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{{Short description|Scottish clan branch}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}} |
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{{Use British English|date=July 2015}} |
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|clan name = Clan Stewart of Appin |
|clan name = Clan Stewart of Appin |
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|image badge = |
|image badge = |
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|chiefs crest = |
|chiefs crest = |
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|chiefs motto = Quihidder Wil |
|chiefs motto = Quihidder Wil Ȝie (Whither will ye? ''i.e.'', what/which will you choose?) |
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|chiefs slogan = |
|chiefs slogan = |
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|war cry = Creag an Sgairbh ("The Cormorant's Rock")(Castle Stalker sits atop this) |
|war cry = Creag an Sgairbh ("The Cormorant's Rock") (Castle Stalker sits atop this) |
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|district =[[Appin]] Duror, West Coast Scotland, above Oban, below Ballaculish |
|district =[[Appin]] Duror, West Coast Scotland, above Oban, below Ballaculish |
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|gaelic names = |
|gaelic names = Stiùbhairt |
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|image arms = Stewart of Appin arms.svg |
|image arms = Stewart of Appin arms.svg |
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|plant badge = Darag (Oak) |
|plant badge = Darag (Oak) |
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|animal = Unicorn |
|animal = Unicorn |
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|pipe music = Bratach |
|pipe music = Bratach Bhàn nan Stiùbhartach (The white banner of the Stewarts) |
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|chiefs name = Andrew Francis Stewart of Lorn, Appin and Ardsheal, 17th of Appin & 12th of Ardsheal |
|chiefs name = Andrew Francis Stewart of Lorn, Appin and Ardsheal, 17th of Appin & 12th of Ardsheal |
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|chiefs gaelic title= MacIain |
|chiefs gaelic title= MacIain Stiùbhairt na h-Apainn |
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|seat = Castle Stalker |
|seat = Castle Stalker |
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|historic seat =[[Castle Stalker]] |
|historic seat =[[Castle Stalker]] |
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|septs = MacColl, MacLeay, MacClay, Livingstone, MacGillemichael, McIlmichael, Carmichael, MacCombich, Combich, MacInnes, MacRobb, MacMichael |
|septs = McMichael, MacColl, MacLeay, MacClay, Livingstone, MacGillemichael, McIlmichael, Carmichael, MacCombich, Combich (occasionally anglicised to Thomson), MacInnes, MacRobb, MacMichael. |
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|branches = Ardsheal, Achnacone, Fasnacloich, Invernahyle, Strathgarry |
|branches = Ardsheal, Achnacone, Fasnacloich, Invernahyle, Strathgarry |
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|Allied clans = [[Clan MacLaren]]<br>[[Clan Cameron]]<br>[[Clan MacDonald of Glencoe]] |
|Allied clans = [[Clan MacLaren]]<br/>[[Clan Cameron]]<br/>[[Clan MacDonald of Glencoe]] |
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|Rival clans = [[Clan MacGregor]]<br>[[Clan Campbell]]<br>[[Clan Drummond]]<br>[[Clan MacDonald of Keppoch]] |
|Rival clans = [[Clan MacGregor]]<br/>[[Clan Campbell]]<br/>[[Clan Drummond]]<br/>[[Clan MacDonald of Keppoch]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Clan Stewart of Appin''' is the West [[Scottish Highlands|Highland]] branch of the [[Clan Stewart]] and have been a distinct [[Scottish clan|clan]] since their establishment in the 15th century. Their Chiefs are descended from Sir James Stewart of Perston, |
'''Clan Stewart of Appin''' is the West [[Scottish Highlands|Highland]] branch of the [[Clan Stewart]] and have been a distinct [[Scottish clan|clan]] since their establishment in the 15th century. Their Chiefs are descended from Sir James Stewart of Perston, who was himself the grandson of [[Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland|Alexander Stewart]], the fourth [[High Steward of Scotland]]. His cousin [[Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland|Walter Stewart]], the 6th High Steward, married [[Marjorie Bruce]], the daughter of King [[Robert the Bruce]], and their son [[Robert II of Scotland|Robert II]] was the first Stewart Monarch. The Stewarts of Appin are cousins to the Royal Stewart Monarchy.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1">Starforth, Michael (1997). ''A Short History of Clan Stewart of Appin, 1463–1752, and {{sic|it's}} unfailing loyalty to the Royal House of Stewart.'' Appin Historical Society. {{ISBN|0-9530743-0-7}}.</ref><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2">''The Stewarts of Appin''. Stewart and Stewart. 1880.</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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===Origins of the clan=== |
===Origins of the clan=== |
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[[File:Scotlandcastlestalker.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Castle Stalker]] |
[[File:Scotlandcastlestalker.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Castle Stalker]] |
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The Appin Stewarts |
The Appin Stewarts is the West Highland branch of [[Clan Stewart]], descend from Sir James Stewart of Pierston, 4th son of [[John Stewart of Bonkyll (d.1298)|Sir John Stewart of Bonkill]], second son of Alexander, the 4th High Steward of Scotland. Sir James was the grandfather of John Stewart of Innermeath, who, through marriage to Isabel MacDougall, daughter of [[John Gallda MacDougall|John Gallda MacDougall, Lord of Lorne]], became the first Stewart [[Lord of Lorne]]. The Lordship of Lorne passed down for 2 more generations to Sir John Stewart, the third Stewart Lord of Lorne.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1">Starforth, Michael (1997). A Short History of Clan Stewart of Appin, 1463-1752, and it's [sic] unfailing loyalty to the Royal House of Stewart. Appin Historical Society. ISBN 0-9530743-0-7.</ref><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2">The Stewarts of Appin. Stewart and Stewart. 1880.</ref> |
