MacLellan Clan

MacLellan Clan Crest: A moors head, on the point of a dagger.

MacLellan Clan Motto: Think On.

History of Clan MacLellan/MacClellan:
The surname originates from MacGille Fhaolain, meaning 'Son of the Servant of St Fillan.' Although St Fillan was a missionary of the old Celtic Church and associated with Perthshire, the MacLellans settled throughout Galloway and gave their name to the village of Balmaclellan in Kircudbrightshire.

In 1305, Patrick, son of Gilbert McLolane “with several others” captured the castle of Dumfries from followers of Robert the Bruce. In 1359, Cane McGillolane witnessed the foundation Charter for Sweetheart Abbey.  In the reign of James I,  Sir Patrick Maclellan of Bombie forfeited his lands following a confrontation with the House of Douglas. but they were restored to his son by James II.

In a later generation, the 8th Earl of Douglas attempted to persuade Sir Patrick Maclellan, Sheriff of Galloway, to plot against the King, and held him prisoner at Threave Castle when he refused. When a Royal order was sent for his release, Sir Patrick was murdered. 

William Maclellan of Bombie was knighted by James IV and died at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. His great-great grandson, Sir Robert Maclellan was created Lord Kirkcudbright in 1633.  However, the family were financially ruined by their support of the Royalist Cause during the Civil War. After the death of the 4th Lord Kirkcudbright in 1669, the estate was sold

The title was successfully reclaimed in 1761 by James MacLellan, but became dormant following the death of the 9th Lord in 1832. Some MacLellans in the Aberfeldy District are regarded as a Sept of Clan MacNab.

Archibald Maclellan (1797-1854) was a Glasgow coach builder who collected the works of art which today form the nucleus of the City of Glasgow's art collection.
George Brinton McClellan (1826-85) was an American General of Scottish descent who became Governor of New Jersey.

Surname distribution in Scotland: The MacLellan name is most common in the Western Isles (the main islands include Lewis and Harris, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula and Barra), Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Dumbartonshire, Stirlingshire, Dumfries and Galloway and Lanarkshire.

Places of Interest:
Kircudbright Castle, Kirkcudbright. Built by Sir Thomas M'clellan of Bombie (1540-97) with stones from the friary and an older castle. It is now a ruin.

Clan MacLellan gift certificate.