MacLachlan Clan

MacLachlan Clan Crest: From a crest coronet, a triple towered castle set upon a rock.

MacLachlan Clan Motto: Fortis Et Fidus (Brave and Trusty).

History of Clan MacLachlan/MacLaughlan:
The origin of the surname is Norse, but Clan MacLachlan is descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland, through Ferchar of Abrothan, Prince of Aileach.

Lachlan Mor was established on the shores of Loch Fyne by the 13th century, and by 1292, having acquired lands in Cowal through marriage, Archibald Maclachlan was one of the Barons whose lands were formed into the Sheriffdom of Argyll. Ewen Maclachlan rendered homage to Edward I of England in 1296, but Gillespie MacLachlan attended Robert the Bruce's first parliament in 1309.

Only too aware of the rising influence of the Campbells of Argyll, the MacLachlans formed an allegiance with them, and in 1615, Lachlan Og, the MacLachlan Chief, was with the Earl of Argyll when he moved against the MacDonalds of Islay. In 1633, he was confirmed as Laird of MacLachlan.  In 1656, Lachlan Maclachlan of that Ilk was created Justice of the Peace for Argyll by Oliver Cromwell. In 1680, Archibald, 15th Chief, received a Charter for the Barony of Strathlachlan.

The MacLachlans were Jacobite supporters and fought for Viscount Dundee at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. In 1715, they followed the Earl of Mar at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, and, in 1745, joined Prince Charles Edward Stuart on his march into England. The following year, Lachlan, the Chief, was killed by a stray bullet at the Battle of Culloden while riding to order the Highland advance.  In the aftermath, Castle Lachlan was destroyed by Government troops, but since the estate had already been made over to Lachlan's son, the family held on to their properties. A replacement house was built in the 19th century and remains the seat of the Chief.

The Clan MacLachlan Society was founded in 1979 and now has over 1200 members

Thomas MacLauchlan (1816-86) edited Book of the Dean of Lismore.

Surname distribution in Scotland: The highest concentrations of the MacLachlan surname can be found in Glasgow City, Perth and Kinross (Perthshire and Kinross-shire), Renfrewshire, Argyll and Bute and Dunbartonshire.

Places of Interest: Castle Lachlan, Loch Fyne, Argyll. Built in the 12th to 13th century and early 16th century, this MacLachlan tower house was largely destroyed by Government forces after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. A replacement was built in the 19th century. Inchconnel Castle, Loch Awe, Argyll. A cadet branch of the MacLachlans were Captains of Inchconnel from 1613.

Associated family names (Septs): Eunson, Ewan, Ewen, Ewenson, Ewing, Gilchrist, Lachie, Lachlan, Lauchlan, MacCune, MacEwan, MacEwen, MacGilchrist, MacKeon, MacKeown, MacKewan, MacKewn, MacKuen, MacLaghlan, MacLaughlan, MacLaughlin, MacLune, MacOunn.

Clan MacLachlan gift certificates.