Warriors at both sea and on land, the MacLeans claim a descent from the forbiddingly named Gilleathain na Tuaighe – Gillian of the Battleaxe – who displayed the martial ardour for which his clan was to become renowned when he fought valiantly at the battle of Largs in 1263 against a band of Norsemen.
The islands of Mull, Tiree, Coll and Morven were all Maclean territories, while on the mainland they were also to be found in Knapdale.
Many legends attach themselves to the clan and, in common with other legends, may have been based on some elements of fact that were then exaggerated for dramatic effect.
When not feuding with the Campbells and the MacDonalds, the two MacLean branches of the MacLeans of Duart and the MacLeans of Lochbuie quarrelled with each other, but they were united on the battlefield against common foes.
- Name:
- MacLean
- Product:
- Clan Books