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[[Appin]] is located on the Scottish West Coast between [[Benderloch]] to the South and the [[Ballachulish]] Narrows to the |
[[Appin]] is located on the Scottish West Coast between [[Benderloch]] to the South and the [[Ballachulish]] Narrows to the north in modern-day [[Argyll]]. Today the primary towns include Port Appin and Portnacroish. Both are scenic and are surrounded by forests and water. To the west are islands including the island of [[Lismore, Scotland|Lismore]], home to the [[MacLea]] and the Baron Buchull, keeper of the Buchull Mhòr (the crosier of [[St. Moluag]]), adherents of Appin. There are numerous sights of interest including Ardsheal's Cave, [[Castle Stalker]], the Clach Ruric, Cnap a-Chaolais, [[Eilean Munde]] and Keil churchyard.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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===15th century=== |
===15th century=== |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Clan Campbell clan map.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Scottish clan map showing the territory of the Clan Stewart of Appin towards the top left in the [[Appin]] area. The large territory of their powerful enemies, the Clan Campbell, is also shown]] --> |
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⚫ | Tradition tell us that in 1445, while returning to his seat at [[Dunstaffnage Castle]] from the great cattle tryst at [[Crieff]], Sir John met and fell in love with the daughter of MacLaren of Ardvech. Although married, he began an affair with his new love which one year later produced a son. The first son of this union was called Dugald, and went on to become the progenitor of the famous Clan Stewart of Appin. Sir John Stewart was born around 1410, putting him at about 35 when he met the woman that would become his second wife.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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⚫ | After the death of his first wife, Sir John waited for five years before setting up the marriage between himself and Dugald's mother. We do not know why, but it there may have been political reasons. In 1463, Sir John set a wedding date and sent for Dugald and his mother to come to Dunstaffnage. Unknown to Sir John, there was a plot to kill the Lord of Lorn. It is not fully known, but it is thought to have been set up by the Lord of the Isles who was in a power struggle with the King of Scots, and who saw it as being in his best interest to neutralize this powerful and loyal representative of the King in the west [[Scottish Highlands|highlands]]. The other plotters, which some feel included [[Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll|Colin Campbell]], Lord Argyll, Sir John's son-in-law, were primarily represented by Alan MacCoul, the illegitimate grandson of an earlier MacDougall chief. As the lightly armed wedding party made its way from Dunstaffnage to the small chapel about 180 yards from the castle walls, they were attacked by a superior force led by Alan MacCoul. Although better armed, MacCoul's force was defeated, but not before mortally wounding the Lord of Lorn. Sir John was rushed into the chapel and MacCoul and his henchmen ran into and occupied the deserted Dunstaffnage. With his last breath Sir John married Dugald's mother, legitimising him and making him the ''de jure'' Lord of Lorn. After receiving the last rites, Sir John expired and a new chapter in West Highland history opened. Dugald gathered all the adherents of the Lord of Lorn and with the assistance of the MacLarens laid siege to Dunstaffnage, but to no avail. Unbeknownst to Dugald, Colin Campbell, Lord Argyll, who seemed to have been involved in the plot, raised a group of MacFarlanes to aid MacCoul in his struggle against the ''de jure'' Lord of Lorn. MacCoul's men with the MacFarlanes met the men of Lorn and MacLaren in what was to be known as the battle of Leac a dotha. It was a fierce battle with both sides leaving the field with very heavy losses.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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⚫ | Tradition tell us that in 1445, while returning to his seat at Dunstaffnage Castle from the great cattle tryst at Crieff, Sir John met and fell in love with the daughter of MacLaren of Ardvech. Although married, he began an affair with his new love which one year later produced a son. The first son of this union was called Dugald, and went on to become the progenitor of the famous Clan Stewart of Appin. Sir John Stewart was born around 1410, putting him at about 35 when he met the woman that would become his second wife. |
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<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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⚫ | After the death of his first wife, Sir John waited |
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⚫ | For the next few years Dugald, who had lost the title of Lord of Lorn through the treachery of his uncle Walter Stewart and the lord of Argyll, but had retained Appin and Lismore, consolidated his power and fortified the hunting lodge of Castle Stalker on the Cormorant's Rock in Loch Laich. He also ensured that the Campbells were in no doubt about his displeasure over the loss of the Lordship of Lorn, by having the Campbell territory surrounding Appin regularly raided by the clan. Finally, in 1468, in a bid to finally destroy the power of Appin, Colin Campbell and Walter Stewart, the latter now |
