MacKinnon Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the intricate weave of Scotland’s historical fabric, Clan MacKinnon emerges as a vibrant thread, embodying the spirit of the Highlands and the Hebrides. Rooted in the rugged islands of Mull and Skye, the MacKinnons have carved a legacy marked by loyalty, daring, and an unbreakable connection to their Gaelic heritage. Their story is one of resilience amid turbulent times, a testament to the enduring strength of Scotland’s noble clans.

II. Origins of Clan MacKinnon

The name MacKinnon, derived from the Gaelic "MacFhionghuin," translates to "son of the fair-born," hinting at a lineage tied to nobility and valor. Popular tradition traces the clan’s origins to the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata, a Gaelic realm that spanned western Scotland and northeastern Ireland. The 19th-century historian W.F. Skene identified Clan MacKinnon as one of the seven clans of Siol Alpin, claiming descent from Alpin, father of Cináed mac Ailpín—often regarded as the first King of Scots. While Cináed’s Pictish or Gaelic identity remains debated, the MacKinnons’ claim to this royal lineage underscores their deep historical roots. Additionally, Sir Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk speculated a connection to Saint Columba, the revered Irish monk who brought Christianity to Scotland, noting the clan’s heraldic symbols and their historical ties to the abbots of Iona.

The earliest documented reference to the clan appears in 1409, when Lachlan Makfingane witnessed a charter by Donald de Ile, Lord of the Isles, signaling their integration into the power structures of the Hebrides. From these origins, the MacKinnons rose as a seafaring and martial clan, their destiny intertwined with the islands they called home.

III. Historical Evolution of Clan MacKinnon

A. Medieval Beginnings and the Lordship of the Isles

In the medieval period, Clan MacKinnon flourished under the aegis of the Lords of the Isles, a powerful Gaelic lordship that dominated the western seaboard. Their lands on Mull and Skye, including the strategic stronghold of Dunakin Castle, positioned them as key players in this maritime confederacy. According to a 17th-century MacDonald manuscript, the MacKinnons held a hereditary role on the Council of the Isles, tasked with adjusting weights and measures—a sign of their trusted status. Their allegiance shifted after the forfeiture of the Lordship in 1493, often aligning with the MacLeans of Duart, though they occasionally sided with the MacDonalds of Skye in their feuds with the MacLeods.

B. Jacobite Loyalty and Sacrifice

The MacKinnons’ history took a dramatic turn during the Jacobite risings of the 18th century, where their unwavering support for the Stuart cause defined their legacy. In 1715, 150 clansmen fought alongside the MacDonalds of Sleat at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, resulting in the forfeiture of their chief’s lands—though a pardon was granted in 1727. The clan’s most poignant chapter unfolded in 1745, when an elderly chief, Iain Og MacKinnon, led a battalion of 200 men to join Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie, in the doomed rebellion. After the crushing defeat at Culloden in 1746, Iain Og sheltered the fleeing prince and aided his escape to France, a heroic act that led to his capture and four years of imprisonment aboard a prison ship. His defiance in the face of adversity epitomized the clan’s motto and spirit.

C. Transition and Loss

The aftermath of the Jacobite risings marked a decline for Clan MacKinnon. Within two generations, debts forced the loss of their ancestral lands, and the direct chiefly line faltered. In 1811, William Mackinnon, a descendant of a junior branch who had emigrated to Antigua, was recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as the 33rd Chief, signaling a shift in the clan’s center of gravity. Today, the Clan MacKinnon Society, reestablished in the United States in 1980, keeps their heritage alive, fostering a global community united by pride in their past.

IV. Clan MacKinnon Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The MacKinnon crest features a boar’s head erased, argent, holding a deer’s shankbone in its mouth. This striking image is tied to a clan legend: a MacKinnon hunter, separated from his party near Loch Scavaig on Skye, took refuge in a cave. As he prepared venison over a fire, a wild boar charged in, only to be slain by the clansman’s swift action. The boar’s head symbolizes courage and tenacity, while the shankbone nods to the clan’s resourcefulness and connection to the land.

B. Clan Motto

The motto "Audentes Fortuna Juvat"—"Fortune favors the bold"—encapsulates the MacKinnons’ ethos. From their toll-collecting ventures at Dunakin Castle to their daring support of the Jacobites, the clan’s history reflects a fearless pursuit of honor and justice, even at great cost. Their war cry, "Cuimhnich Bas Alpin" ("Remember the death of Alpin"), further ties them to their Siol Alpin ancestry, invoking a call to valor rooted in ancient sacrifice.

V. Clan MacKinnon Tartan

Clan MacKinnon boasts a rich tartan tradition, though its origins are complex. An early version appeared in the controversial Vestiarium Scoticum of 1842, a work now considered a Victorian forgery. A modern hunting tartan, registered with the Lyon Court in 1960, draws on these earlier hues—browns, greens, and reds—offering a palette that reflects the clan’s rugged island heritage. Variants like the MacKinnon Red Ancient and Modern tartans provide further options, allowing clansfolk to honor their identity through vibrant threads.

VI. Prominent Figures of Clan MacKinnon

A. Iain Og MacKinnon (d. post-1746)

The aged chief who rallied his clan for the Jacobite cause in 1745, Iain Og’s bravery in aiding Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape stands as a pinnacle of MacKinnon valor. His imprisonment and sharp retort to King George II’s "generosity"—suggesting he’d return the favor by sending the king back to Germany—highlight his indomitable spirit.

B. Lachlan Mor MacKinnon (d. circa 1651)

The 28th chief, knighted by Charles II before the Battle of Worcester, Lachlan Mor exemplified the clan’s loyalty to the Stuart monarchy. His leadership during the civil wars reinforced the MacKinnons’ reputation as steadfast allies of the crown.

VII. Conclusion

From their Dalriadic origins to their heroic stand in the Jacobite risings, Clan MacKinnon’s history is a saga of resilience, loyalty, and bold ambition. Their crest, motto, and tartans serve as enduring symbols of a clan that faced adversity with unwavering courage, leaving an indelible mark on Scotland’s storied past. As descendants and admirers worldwide celebrate their heritage, the MacKinnons remain a beacon of Highland pride, their legacy echoing through the mists of Mull and Skye.