Preserved Edinburgh Society
 CLAN DONALD GENEALOGY

Alasdair Nan Cleas 10 MACDONELL, of Keppoch

Male - 1635


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  • Name Alasdair Nan Cleas 10 MACDONELL 
    Suffix of Keppoch 
    Gender Male 
    Died 1635 
    Person ID I9  My Genealogy
    Last Modified 28 Nov 2021 

    Father Ranald Og 9 MACDONELL, of Keppoch,   d. 1587 
    Mother NicDuncan STEWART, of Appin,   d. Yes, date unknown 
    Family ID F10  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Jean MACDOUGALL, of Dunollie,   d. Yes, date unknown 
    Children 
     1. Ranald Og 11 MACDONELL, of Keppoch,   d. 1641
     2. Donald Glas 12 MACDONELL, of Keppoch,   d. 1650
     3. Alasdair Buidhe 14 MACDONELL, of Keppoch,   d. Abt 1669
     4. Donald Gorm MACDONELL, of Inveroy,   d. Yes, date unknown
     5. Iain Dubh MACDONELL, of Keppoch,   d. 1593
     6. Angus Og MACDONELL, of Keppoch,   b. 1595,   d. Yes, date unknown
    Last Modified 28 Nov 2021 
    Family ID F9  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • Alasdair Nan Cleas Macdonald, 10th of Keppoch. Alasdair of the Tricks. (1587-1635). Alasdair was one of the most accomplished men of his time. He learned the art of conjuring which many Highland folk took to be the black art. This is what earned him the name Alasdair of the Tricks. Alasdair had a long history of conflict with MacIntosh. He allied himself in 1587 with Lochiel and Huntly during a feud between the Earls of Huntly and Moray. MacIntosh allied themselves with Moray. In 1588, A Royal Commission to proceed against Keppoch, his brother Ranald of Inch and others of his Clan was procured by MacIntosh jointly with Huntly and Freuchie. While MacIntosh and Freuchie were set on invading Lochaber, Huntly had no wish to see one of his supporters worsted and prevented them from carrying out their raid against Keppoch. In 1589 Keppoch gave a bond of manrent to MacIntosh. For a time all was peaceful. The death of Moray, at the hands of Huntly, in 1592 resulted in the invasion of Huntly by the vassal of Moray. Keppoch and Lochiel retaliated by plundering the land of MacIntosh and Freuchie. In 1593, Keppoch, on the orders of Huntly, invaded Clan Chattan lands in the neighborhood of Inverness and took the Castle of the town holding it in the name of Huntly. Keppoch's brother, Ranald of Inch, his son John (lain Dubh), and 3 of his officers, Goraidh Dubh and his son were captured by MacIntosh who hanged all but Ranald of lnch who escaped. MacIntosh then raided the Braes of Lochaber. In 1594, the Earls of Errol and Angus tried to re-establish the Roman Catholic religion in Scotland, Keppoch led his Clansmen to join them and fought at the Battle of Glenlivet along with Huntly, Errol and other Catholic earls against Argyll. He was supported by his uncle Black John of Bohuntin. In 1595, Keppoch among others entered into a bond with Argyll. He delivered up his youngest son, Angus Og, as hostage for his good behavior. Argyll promised to protect Keppoch against his enemies in all the lands which he laid claim. When Huntly returned from exile in 1598 Keppoch returned his allegiance to him. In 1602 he was ordered to raise 100 men for the Royal Service in Ireland but did not as he was already engaged in raiding the lands of MacIntosh. Letters were raised by John Campbell, Commissary of Inverness, against Ranald of Inch and Donald of Fersit, brothers of Keppoch, lain Dubh of Bohuntin, uncle of Keppoch, and his sons Angus of Tulloch and Allan of Gellovie for "herschip and fire raising" at Moy. Although Alaisdair nan Cleas apparently did not take part in the invasion of Moy, he was held responsible for his followers' actions and was denounced as a rebel. In 1608, Keppoch was pardoned by the Privy Council for a series of "crimes". On a stormy night in 1612 a fugitive Highlander appeared at the door of the house of Tirnadris. He and his companions were of Clan Gregor and were fleeing Argyll's men. Tirnadris turned them away and informed Keppoch as to their presence. Keppoch, under oath to the Government, surprised the Gregors near Tirnadris and killed them all. The spot is still known as Eas Clann Gregor and the burial is marked by small enclosure planted with Scots Pine in a knoll in front of Tirnadris House. Keppoch sent their heads to Edinburgh and received