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⚫ | For the next few years Dugald, who had lost the title of Lord of Lorn through the treachery of his uncle Walter Stewart and the lord of Argyll, but had retained [[Appin]] and Lismore, consolidated his power and fortified the hunting lodge of [[Castle Stalker]] on the Cormorant's Rock in [[Loch Laich]]. He also ensured that the Campbells were in no doubt about his displeasure over the loss of the Lordship of Lorn, by having the Campbell territory surrounding Appin regularly raided by the clan. Finally, in 1468, in a bid to finally destroy the power of Appin, Colin Campbell and Walter Stewart, the latter now recognised as the Lord of Lorn (but with no authority in Lorn), organised a massive raid against Dugald and his clan. Alan MacCoul was again involved and they met at what was to be known as the [[Battle of Stalc]].<ref name="Lee">{{cite book |last=Lee |first=Henry James |year=1920 |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofstewart00leeh/page/n3/mode/2up |title=History of the Stewart or Stuart Family |location=New York |publisher=[[R.L. Polk & Company]] |pages=[https://archive.org/details/historyofstewart00leeh/page/38/mode/2up 38]–39 |access-date=November 20, 2022}}</ref> Though losing many men, Dugald virtually destroyed the military strength of the [[Clan MacFarlane|MacFarlanes]] (a destruction from which they were never to recover) and personally killed Alan MacCoul, his father's murderer. The battle solidified Dugald's claim to [[Appin]] and the surrounding area, which was formally granted to him by King James III on 14 April 1470.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> In 1497 or 1498 Dugald Stewart of Appin was killed at the [[Battle of Black Mount]] fighting against the [[Clan MacDonald of Keppoch]].<ref name="Lee"/><ref name="Electric">{{cite web |url=http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/maclare2.html |title=Clan MacLaren Histories (two versions) |website=electricscotland.com |access-date=August 24, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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In 1497 some of the [[Clan MacLaren]] stole cattle from the Braes of [[Lochaber]] from the [[Clan MacDonald of Keppoch]]. The MacDonalds followed them and overtook them at a place called Glenurchy where a battle took place. The MacDonalds won and recovered their cattle. However the MacLarens then looked for assistance from Dugald Stuart of Appin. Another battle then took place where the MacLarens were now joined by the Stuarts against the MacDonalds. During the battle Dugald, the chief of the Clan Stewart of Appin and the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch chief were both killed.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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===17th century and Civil War=== |
===17th century and Civil War=== |
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The Clan Stewart of Appin supported the royalist, [[James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose]] at the [[Battle of Inverlochy (1645)]], the [[Battle of Auldearn]] and the [[Battle of Kilsyth]].<ref>Way, George and Squire, Romily. Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs) |
The Clan Stewart of Appin supported the royalist, [[James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose]] at the [[Battle of Inverlochy (1645)]], the [[Battle of Auldearn]] and the [[Battle of Kilsyth]].<ref>Way, George and Squire, Romily. ''Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia''. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.) Published in 1994. Pages 459–461.</ref> After [[James VII]] was deposed in 1688, the Stewarts of Appin supported the deposed [[House of Stuart]].<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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===18th century and Jacobite risings=== |
===18th century and Jacobite risings=== |
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[[File:Clan Stewart marker 2.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Clan Stewart of Appin regiment marker at the site of the Battle of Culloden]] |
[[File:Clan Stewart marker 2.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Clan Stewart of Appin regiment marker at the site of the Battle of Culloden]] |
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[[File:Clan Stewart grave.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Clan Stewart of Appin grave marker at the site of the Battle of Culloden]] |
[[File:Clan Stewart grave.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Clan Stewart of Appin grave marker at the site of the Battle of Culloden]] |
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Appin naturally supported the [[Jacobite |
Appin naturally supported the [[Jacobite risings]] and sent men to fight in the [[Jacobite rising of 1715]]. [[General Wade]]'s report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 400 men.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Johnston |first1=Thomas Brumby |author-link1=Thomas Brumby Johnston |last2=Robertson |first2=James Alexander |last3=Dickson |first3=William Kirk |author-link3=William Kirk Dickson |year=1899 |chapter=General Wade's Report |title=Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/historicalgeogra00john/page/26/mode/2up |location=[[Edinburgh]] and [[London]] |publisher=[[W. & A.K. Johnston]] |page=26 |access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> Dugald Stewart, 9th Chief of Appin, was created Lord Appin in the [[Jacobite peerage]] on 6 June 1743. Appin also sent men to fight in the [[Jacobite rising of 1745]].<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> At the [[Battle of Culloden]] in 1746, the Appin Regiment suffered 92 killed and 65 wounded out of a fighting force of approximately 300. Charles Stewart of Ardsheal led the men of the regiment (which included men of ~19 other clans) most notably [[Clan MacLaren]] during the rising of 1745. Ardsheal later escaped Scotland to meet his family in Europe where he spent the rest of his days.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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====Ardsheal's Cave==== |
====Ardsheal's Cave==== |
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On 23 July 1745 Prince [[Charles Edward Stuart]] (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on the white sands of the Outer Hebridean island of [[Eriskay]], accompanied only by a small band of companions known as the "Seven Men of Moidart. This was the start of his claim to the Scottish and English throne and the second Jacobite uprising; on 16 April 1746 the Jacobite cause was finally put to rest at the battle of Culloden.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> Charles Stewart of Ardsheal, one of the |
