MacDonell or MacDonnell

Scottish Clans

MacDonell or MacDonnell Tartans & Clan

The MacDonell clan tartan represents the senior cadet branch of Clan Donald, whose chieftains ruled vast Highland territories from Glengarry to Antrim, establishing powerful dynasties across Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and America.

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears MacDonell or MacDonnell Tartan?

Worn by MacDonell descendants worldwide, sept families including Donald, O'Donnell, and MacConnell bearers, Glengarry regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across Canada, America, and Britain.

Associated Names

MacDonnell

McDonell

McDonnell

O'Donnell

Donnell

Donald

MacDonald

MacConnell

McConnell

Connell

O'Connell

Donaldson

Daniels

MacIan

MacKean

Keene

Sanderson

Sands

MacSorley

Sorley

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

MacDonell warriors commanded Highland regiments with legendary courage, leading Glengarry Fencibles, Canadian militia units, and British Army forces across Empire battlefields from Culloden to Waterloo.

Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles (Scotland)

Stormont

Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders (Canada)

Canadian Voltigeurs (Canada)

71st Highland Light Infantry (Britain)

78th Highlanders (Britain)

Glengarry Militia (Canada)

Shop MacDonell or MacDonnell Tartan Products

Discover authentic MacDonell clan products including traditional Glengarry Highland dress, clan badges, tartan kilts, ceremonial dirks, sporrans, and heritage items for descendants across North America and Scotland.

MacDonell or MacDonnell Tartans

0 Variations

Each tartan can feature several variations, with the most common being Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress.

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Ancient Tartan

Before 1860, all fabric dyes came from nature — plants, berries, bark, and insects. The colours they produced were softer and more muted than what we're used to today: think mossy greens, dusty sky blues, and reds with a warm, orangey tone. A lot of people actually prefer Ancient tartans for this reason — the gentler contrasts let the pattern breathe and stand out in a way that bolder colours sometimes don't. Worth knowing: the pattern itself, called the sett, is exactly the same across all variations of a tartan. It's only the colours that change.

The MacDonell or MacDonnell Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Highland Origins & Power

The MacDonell clan originated from Domhnall of Islay, son of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles, in the 14th century. Ranald MacDonell established the Glengarry branch around 1370, receiving extensive lands in Inverness-shire from his father. The MacDonells quickly became the most formidable branch of Clan Donald, controlling strategic Highland passes and maintaining fierce independence from Scottish royal authority. Their stronghold at Invergarry Castle commanded the Great Glen, positioning them as gatekeepers between the Highlands and Lowlands. Early MacDonell chieftains demonstrated exceptional military prowess, leading Highland warriors in countless clan battles while expanding their territorial influence across western Scotland and establishing their reputation as the backbone of Clan Donald's power.

Power & Expansion

During the 16th century, MacDonell power reached unprecedented heights under successive chiefs who skillfully navigated Scotland's turbulent politics. The clan established the famous Lordship of Glengarry, controlling vast territories from Loch Hourn to Glen Nevis. MacDonell warriors supported Mary Queen of Scots and later championed the Stewart cause, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to Scottish monarchy. The family expanded into Ulster through strategic alliances, with Sorley Boy MacDonnell establishing the MacDonnells of Antrim as formidable Irish chieftains. These Ulster MacDonnells controlled the Glens of Antrim and Route, becoming one of Ireland's most powerful Gaelic families. The clan's influence extended across the North Channel, creating a MacDonell maritime empire that challenged both English and Scottish royal authority while maintaining traditional Highland clan structure.

Where does the name MacDonell or MacDonnell come from?

MacDonell derives from Gaelic 'Mac Dhòmhnaill' meaning 'son of Donald,' honoring Domhnall, Lord of the Isles in the 14th century. The MacDonells emerged as the most powerful branch of Clan Donald, with 'MacDonell of Glengarry' becoming their primary designation. This patronymic surname reflects their direct descent from the Lords of the Isles, establishing the family as rightful heirs to vast Highland territories spanning from western Scotland to Ulster's Antrim glens.

War & Resilience

The 17th century brought religious and political upheavals that tested MacDonell resilience and clan loyalty. During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, MacDonells supported the Royalist cause, with Alasdair MacColla MacDonell emerging as one of Scotland's most feared military commanders. Leading Highland warriors alongside the Marquess of Montrose, MacColla's tactical genius revolutionized Highland warfare through devastating clan charges that terrorized Covenanter armies. The clan suffered severely during Cromwell's occupation, with Invergarry Castle destroyed and MacDonell lands confiscated. However, the Restoration brought renewed MacDonell prominence, with chiefs regaining ancestral territories and resuming their role as Highland power brokers. The century concluded with growing tensions between Catholic and Protestant MacDonell branches, foreshadowing future clan divisions.

Jacobite Wars & Diaspora

The Jacobite era defined MacDonell destiny, with the clan playing pivotal roles in all major uprisings from 1689 to 1746. MacDonell of Glengarry commanded significant Highland forces at Killiecrankie, Sheriffmuir, and throughout the '45 Rising, demonstrating exceptional battlefield leadership. Young Clanranald MacDonells fought heroically at Culloden, suffering devastating casualties in the final Highland charge. Post-Culloden reprisals devastated MacDonell territories, forcing mass emigration to North America. However, the clan's military traditions flourished in the New World, with MacDonells establishing settlements across Nova Scotia, Ontario, and New York's Mohawk Valley. Colonel John MacDonell became Upper Canada's first Attorney General, while countless clan members served in Canadian militia units during the War of 1812, maintaining their warrior heritage in colonial service.

The MacDonell tartan embodies the fierce spirit of Clan Donald's most powerful branch, from Glengarry strongholds to global Highland diaspora adventures.

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