Clan MacQuarrie: Ancient Sons of the Sea, Lords of Ulva, and One of Scotland’s Oldest Hebridean Clans
Clan MacQuarrie (Gaelic: Clann Mhic Guaire) is among the most ancient of all Scottish clans, with roots stretching deep into the early Kingdom of Dál Riata. Known as warriors, seafarers, and island lords seated upon the wild and beautiful isle of Ulva, the MacQuarries played a crucial role in the maritime culture of the western Highlands for over a thousand years.
Their motto, “An T’Arm Breac Dearg” — “The Red Tartan Army” — reflects not only their military heritage but also their proud identity as one of the most visually distinctive clans of the Hebrides.
Origins: Descendants of Guaire, Royal Kin of Dál Riata
1. Meaning of the Name
MacQuarrie comes from the Gaelic Mac Guaire, meaning:
“Son of Guaire (The Noble or Proud One).”
The name Guaire is ancient Gaelic, often connected with kings and high-born warriors.
2. A Clan of Royal Descent
Tradition traces the MacQuarries to:
Guaire, a brother of Fergus Mór, the legendary 6th-century king of Dál Riata
The Cenél Loairn branch of the royal Gaelic House of Lorn
The early rulers of Argyll and the western seaboard
This ancestry places the clan among the very oldest noble lineages in Scotland.
The Island of Ulva — Heartland of Clan MacQuarrie
1. Lords of Ulva for 800+ Years
The MacQuarries were the hereditary chiefs of Ulva, a small island lying just off the western coast of Mull.
Ulva provided:
Strategic access to sea routes
Good grazing lands
Opportunities for fishing, kelp production, and maritime trade
A defensive position against raiders and rival clans
The clan remained on Ulva from the early medieval period until 1776, when the last chief was forced to sell the island.
2. Mull and the Surrounding Isles
Secondary areas of settlement included:
Gometra
Treshnish Isles
Ardnamurchan
As experienced seafarers, the MacQuarries thrived in the archipelagic environment.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A lion rampant holding a sword, symbolising courage and noble lineage.
Motto:
“An T’Arm Breac Dearg”
“The Red-Tartan Army.”
Badge:
Pine, a resilient plant common in the western Highlands.
War Cry:
Traditionally associated with:
The colours of their tartan
The proud lineage of Guaire
Culture & Reputation
1. Warriors & Seamen
The Hebridean lifestyle shaped the MacQuarries into:
Sailors
Fishermen
Naval auxiliaries
Fighters in sea-going warbands
Their maritime skills made them valuable allies to neighbouring clans, especially the MacLeans of Mull.
2. Loyalty to Clan MacLean
MacQuarries frequently fought under the leadership of:
The MacLeans of Duart
Clan Donald in earlier centuries
This loyalty deeply influenced the clan’s political and military history.
Clan Wars & Historical Conflicts
1. Viking & Norse Period
The clan’s territory placed them directly in the path of Viking expansion.
Though heavily influenced by Norse culture, the MacQuarries maintained Gaelic identity and adapted rather than succumbed.
2. Medieval Clashes
The MacQuarries participated in island warfare alongside:
MacLeans
MacDonalds
Camerons
Mackinnons
Their maritime strength made them formidable opponents.
3. Jacobite Risings
Unlike many Highland clans, the MacQuarries were not heavily involved in the Jacobite Risings, largely due to poverty and remoteness.
However:
Some individuals joined the Jacobite forces
The clan paid a heavy economic price regardless, as post-1746 policies devastated the Hebridean economy
4. The Decline of the Clan
The clan was severely weakened in the 17th–18th centuries due to:
Agricultural poverty
Kelp industry collapse
Mounting debts of the chief
Emigration pressures
In 1776, Chief Lachlan MacQuarrie sold Ulva, marking the end of nearly a millennium of clan lordship.
Notable MacQuarries
Major General Lachlan MacQuarie (1762–1824)
The most famous MacQuarrie in history.
Known as:
The “Father of Australia”
Governor of New South Wales (1810–1821)
A reformer who established civil society, infrastructure, and governance in early Australia
His legacy remains celebrated in Australia, with:
The city of Macquarie
Numerous streets, banks, and landmarks named in his honour
Other Notables
Poets, sailors, and tradesmen across the Hebrides
Soldiers of Highland regiments
Prominent emigrant families in Canada and Australia
The MacQuarrie Diaspora
After the sale of Ulva and the Highland Clearances, most MacQuarries emigrated to:
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Ontario
New Zealand
Australia (large numbers followed Governor MacQuarie)
Today, the surname is far more common abroad than in Scotland itself.
MacQuarrie Tartans
Clan MacQuarrie has several distinctive tartans:
1. MacQuarrie Modern
Red and green sett with white and black accents.
2. MacQuarrie Ancient
Softer red and green tones reminiscent of natural dyes.
3. MacQuarrie Hunting
Muted greens and blues ideal for woodland stalking.
4. MacQuarrie Weathered
Brown and gray tones evoking aged wool and weathered cloth.
These tartans reflect both Hebridean tradition and maritime heritage.
Clan Status Today
Armigerous Clan
Clan MacQuarrie currently has no recognised chief and is considered armigerous.
Clan Associations
Active societies exist in:
Scotland
Canada
Australia
United States
Preservation Efforts
Enthusiasts work to preserve:
Ulva’s MacQuarrie history
Genealogy records
Tartan traditions
The memory of Lachlan MacQuarie’s global impact
Clan MacQuarrie Facts at a Glance
Name: MacQuarrie / McQuarrie / MacQuarie
Gaelic: Mac Guaire
Meaning: “Son of Guaire (the noble/proud one)”
Region: Ulva, Mull, Hebrides
Crest: Lion holding a sword
Motto: An T’Arm Breac Dearg — “The Red-Tartan Army”
Badge: Pine
Status: Armigerous
Famous Figure: Governor Lachlan MacQuarie
Conclusion
Clan MacQuarrie stands tall among Scotland’s ancient Hebridean clans—a people shaped by sea, stone, wind, and tradition. From their royal Gaelic origins to centuries of island lordship, from the battles of the western seaways to the founding of modern Australia, the MacQuarries carry a legacy as enduring as the basalt cliffs of Ulva itself.
Their motto, “The Red-Tartan Army,” recalls the proud martial spirit of a clan that—though small in numbers—left an outsized mark on Highland and world history.