On 23 July 1745, Prince [[Charles Edward Stuart]] (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on the white sands of the Outer Hebridean island of [[Eriskay]], accompanied only by a small band of companions known as the "Seven Men of Moidart." This was the start of his claim to the Scottish and English throne and the second Jacobite uprising; on 16 April 1746 the Jacobite cause was finally put to rest at the battle of Culloden.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> Charles Stewart of Ardsheal, one of the Prince's commanding officers, hid from the English Red Coats in a cave as they searched up and down the country for those involved. This place was henceforth known as Ardsheal's Cave.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> Sitting on a steep hillside at {{gbmapping|NN008562}} above Kentallen Bay in [[Loch Linnhe]] on the West coast of Scotland, between [[Oban]] and [[Fort William, Scotland|Fort William]], the cave is no more than forty minutes scramble from the loch side.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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The Stewarts of Ardsheal were the most important Cadet family of the Stewarts of Appin. Totally loyal to the Jacobite cause, Stewart of Ardsheal led the regiment raised by the Stewarts of Appin at Culloden. They suffered appalling casualties when breaking the ranks of |
The Stewarts of Ardsheal were the second most important Cadet family of the Stewarts of Appin, second only to the Stewarts of Invernahyle. Totally loyal to the Jacobite cause, Stewart of Ardsheal led the regiment raised by the Stewarts of Appin at Culloden. They suffered appalling casualties when breaking the ranks of Barrell's and Munro's regiments of foot of the [[House of Hanover|Hanover]]ian army. However the outcome of Culloden was almost certain before it began. The Jacobite army, tired, hungry, improperly equipped and grossly out numbered were decisively defeated. After their victory the English, led by the [[William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland|Duke of Cumberland]], were ordered to execute all the Jacobite wounded and imprisoned. For this he was hereafter known as "The Butcher".<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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Having escaped death both in battle and the immediate aftermath Stewart of Ardsheal made for his family seat, Ardsheal House, Kentallen Bay. His hope was that if he could evade capture for long enough some sort of amnesty or deal would eventually be struck. Nevertheless none of the Jacobites in this predicament could imagine the determination and ruthlessness of Cumberland.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
Having escaped death both in battle and the immediate aftermath Stewart of Ardsheal made for his family seat, Ardsheal House, Kentallen Bay. His hope was that if he could evade capture for long enough some sort of amnesty or deal would eventually be struck. Nevertheless, none of the Jacobites in this predicament could imagine the determination and ruthlessness of Cumberland.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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Over the coming months 3,500 |
Over the coming months 3,500 Jacobites were rounded up and imprisoned; of these 120 were immediately executed (mainly clan leaders) and a further 90 died in prison. 1,000 were transported to the colonies and 250 "banished". 700 disappeared, their fate unknown. In addition the clan system was destroyed with the [[Act of Proscription]], they were disarmed and the kilt and tartan banned. It was in this climate that Ardsheal returned home and knowing full well his fate, should he be caught, immediately went into hiding. He wanted to be near his wife and new born son so with her help he hid in the cave above his house. His wife would bring food and occasionally he would venture out under cover of darkness.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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Eventually the Red Coats came and Ardsheal House was cordoned off and his wife and child held prisoner. She must have been a brave woman because she gave nothing away claiming that she |
Eventually the Red Coats came and Ardsheal House was cordoned off and his wife and child held prisoner. She must have been a brave woman because she gave nothing away claiming that she hadn't seen or heard of her husband since he left with the Jacobite army. The Red Coats thoroughly searched the surrounding area whilst Ardsheal himself was hiding under their noses. One account states that on two occasions they walked within yards of his hideout.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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The secret of |
The secret of Ardsheal's success was with the cave itself or more importantly its situation. It lies behind a tall waterfall which completely hides the entrance especially when the burn is in flood. Unless one knows of its whereabouts one could be standing five yards away and never find it. It stretches back some fifteen or twenty feet and is easy to stand up in however; it tapers down to no more than two or three feet at the back. The walls and floor are a bit damp but there is a dryer place towards the rear. Nevertheless, it is perfectly comfortable and completely sheltered from the elements outside. It can only be approached from one way – directly up the steep sided burn and is far enough away from Ardsheal House to make it a fairly arduous and demanding climb. If however, one's position is known then escape is virtually impossible. The constant noise of falling water drowns out any approaching sounds and the only way out is the same as the way in. Pursuers would be on their quarry in seconds before they could take a step. On the whole, though, it makes a perfect hiding place and one can imagine avoiding detection indefinitely and in complete safety. That said, Charles Stewart of Ardsheal was known to have been a large man of great personal strength and a proficient swordsman – one of the best in the highlands. One can't help but think that he was like a caged lion and impatient to leave.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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The threat of capture for Charles Stewart of Ardsheal continued long after the Red Coats had left Ardsheal House. If it |
