Macnicol Hunting Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the windswept reaches of Scotland’s Western Highlands and Isles, the MacNicol Hunting Clan stands as a vibrant emblem of resilience and tradition. Rooted in the storied lineage of Clan MacNicol, this branch—distinguished by its association with the evocative Hunting tartan—embodies the spirit of a people shaped by rugged landscapes and fierce independence. From their ancient origins in the Hebrides to their enduring presence on Skye, the MacNicols of the Hunting tradition weave a narrative of loyalty, adaptability, and pride into Scotland’s historical fabric.

II. Origins of Clan MacNicol

The name MacNicol springs from the Gaelic MacNeacail, meaning "son of Nicol," a name tied to both Norse and Celtic lineage. Nicol, derived from Nicholas, carries echoes of Viking influence, suggesting a Scandinavian progenitor who melded with the Gaelic clans of the Hebrides. The clan’s earliest roots likely trace to the 13th century, emerging in the Norse-Gaelic world of the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. By the time of their first recorded figure, John "mak Nakyl" in the early 1300s, the MacNicols were a force on the Isle of Lewis, their identity forged in the crucible of medieval tribal alliances.

III. Historical Evolution of Clan MacNicol

A. Medieval Beginnings on Lewis

The MacNicols rose to prominence on Lewis during the turbulent 13th and 14th centuries, their power rooted in the fertile lands of the Outer Hebrides. John "mak Nakyl" appears in historical records as a supporter of Edward I during the Wars of Scottish Independence, yet his clan’s allegiance shifted decisively to Robert the Bruce by 1316. Tradition holds that a MacNicol led warriors to aid Edward Bruce at Carrickfergus Castle in Ireland, showcasing their martial prowess. This era of influence faded when much of their Lewis holdings passed to the MacLeods through marriage, prompting a southward migration to Skye.

B. The Skye Stronghold and Beyond

On the Isle of Skye, the MacNicols established Scorrybreac as their heartland, a rocky outcrop near Portree that became synonymous with their name. By the 15th century, they were steadfast allies of the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, with a MacNicol chieftain serving on the Council of the Isles at Finlaggan. Their role in this powerful confederation underscored their regional clout until the Lordship’s fall in 1493. The clan weathered subsequent centuries, facing the Highland Clearances of the 19th century, which scattered many—including Chief John MacNeacail—to Tasmania and Canada’s Maritime provinces.

C. The Hunting Distinction

The "Hunting" designation ties the MacNicols to a specific tartan variant, reflecting their adaptability and connection to the land. While the clan’s early history aligns with broader MacNicol narratives, the Hunting tartan—marked by earthy greens, browns, and muted blues—evokes the rugged pursuits of Highland life, distinguishing this branch as one tied to the traditions of the chase and survival in Scotland’s wilds.

IV. Clan MacNicol Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The MacNicol crest, a hawk’s head erased, proper, soars as a symbol of vigilance and strength. For the Hunting branch, the hawk’s piercing gaze and swift strike resonate with the skills of the hunter, mirroring their historical role as resourceful stewards of Skye’s untamed terrain.

B. Clan Motto

The motto Sgorr a Bhreac—“Speckled Rocky Upland”—anchors the clan to Scorrybreac, doubling as a rallying cry. For the Hunting MacNicols, it evokes the craggy hills where they honed their craft. An alternate motto, Generositate non Ferositate (“By generosity, not ferocity”), hints at a legacy of honor over mere aggression, a virtue prized in their dealings.

V. Clan MacNicol Hunting Tartan

The MacNicol Hunting tartan, a registered design, sets this branch apart while linking it to the clan’s broader heritage. Unlike the brighter Ancient and Modern variants, the Hunting tartan’s subdued palette—greens, browns, and hints of blue—recalls the mossy glens and misty moors of Skye. Early accounts, such as those in James Logan’s 1845 The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, suggest the MacNicols may have shared tartans with allies like the MacLeods, but the Hunting sett, formalized in modern times, reflects a distinct identity tied to their environment and traditions.

VI. Prominent Figures of Clan MacNicol

A. John "mak Nakyl" (fl. early 14th century)

The shadowy John "mak Nakyl" stands as the clan’s earliest luminary, a chieftain whose strategic shifts—from English allegiance to Bruce’s cause—marked the MacNicols as players in Scotland’s medieval power struggles. His leadership at Carrickfergus remains a cornerstone of their martial legacy.

B. The Scorrybreac Chiefs

The line of Scorrybreac chiefs, culminating in John MacNeacail (born in Tasmania), embodies the clan’s endurance. A 1746 tale credits a chief with hiding Bonnie Prince Charlie after Culloden, a testament to their Jacobite loyalty amid peril. These figures bridged the Hunting branch to its ancestral roots, preserving their heritage through exile and renewal.

VII. Conclusion

The MacNicol Hunting Clan, with its hawk’s head crest and speckled tartan, weaves a tale of tenacity through Scotland’s storied past. From Lewis’s windswept shores to Skye’s rocky uplands, their journey reflects the broader currents of Highland history—war, alliance, and survival. Defined by the understated elegance of their Hunting tartan, this branch of Clan MacNicol endures as a symbol of Scotland’s wild heart, their legacy a quiet hymn to the land they called home.