The Famous Faces of Clan MacDonald

Dòmhnall was a nobleman from the Hebrides and he was alive during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He was an extremely important MacDonald. In fact, he was perhaps even the most important as he was actually the very first MacDonald! Did you know that Mac means son of in Gaelic? Basically, all of those famous Scottish names starting with Mac are referring to the sons of some famous Scotsman, like Donald, which is the Anglicized form of Dòmhnall! In any case, this particular Donald just had to be first because, after all, his namesake began one of the largest and most famous clans in history.

This more modern MacDonald is certainly a well known face for a slew of fans of a variety of film genres. She’s from Glasgow, which we love! It’s always wonderful to find contemporary famous clan faces that have true connections to Scotland. More on the role Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, played in her story in a moment. First, onto Kelly's impressive bio. You may know her for her roles in Trainspotting, Nanny McPhee, Boardwalk Empire, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, and of course the very important Scottish animated film - Brave. Being the period drama fanatic I am, I actually recognised her immediately as Dolly from the 2012 adaptation of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. She actually got her start while working as a barmaid in Glasgow. She saw a leaflet advertising an open casting call for Trainspotting and decided to audition, and she won the part.

Alexander MacDonald was one of the more mysterious figures we learned about this month and certainly one of my favourites. Historically, there have been a lot of famous MacDonald chiefs. I found Alexander MacDonald, Lord of Islay during the 13th century to be one of the most intriguing of all because historians can’t quite figure out for certain why and when he died. There are two takes on this. The first is that he was killed by the MacDougalls in 1299 in Ireland (though this may have been his Uncle, also named Alexander); the second is that he fought against Robert the Bruce in Galloway in 1308, was captured by Edward Bruce, escaped to Castle Sween in North Knapdale, was recaptured by Robert the Bruce and taken prisoner to Dundonald Castle in Kintyre, where he then died. We’re leaning toward the second theory given that he was succeeded as Lord of Islay in 1308 by his brother Angus, who was a well known ally of Robert the Bruce.

Next up is a duo, which is unusual for our famous face roundup, we have to admit. But, they are representing Clan MacDonald in the Canadian rock band, The Trews. The band is originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, with Colin acting as the vocalist and John-Angus acting as the guitarist for the band. The Trews have been among the top 150 best-selling Canadian artists in Canada and among the top 40 selling Canadian bands in Canada -- quite impressive, if we do say so ourselves. Apparently, the band used to be called One I’d Trouser and just Trouser before changing their name. We think that the switch from trousers to trews was a successful move to celebrate more of their Scottish heritage.

We couldn’t possibly end this blog without mentioning yet another Dòmhnall. This one, while not actually starting the clan, was still very influential. As the son of Aonghas Óg, chief of Clan Donald, he was a Scottish nobleman. What’s so interesting about him is that while just an infant, he was captured by Cailean I, Earl of Argyll and imprisoned in Innischonnel Castle in Loch Awe. He remained in captivity for most of his life. However, in 1501, he escaped and whas is referred to today as “Dubh’s Rebellion, had begun. He died at Drogheda, Ireland, of all places, in 1545.

Flora MacDonald

Last but not least, we come to one of my absolute favourite figures in all of Scottish history. Flora MacDonald isn’t just a Highland dance, she is largely responsible for Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape “over the sea to Skye”. Flora was a member of the Macdonalds of Sleat. Though her family were largely Jacobite supporters, she went above and beyond to help out a prince in his hour of need. She was arrested and held in the Tower of London, but was thankfully released in June of 1747. Flora ended up in North Carolina, which was one of the most popular destinations in America for those leaving Scotland. Of course, it remains so today, just as Flora’s legacy lives on through everyone’s favourite theme song.