The threat of capture for Charles Stewart of Ardsheal continued long after the Red Coats had left Ardsheal House. If it wasn't an English soldier who turned him in it was more likely to be a fellow Scotsman particularly from the South. The Jacobite cause was to put a catholic King back on the throne, this was considered by many as taking a step backwards. For the Lowland Presbyterians the defeat of the Jacobites was a cause for celebration. The Union and the Presbyterian system of church government were safe. Realising that no amnesty was ever likely to be forthcoming Ardsheal eventually fled to France and his lands were forfeited to the Crown. His son [[Duncan Stewart of Ardsheal]] succeeded in having the lands restored later in the eighteenth century and the Stewarts of Ardsheal then succeeded to the Chiefdom of Appin upon the extinction of the Appin family.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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====Appin Murder==== |
====Appin Murder==== |
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{{main|Appin Murder}} |
{{main|Appin Murder}} |
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Appin was the site of the infamous [[Appin Murder]] of 1752, when [[Colin Roy Campbell of Glenure]], 'the Red Fox' |
Appin was the site of the infamous [[Appin Murder]] of 1752, when [[Colin Roy Campbell of Glenure]], 'the Red Fox' – who had been placed as government [[Factor (Scotland)|factor]] of the forfeited Stewart lands in Appin – was shot in the back by an unknown [[sniper]] while riding along the shore of [[Loch Leven (Highlands)|Loch Leven]] at [[Ballachulish]]. Although termed a 'murder' by a Campbell/Hanoverian court, the assassination of a land agent responsible for ordering [[Highland Clearances|mass evictions]] would not have been an uncommon occurrence in the 18th century [[British Isles]]. Whoever the shooter may have been, after the chief suspect, [[Alan Breck Stewart]], made his escape, the half-brother of the chief, a cadet named [[James of the Glen]]s was charged with the murder, tried by a Campbell jury in the Campbell stronghold of [[Inveraray]] presided over by [[Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll|MacAilein Mòr]] himself, and, perhaps not surprisingly, was convicted and hanged on the shore of Loch Leven at Cnap a-Chaolais in Ballachulish. The consensus at the time and the general opinion of historians has been that James Stewart had nothing to do with ordering the shooting. The incident was made famous by [[Robert Louis Stevenson]], the plot of whose novel ''[[Kidnapped (novel)|Kidnapped]]'' incorporated the death of Glenure. As an interesting postscript many have tried to identify the shooter but without success. The identity is known within the Chief's family and when asked the current Chief stated that he had read and heard every theory and that none were close to being correct. The "mystery" continues.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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==The Daoine Uaisle== |
==The Daoine Uaisle== |
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The daoine uaisle ([[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]]: noble people), as they were known into the 18th |
The daoine uaisle ([[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]]: noble people), as they were known into the 18th century, are synonymous with the term "[[tacksman|Tacksmen]]" and the modern designation of "cadet". These were and are the gentry of the clan (all clans incorporated these positions). Normally related in one form or another by birth to the chief, these men controlled areas, or "tacks", within the greater clan lands. Rents were collected in various forms and rents from the daoine uaisle were in turn paid to the Chief within some clans, and not in others. The primary "Cadets" of Appin are Ardsheal, Achnacone, Fasnacloich, Invernahyle, and Strathgarry. The major branches of Appin stem from the sons of Alan Stewart, 3rd of Appin. Originally they comprised John, 1st of Strathgarry, Dugald, 1st of Achnacone, James, 1st of Fasnacloich and Alexander, 1st of Invernahyle. Ardshiel, the branch our Chief hails from, was given to John, 1st of Ardshiel by his father, John Stewart, 5th of Appin. Andrew Francis Stewart of Lorn, Appin and Ardsheal, 17th of Appin & 12th of Ardsheal, the current Chief of Appin is descended from Charles Stewart, 7th of Ardsheal who ascended as Chief upon the death of Dugald Stewart, our 10th Chief, who died without sons in 1769. Today Andrew Francis Stewart holds the title of both "Appin" (denoting the chief) and Ardsheal.<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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==Adherents and clansmen== |
==Adherents and clansmen== |
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The Adherents or "septs" (a modern term) of Appin stem from families that lived in Lorn prior to the Stewarts gaining the Lordship and the clan coalescing. These were/are the MacColls, who descended from Black Solomon, son of Coll, son of the Lord of the Isles, The MacLeays or Livingstones (anglicized from MacLeay), who were reported to be on Lismore in 1130, but |
The Adherents or "septs" (a modern term) of Appin stem from families that lived in Lorn prior to the Stewarts gaining the Lordship and the clan coalescing. These were/are the MacColls, who descended from Black Solomon, son of Coll, son of the Lord of the Isles, The MacLeays or Livingstones (anglicized from MacLeay), who were reported to be on Lismore in 1130, but whose heritage is so old that no one really knows their beginnings, The MacGillemichaels, or their anglicized form "Carmichael", are also so old that we can only guess. It is known that they were present in Appin prior to the 13th century. The Combichs descended from a family nickname from north Appin (occasionally anglicized as Thomson) and the MacRobbs were/are actually Stewarts, descending from Robert, son of Dugald, 1st of Appin. The MacInnes, originally from the area of Morvern, settled in the area in the early 15th century. Adherents included/include the MacLaurins, Carmichaels, MacCombichs, MacColls, MacGillemichaels, McIlmichaels, MacInness, MacLeays, MacMichaels and MacRobbs (related by blood to the Stewarts).<ref name="Stewart of Appin 1"/><ref name="Stewart of Appin 2"/> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/stoz/appin_stewarts.htm The Appin Stewarts] |
*[http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/stoz/appin_stewarts.htm The Appin Stewarts] |
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*[http://www.stewartsociety.org The Stewart Society] |
*[http://www.stewartsociety.org The Stewart Society] |
