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Clan MacColl (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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MacColl / MacCall

Clan Crest: Between the horns of a crescent, an étoile

Clan Motto: Justi Ut Sidera Fulgent (The righteous shine as stars)

Clan Badge: Sprig of Heather

Lands: Loch Fyne, Argyll

Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan

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MacColl Clan History

The MacColls are thought to be descended from Clan Donald. The surname 'Coll' was common in this large and powerful Clan. It is also supported by the fact that they both wear a sprig of common heather as their clan badge. According to a 1450 Gaelic manuscript quoted by W. F. Skene in his Highlanders of Scotland, the MacDonalds descended from Colla Uais, an Irish king from the fourth century. In its early days, this great Clan was known as Clan Colla, Clan Cuin, or Clan Conn, the latter name being derived from Constantine, Colla's father. As a result, Coll has always been a very popular name among the McDonalds.

Other clans associated with the MacColls include the MacGregors and the Stewarts of Appin.

Clan MacColl has historically been associated with the lands surrounding Loch Fyne, an Argyll sea loch. This is Campbell territory, and the MacColls of this area got involved in the Campbell/MacGregor feuds, siding with the MacGregors. As a result, they were at odds with the MacPhersons.

In 1602/1603, a group of MacPhersons were enlisted to assist the MacGregors, but the victory had already been won by the MacGrerors in Glen Fruin, so the MacPhersons turned back and were on their way home to Badenoch when they came across a raiding band of MacColls in Drumochter. A fight erupted, and the outmanned MacColls lost the majority of their men, including their leader. This small clan had lost the majority of their military force in a single day. Angus Ban MacCoil, a member of the decimated clan, drew special attention in the fight due to his strength and dexterity. He was confronted by one of the most valiant of the Macphersons, and the two fought to the death. This desperate struggle between the two lasted until the MacCoIls were defeated and driven from the field. Angus Ban then fought his way backwards to a deep chasm in the hillside, leaping the abyss backwards with astonishing agility, effected his escape, none of his pursuers being inclined to risk the leap even in the ordinary way and with a run.

The Stewarts of Appin and MacColls

Another branch of the MacColls lived in the Appin area and were staunch supporters of the Appin Stewarts. Their bond was so strong that when an Achnacone Stewart Chief died, it was customary for him to be buried with a MacColl on either side of him. During the Jacobite Rising of 1745, the MacColls served in the Appin Regiment. Thirty-three of the 109 Appins killed or wounded were named MacColl.

The MacColls and MacNaughtons

Evan McColl, a Gaelic poet born in Kenmore in 1808, is commemorated by a monument. He died in 1898, and the Duke of Argyll unveiled this monument in 1930. He wrote "Clarsach nam Beann" - the Mountain Minstrel.

The MacColls of Lochgilphead and Kilmory in Argyll are thought to be MacNaughtons. Evan McColl, the Gaelic poet, was probably descended from the Loch Fyne race and was born in Kenmore on Loch Fyne in 1808. Evan wrote "Clarsach nam Beann" - the Mountain Minstrel. In his honor, a monument was erected there in 1930.

Among the most notable holders was Colkitto, or Coil Ciotoch MacDonald, a lieutenant of the Great Marquess of Montrose during Charles I's Civil Wars. Many stories are told about this Left-handed Coil, as his name suggests. He was the one who brought over the Irish contingent and led it throughout the Marquess' campaign. After landing, he dispatched a piper to investigate the defenses of Duntrune castle on the shores of Loch Crinan. The piper not only discovered the stronghold completely fortified, but he was also imprisoned in one of the turrets. His pipes, on the other hand, were left to him, and he took advantage of the opportunity to perform the well-known tune "Shun the Tower." Colkitto took the hint and marched off to join Montrose, leaving the piper to his fate. Later, while imprisoned and about to be hanged from the mast of his galley at Dunstaffnage, he begged to be buried beneath the door of the small chapel so that he could "exchange a snuff with the Captain of Dunstaffnage in the grave."

MacColl Places & People

Clan MacColl Individuals

MacColl, Evan

Evan MacColl (Eoghann MacColl; 1808-1898) was a Gaelic poet from Scotland who also wrote in English. He was also known as the Mountain Minstrel or the Clarsair-nam-beann (literally "Harper of the Mountains"). He became known as "the Gaelic Bard of Canada" later in his career.

Evan MacColl was born in Kenmore, Argyll and Bute, on the banks of Loch Fyne.

MacColl's family immigrated to Canada in 1831, but he couldn't bring himself to leave his homeland. He continued to work in road repair while writing many of his best Gaelic lyrics. In 1836, he self-published his first book of poems in Glasgow. The Mountain Minstrel, or Clàrsach nam Beann, sold well enough for the author to make a small profit. In 1837, he began contributing to the Glasgow-based Gaelic Magazine. MacColl took a tour of northeast Scotland from October 1838 to January 1839, which was documented in a diary published by Alexander Mackenzie in his biography of MacColl. Later that year, in 1839, he was hired as a clerk at the Liverpool Customs House. He stayed in Liverpool until 1850, when he took a six-month leave of absence to visit friends and relatives in Canada due to declining health. He was introduced to the Hon. Malcolm Cameron, then a Minister of the Crown, while staying on his brother's farm on the Trent River, and was offered a position in the Canadian Customs at Kingston, Ontario, which he accepted. MacColl held this position for thirty years before retiring around the year 1880. Frances Lewthwaite was his first wife, whom he married on May 6, 1847 in Toxteth, Liverpool. In Kingston, he later married Isabella MacArthur. He had nine children from either one or both of his marriages.He died in Toronto on July 24, 1898, and was buried in Kingston.

Kirsty MacColl is an actress.

Kirsty Anna MacColl (October 10, 1959 – December 18, 2000) was an English singer-songwriter. Between the early 1980s and the 1990s, she wrote and recorded several pop hits. She also sang on hit recordings produced by her then-husband, Steve Lillywhite, including songs by The Smiths and The Pogues.

MacColl died at the age of 41 after being hit by a boat in Mexico.

MacColl Tartans

MacColl Contemporary

Tartans associated with the name MacColl include:

Ancient MacDonald

McDonald Contemporary

Weathered by MacDonald

Donald of Kingsburgh

Boisdale's MacDonald

Ardnamurchin or McDonald?

Ancient MacDonald of the Isles Red

Red Modern MacDonald of the Isles

Ancient McDonald's Dress

McDonald's Dress Is Modern

Lord of the Isles Hunting MacDonald

Ancient Hunting MacDonald if the Isles

Modern MacDonald of the Isles Hunting

MacColl Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan MacColl Crest

An étoile is placed between the horns of a crescent.

Coats of Arms of MacColl:

A word about Coats of Arms:

A coat of arms is granted to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exceptions noted above, the arms depicted below are personal arms. Only the person who has been granted these weapons has the right to use them.