Clan McDonald

Origins

• The clan traces its roots to Somerled (c. 1113–1164), a Norse-Gaelic war-lord who established power over parts of Scotland’s west coast and islands. 

• His grandson, Donald of Islay (Gaelic: Dòmhnall mac Somerled), is the eponymous ancestor of the Clan Donald (“children of Donald”).

• The clan’s traditional heartland is the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland (Islay, Skye, Lochaber, etc.)