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*[http://www.users.bigpond.com/livingsk/friends_of_appin_society.htm Friends of Appin] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080723234724/http://www.users.bigpond.com/livingsk/friends_of_appin_society.htm Friends of Appin] |
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*[http://www.appinhistoricalsociety.co.uk The Appin Historical Society] |
*[http://www.appinhistoricalsociety.co.uk The Appin Historical Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211074550/http://www.appinhistoricalsociety.co.uk/ |date=11 February 2020 }} |
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{{Scottish clans}} |
{{Scottish clans}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Clan Stewart|Appin]] |
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[[Category:House of Stuart|Clan Stewart of Appin]] |
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[[Category:Scoto-Norman clans|Stewart of Appin]] |
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[[Category:Armigerous clans|Stewart of Appin]] |
Revision as of 20:04, 2 February 2024
Clan Stewart of Appin | |||
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Stiùbhairt | |||
Motto | Quihidder Wil Ȝie (Whither will ye? i.e., what/which will you choose?) | ||
War cry | Creag an Sgairbh ("The Cormorant's Rock") (Castle Stalker sits atop this) | ||
Profile | |||
District | Appin Duror, West Coast Scotland, above Oban, below Ballaculish | ||
Plant badge | Darag (Oak) | ||
Animal | Unicorn | ||
Pipe music | Bratach Bhàn nan Stiùbhartach (The white banner of the Stewarts) | ||
Chief | |||
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Andrew Francis Stewart of Lorn, Appin and Ardsheal, 17th of Appin & 12th of Ardsheal | |||
(MacIain Stiùbhairt na h-Apainn) | |||
Seat | Castle Stalker | ||
Historic seat | Castle Stalker | ||
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Clan Stewart of Appin is the West Highland branch of the Clan Stewart and have been a distinct clan since their establishment in the 15th century. Their Chiefs are descended from Sir James Stewart of Perston, who was himself the grandson of Alexander Stewart, the fourth High Steward of Scotland. His cousin Walter Stewart, the 6th High Steward, married Marjorie Bruce, the daughter of King Robert the Bruce, and their son Robert II was the first Stewart Monarch. The Stewarts of Appin are cousins to the Royal Stewart Monarchy.[1][2]
History
Origins of the clan
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Scotlandcastlestalker.jpg/250px-Scotlandcastlestalker.jpg)
The Appin Stewarts is the West Highland branch of Clan Stewart, descend from Sir James Stewart of Pierston, 4th son of Sir John Stewart of Bonkill, second son of Alexander, the 4th High Steward of Scotland. Sir James was the grandfather of John Stewart of Innermeath, who, through marriage to Isabel MacDougall, daughter of John Gallda MacDougall, Lord of Lorne, became the first Stewart Lord of Lorne. The Lordship of Lorne passed down for 2 more generations to Sir John Stewart, the third Stewart Lord of Lorne.[1][2]
Appin is located on the Scottish West Coast between Benderloch to the South and the Ballachulish Narrows to the north in modern-day Argyll. Today the primary towns include Port Appin and Portnacroish. Both are scenic and are surrounded by forests and water. To the west are islands including the island of Lismore, home to the MacLea and the Baron Buchull, keeper of the Buchull Mhòr (the crosier of St. Moluag), adherents of Appin. There are numerous sights of interest including Ardsheal's Cave, Castle Stalker, the Clach Ruric, Cnap a-Chaolais, Eilean Munde and Keil churchyard.[1][2]
15th century
Tradition tell us that in 1445, while returning to his seat at Dunstaffnage Castle from the great cattle tryst at Crieff, Sir John met and fell in love with the daughter of MacLaren of Ardvech. Although married, he began an affair with his new love which one year later produced a son. The first son of this union was called Dugald, and went on to become the progenitor of the famous Clan Stewart of Appin. Sir John Stewart was born around 1410, putting him at about 35 when he met the woman that would become his second wife.[1][2]
After the death of his first wife, Sir John waited for five years before setting up the marriage between himself and Dugald's mother. We do not know why, but it there may have been political reasons. In 1463, Sir John set a wedding date and sent for Dugald and his mother to come to Dunstaffnage. Unknown to Sir John, there was a plot to kill the Lord of Lorn. It is not fully known, but it is thought to have been set up by the Lord of the Isles who was in a power struggle with the King of Scots, and who saw it as being in his best interest to neutralize this powerful and loyal representative of the King in the west highlands. The other plotters, which some feel included Colin Campbell, Lord Argyll, Sir John's son-in-law, were primarily represented by Alan MacCoul, the illegitimate grandson of an earlier MacDougall chief. As the lightly armed wedding party made its way from Dunstaffnage to the small chapel about 180 yards from the castle walls, they were attacked by a superior force led by Alan MacCoul. Although better armed, MacCoul's force was defeated, but not before mortally wounding the Lord of Lorn. Sir John was rushed into the chapel and MacCoul and his henchmen ran into and occupied the deserted Dunstaffnage. With his last breath Sir John married Dugald's mother, legitimising him and making him the de jure Lord of Lorn. After receiving the last rites, Sir John expired and a new chapter in West Highland history opened. Dugald gathered all the adherents of the Lord of Lorn and with the assistance of the MacLarens laid siege to Dunstaffnage, but to no avail. Unbeknownst to Dugald, Colin Campbell, Lord Argyll, who seemed to have been involved in the plot, raised a group of MacFarlanes to aid MacCoul in his struggle against the de jure Lord of Lorn. MacCoul's men with the MacFarlanes met the men of Lorn and MacLaren in what was to be known as the battle of Leac a dotha. It was a fierce battle with both sides leaving the field with very heavy losses.[1][2]
