Clan Mackinnon

Welcome back to A Clan A Day Podcast, brought to you by BagTownClans.com. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today, we’re traveling to the rugged coasts of the Inner Hebrides to uncover the storied history of Clan Mackinnon—a proud Highland clan with deep ties to the Lords of the Isles, an enduring loyalty to the Stuart cause, and an ancestry claimed from the Siol Alpin, descendants of Scotland’s earliest kings. From Mull to Skye, the Mackinnons have left their mark on Scottish history, culture, and legend.

The Mackinnons trace their lineage to Fingon, whose name means "fair-born," a figure mentioned in the MS 1450, a medieval genealogical manuscript. Fingon is said to have been a grandson of Alpin, the father of Kenneth MacAlpin, traditionally regarded as the first king of a unified Scotland. This connection places the Mackinnons among the Siol Alpin, a group of clans claiming descent from Alpin and linked to early Gaelic kingship. While early history remains elusive, popular tradition suggests that the Mackinnons were connected to Saint Columba’s kindred. Their arms, featuring a hand holding a cross, and their role as abbots of Iona lend credence to this sacred lineage.

The Mackinnons were firmly entrenched in the power dynamics of the Lords of the Isles, who dominated the western seaboard of Scotland. By the late 14th century, the Mackinnons were custodians of the castle of Dunakin (Caisteal Maol) on Skye and held lands in Mull and Tiree. Their relationship with the MacDonalds of the Isles is documented in various alliances, though it sometimes brought them into conflict. A critical episode in the clan’s history occurred following the death of John of the Isles in 1380. The Mackinnon chief, referred to as the "Green Abbot," supported John Mór, the younger son, in a rebellion against his elder brother, Donald. The uprising ultimately failed, and the Mackinnon chief was executed, marking a turning point in their relationship with the MacDonald lords.

The Mackinnons were not immune to the fierce rivalries typical of Highland clans. A bitter feud with the MacLeans of Duart led to episodes of treachery, battles, and temporary loss of their lands. On one occasion, a young Mackinnon chief, forced into exile, returned with support from the Earl of Antrim and reclaimed his lands through a mixture of clever strategy and bold action. In 1606 and 1671, bonds of manrent were signed between the Mackinnons, the MacGregors, and the MacNabs. These agreements reaffirmed their shared lineage as descendants of Siol Alpin and their mutual obligation to support one another in times of need.

The Mackinnons’ most enduring legacy is their unwavering support for the Jacobite cause. In 1715, 150 Mackinnons fought alongside the MacDonalds at the Battle of Sheriffmuir. Their chief was subsequently pardoned for his involvement. During the 1745 Jacobite Rising, though old and infirm, the Mackinnon chief rallied his clan and joined Bonnie Prince Charlie. After the crushing defeat at Culloden, the Mackinnons aided the prince’s escape. The chief’s wife famously brought him food and wine while he hid in a cave on Skye before the clan ferried him safely to the mainland. This act of loyalty was not without consequence; the chief was captured, imprisoned, and narrowly escaped execution due to his age.

The Mackinnons played a significant role in the religious life of the Hebrides. Several clan members served as abbots of Iona, including the last Benedictine Abbot, John Mackinnon, whose tomb remains a prominent feature of the abbey’s Reilig Oran. A carved cross on Iona, known as Mackinnon’s Cross, commemorates the family’s contributions to the sacred isle.

The fallout from their Jacobite loyalties led to the forfeiture of the Mackinnons’ ancestral lands in 1765, leaving the clan landless in its traditional territories. Despite this setback, the Mackinnons continued to achieve prominence abroad. Members of the clan became distinguished soldiers, colonial leaders, and entrepreneurs. Among them were Major-General Henry Mackinnon, who died heroically at Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812, and Colonel Daniel Mackinnon, who defended Hougoumont at Waterloo.

Today, Clan Mackinnon is recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, and its chief is Madame Anne Gunhild Mackinnon of Mackinnon, the 38th Chief of the Name and Arms. Though the clan no longer holds its ancestral lands, the Mackinnon legacy thrives in the vibrant traditions maintained by descendants worldwide.

The Mackinnon slogan, “Cuimhnich bas Alpin” (“Remember the death of Alpin”), recalls their Siol Alpin roots. Their clan badge is the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), symbolizing resilience and endurance. The tartan of Clan Mackinnon is a striking design of red, green, and blue, emblematic of their island heritage.

From their sacred connections to Iona to their fiery loyalty to the Jacobite cause, Clan Mackinnon exemplifies the spirit of the Highland clans—proud, resilient, and unyielding in the face of adversity. Their story is one of honor, devotion, and a profound connection to the rugged landscapes of Scotland.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the history of Clan Mackinnon. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another episode of A Clan A Day Podcast. I’m Colin MacDonald, and as always, Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!