Things to know...

Motto: Fortis Et Fidus which means Strong and Faithful (trusty)
Septs of the Clan: Ewan, Ewen, Ewing, Gilchrist, Lachlan, Lauchlan, MacEwan, MacEwen, MacGilchrist.

 

History in brief

Clan MacLachlan is one of the oldest of all Scottish Clans. According to Irish manuscripts, the Clan is descended from the same line as the O'Neills, High Kings of Ireland. The name MacLachlan means "son of Lachlan", and Lachlan itself is from the older Gaelic name Lachlann which literally means "land of lochs". It was a common Christian name in the family tree of the High Kings. As early as 1230 Gilchrist MacLachlan witnessed a land charter and in 1292 Gilleskel MacLachlan received a charter for his land in Argyll. A MacLachlan served in the first parliament of Robert The Bruce in St Andrews. The MacLachlans were loyal supporters to the Stewarts and fought in all the royalist campaigns. In the 1745 uprising with Prince Charles Edward Stewart, the Chief of the Clan served the Prince and was lost at Culloden while commanding a regiment of 300 men

 

  
 
 

 
 

 

 

Castles Lachlan

The Old Castle

auld castle lachlan

 

Built sometime between the 13th and 15th centuries; setting of the actual date is under scholarly debate.
Has a unique design in Scotland. Outward appearance is of a large keep. Interior actually consists of two large tenements between which is an open court. Tenements are connected along the north side. Outside dimensions: 70' north to south, 54' east to west, 43' to top of battlements
Situated on the eastern shore of Loch Fyne near the present day town of Newton. The castle is four miles from Inverary. Fortifications were constructed around the castle for protection. Four stories plus cellars and battlements. All floors shown. Great Hall on second floor is said to have been used as a "council room and gathering hall on festal occasions". Rain water was collected for communal use in the ground floor well (really a cistern system).

More images of the MacLachlan Old Castle.

 

 

St. Bride's Chapel - Burying Place of the Clan Chiefs

St Brides Chapel TLC

 

The chapel's roof was removed so the building would not be taxed. MacLachlan Chiefs are buried in the chapel. Many of the older graves are covered by stones as ornate as those carved by the Knights Templar.

More images of St. Bride's Chapel.

 

 

The New Castle

castle lachlan

 

Construction started on new castle in the latter half of the 18th century. Property is still owned by the MacLachlan Chief.

More images of the New Castle.

 

 

Castle Ewen - Castle of Clan MacEwen

Otter Ferry

Picture of Otter Ferry harbour.

 

Ruins are little more than a pile of rocks above otter ferry. Property is privately owned and not easily accessible.

More images of Strathlachlan and surrounding area

 

 

Memorial Cairns Around the World

Cairn atop Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina, dedicated to the 42nd Regiment of Foot (the Black Watch) was dedicated on July 5th, 1997, at Fort Ticonderoga in New York. Several MacLachlans were members of the Black Watch when the regiment fought the French in 1758 and 1759.

 

Source:
Clan MacLachlan Western USA, Pictures supplied by Capturing Scotland, copyright of Alan D Stephen