For the next few years Dugald, who had lost the title of Lord of Lorn through the treachery of his uncle Walter Stewart and the lord of Argyll, but had retained Appin and Lismore, consolidated his power and fortified the hunting lodge of Castle Stalker on the Cormorant's Rock in Loch Laich. He also ensured that the Campbells were in no doubt about his displeasure over the loss of the Lordship of Lorn, by having the Campbell territory surrounding Appin regularly raided by the clan. Finally, in 1468, in a bid to finally destroy the power of Appin, Colin Campbell and Walter Stewart, the latter now recognised as the Lord of Lorn (but with no authority in Lorn), organised a massive raid against Dugald and his clan. Alan MacCoul was again involved and they met at what was to be known as the Battle of Stalc.[3] Though losing many men, Dugald virtually destroyed the military strength of the MacFarlanes (a destruction from which they were never to recover) and personally killed Alan MacCoul, his father's murderer. The battle solidified Dugald's claim to Appin and the surrounding area, which was formally granted to him by King James III on 14 April 1470.[1][2] In 1497 or 1498 Dugald Stewart of Appin was killed at the Battle of Black Mount fighting against the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch.[3][4][1][2]
17th century and Civil War
The Clan Stewart of Appin supported the royalist, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose at the Battle of Inverlochy (1645), the Battle of Auldearn and the Battle of Kilsyth.[5] After James VII was deposed in 1688, the Stewarts of Appin supported the deposed House of Stuart.[1][2]
18th century and Jacobite risings
![A yellow x shaped cross on a blue background formed the flag of the Stewart of Appin's regiment](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Jacobite_standard_%28saved_appin%29.svg/220px-Jacobite_standard_%28saved_appin%29.svg.png)
Appin naturally supported the Jacobite risings and sent men to fight in the Jacobite rising of 1715. General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 400 men.[6] Dugald Stewart, 9th Chief of Appin, was created Lord Appin in the Jacobite peerage on 6 June 1743. Appin also sent men to fight in the Jacobite rising of 1745.[1][2] At the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the Appin Regiment suffered 92 killed and 65 wounded out of a fighting force of approximately 300. Charles Stewart of Ardsheal led the men of the regiment (which included men of ~19 other clans) most notably Clan MacLaren during the rising of 1745. Ardsheal later escaped Scotland to meet his family in Europe where he spent the rest of his days.[1][2]
Ardsheal's Cave
On 23 July 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on the white sands of the Outer Hebridean island of Eriskay, accompanied only by a small band of companions known as the "Seven Men of Moidart." This was the start of his claim to the Scottish and English throne and the second Jacobite uprising; on 16 April 1746 the Jacobite cause was finally put to rest at the battle of Culloden.[1][2] Charles Stewart of Ardsheal, one of the Prince's commanding officers, hid from the English Red Coats in a cave as they searched up and down the country for those involved. This place was henceforth known as Ardsheal's Cave.[1][2] Sitting on a steep hillside at grid reference NN008562 above Kentallen Bay in Loch Linnhe on the West coast of Scotland, between Oban and Fort William, the cave is no more than forty minutes scramble from the loch side.[1][2]
The Stewarts of Ardsheal were the second most important Cadet family of the Stewarts of Appin, second only to the Stewarts of Invernahyle. Totally loyal to the Jacobite cause, Stewart of Ardsheal led the regiment raised by the Stewarts of Appin at Culloden. They suffered appalling casualties when breaking the ranks of Barrell's and Munro's regiments of foot of the Hanoverian army. However the outcome of Culloden was almost certain before it began. The Jacobite army, tired, hungry, improperly equipped and grossly out numbered were decisively defeated. After their victory the English, led by the Duke of Cumberland, were ordered to execute all the Jacobite wounded and imprisoned. For this he was hereafter known as "The Butcher".[1][2] Having escaped death both in battle and the immediate aftermath Stewart of Ardsheal made for his family seat, Ardsheal House, Kentallen Bay. His hope was that if he could evade capture for long enough some sort of amnesty or deal would eventually be struck. Nevertheless, none of the Jacobites in this predicament could imagine the determination and ruthlessness of Cumberland.[1][2]
Over the coming months 3,500 Jacobites were rounded up and imprisoned; of these 120 were immediately executed (mainly clan leaders) and a further 90 died in prison. 1,000 were transported to the colonies and 250 "banished". 700 disappeared, their fate unknown. In addition the clan system was destroyed with the Act of Proscription, they were disarmed and the kilt and tartan banned. It was in this climate that Ardsheal returned home and knowing full well his fate, should he be caught, immediately went into hiding. He wanted to be near his wife and new born son so with her help he hid in the cave above his house. His wife would bring food and occasionally he would venture out under cover of darkness.[1][2]
Eventually the Red Coats came and Ardsheal House was cordoned off and his wife and child held prisoner. She must have been a brave woman because she gave nothing away claiming that she hadn't seen or heard of her husband since he left with the Jacobite army. The Red Coats thoroughly searched the surrounding area whilst Ardsheal himself was hiding under their noses. One account states that on two occasions they walked within yards of his hideout.[1][2]
The secret of Ardsheal's success was with the cave itself or more importantly its situation. It lies behind a tall waterfall which completely hides the entrance especially when the burn is in flood. Unless one knows of its whereabouts one could be standing five yards away and never find it. It stretches back some fifteen or twenty feet and is easy to stand up in however; it tapers down to no more than two or three feet at the back. The walls and floor are a bit damp but there is a dryer place towards the rear. Nevertheless, it is perfectly comfortable and completely sheltered from the elements outside. It can only be approached from one way – directly up the steep sided burn and is far enough away from Ardsheal House to make it a fairly arduous and demanding climb. If however, one's position is known then escape is virtually impossible. The constant noise of falling water drowns out any approaching sounds and the only way out is the same as the way in. Pursuers would be on their quarry in seconds before they could take a step. On the whole, though, it makes a perfect hiding place and one can imagine avoiding detection indefinitely and in complete safety. That said, Charles Stewart of Ardsheal was known to have been a large man of great personal strength and a proficient swordsman – one of the best in the highlands. One can't help but think that he was like a caged lion and impatient to leave.[1][2]
