the present by exploring the clans, surnames, castles, kirkyards, tartans, legends and forgotten stories that shaped the nation.
Clan MacNicol is one chapter in that greater story — a story of Skye, Scorrybreac, Portree, Lewis, Finlaggan, Snizort, hawk crests, tartans and the powerful reminder: Remember but look ahead.
Discover more Scottish history, clan stories, castle features and heritage content at:
www.tartantimemachine.com