The threat of capture for Charles Stewart of Ardsheal continued long after the Red Coats had left Ardsheal House. If it wasn't an English soldier who turned him in it was more likely to be a fellow Scotsman particularly from the South. The Jacobite cause was to put a catholic King back on the throne, this was considered by many as taking a step backwards. For the Lowland Presbyterians the defeat of the Jacobites was a cause for celebration. The Union and the Presbyterian system of church government were safe. Realising that no amnesty was ever likely to be forthcoming Ardsheal eventually fled to France and his lands were forfeited to the Crown. His son Duncan Stewart of Ardsheal succeeded in having the lands restored later in the eighteenth century and the Stewarts of Ardsheal then succeeded to the Chiefdom of Appin upon the extinction of the Appin family.[1][2]
Appin Murder
Appin was the site of the infamous Appin Murder of 1752, when Colin Roy Campbell of Glenure, 'the Red Fox' – who had been placed as government factor of the forfeited Stewart lands in Appin – was shot in the back by an unknown sniper while riding along the shore of Loch Leven at Ballachulish. Although termed a 'murder' by a Campbell/Hanoverian court, the assassination of a land agent responsible for ordering mass evictions would not have been an uncommon occurrence in the 18th century British Isles. Whoever the shooter may have been, after the chief suspect, Alan Breck Stewart, made his escape, the half-brother of the chief, a cadet named James of the Glens was charged with the murder, tried by a Campbell jury in the Campbell stronghold of Inveraray presided over by MacAilein Mòr himself, and, perhaps not surprisingly, was convicted and hanged on the shore of Loch Leven at Cnap a-Chaolais in Ballachulish. The consensus at the time and the general opinion of historians has been that James Stewart had nothing to do with ordering the shooting. The incident was made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson, the plot of whose novel Kidnapped incorporated the death of Glenure. As an interesting postscript many have tried to identify the shooter but without success. The identity is known within the Chief's family and when asked the current Chief stated that he had read and heard every theory and that none were close to being correct. The "mystery" continues.[1][2]
The Daoine Uaisle
The daoine uaisle (Gaelic: noble people), as they were known into the 18th century, are synonymous with the term "Tacksmen" and the modern designation of "cadet". These were and are the gentry of the clan (all clans incorporated these positions). Normally related in one form or another by birth to the chief, these men controlled areas, or "tacks", within the greater clan lands. Rents were collected in various forms and rents from the daoine uaisle were in turn paid to the Chief within some clans, and not in others. The primary "Cadets" of Appin are Ardsheal, Achnacone, Fasnacloich, Invernahyle, and Strathgarry. The major branches of Appin stem from the sons of Alan Stewart, 3rd of Appin. Originally they comprised John, 1st of Strathgarry, Dugald, 1st of Achnacone, James, 1st of Fasnacloich and Alexander, 1st of Invernahyle. Ardshiel, the branch our Chief hails from, was given to John, 1st of Ardshiel by his father, John Stewart, 5th of Appin. Andrew Francis Stewart of Lorn, Appin and Ardsheal, 17th of Appin & 12th of Ardsheal, the current Chief of Appin is descended from Charles Stewart, 7th of Ardsheal who ascended as Chief upon the death of Dugald Stewart, our 10th Chief, who died without sons in 1769. Today Andrew Francis Stewart holds the title of both "Appin" (denoting the chief) and Ardsheal.[1][2]
Adherents and clansmen
The Adherents or "septs" (a modern term) of Appin stem from families that lived in Lorn prior to the Stewarts gaining the Lordship and the clan coalescing. These were/are the MacColls, who descended from Black Solomon, son of Coll, son of the Lord of the Isles, The MacLeays or Livingstones (anglicized from MacLeay), who were reported to be on Lismore in 1130, but whose heritage is so old that no one really knows their beginnings, The MacGillemichaels, or their anglicized form "Carmichael", are also so old that we can only guess. It is known that they were present in Appin prior to the 13th century. The Combichs descended from a family nickname from north Appin (occasionally anglicized as Thomson) and the MacRobbs were/are actually Stewarts, descending from Robert, son of Dugald, 1st of Appin. The MacInnes, originally from the area of Morvern, settled in the area in the early 15th century. Adherents included/include the MacLaurins, Carmichaels, MacCombichs, MacColls, MacGillemichaels, McIlmichaels, MacInness, MacLeays, MacMichaels and MacRobbs (related by blood to the Stewarts).[1][2]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Starforth, Michael (1997). A Short History of Clan Stewart of Appin, 1463–1752, and it's [sic] unfailing loyalty to the Royal House of Stewart. Appin Historical Society. ISBN 0-9530743-0-7.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v The Stewarts of Appin. Stewart and Stewart. 1880.
- ^ a b Lee, Henry James (1920). History of the Stewart or Stuart Family. New York: R.L. Polk & Company. pp. 38–39. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
- ^ "Clan MacLaren Histories (two versions)". electricscotland.com. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
- ^ Way, George and Squire, Romily. Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.) Published in 1994. Pages 459–461.
- ^ Johnston, Thomas Brumby; Robertson, James Alexander; Dickson, William Kirk (1899). "General Wade's Report". Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland. Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston. p. 26. Retrieved 19 February 2020.