Clan Donald Today
SCOTLAND

Although Clan Donald no longer controls the vast areas of Scotland that once formed the "Lordship of the Isles." At the end of the 15th century Clan Donald lands were divided among various Highland clans. Over the succeeding centuries many were sold or deeded to the government. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Lord Macdonald owned over 130,000 acres on the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Upon the death of the late Lord Alexander Macdonald in 1970, his son Godfrey inherited not only the peerage, but also the High Chiefship of Clan Donald and became the Right Honorable Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald, Lord Macdonald.

He also inherited the Highland estate on Skye on which is situated Armadale Castle, and the punishing "death duties" that could only be met by selling off the estate. The Clan Donald Lands Trust was formed to save part of the estate for use as a clan center for Clan Donald clansmen throughout the world. Although forced to sell some of the lands, Lord Macdonald with the generous financial support from a small group of clansmen in the United States and Canada was able to save over 18,000 acres of the original estate including Armadale Castle.

The Castle which had deteriorated over the years, has been stabilized. The original wing, which dates to the early 1700's, has been renovated to house the Museum of the Isles. The museum, including the audio visual theater, presents the history of Gaeldom in the Highlands and Isles of Scotland which had at its center Clan Donald. The interpretation depicts the Lordship of the Isles which provided a flourishing political and cultural unity to western Scotland at a time when the English and Scottish thrones were in turmoil. The library located nearby in the restored Gardener's cottage contains documents and rare manuscripts dating from the earliest times of the clan.

The stables of the estate have been completely rebuilt to house a restauraunt and gift shop as well as two luxury apartments which are available for rental to visiting clansmen. Six cottages situated on the hillside above the center are also available year round for rental by visiting clan members. The once famous gardens and woodland walks of the estate have been restored and today one can enjoy flowers, shrubbery and trees, some of which were collected from around the world over a century ago.

With the dedication and opening of the stables in May, 1984 and the completion of the museum in the old section of Armadale Castle (occupied at one time by Flora MacDonald and her husband Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh) a center has been established which displays the greatness that was and is Clan Donald

United States
Clan Donald-USA, Inc. is a family organization embracing the MacDonalds and all of the other surnames that are recognized as variants, branches or adherents of the greatest of the Highland clans. Unlike Clan Societies in Scotland and the Societies of several other clans in the US, Clan Donald-USA has always considered itself an extension of the Clan across the sea.

Reginald H. Macdonald of Kingsburgh, OBE, the great, great grandson of Flora McDonald, upon being appointed High Commissioner by the late Lord Macdonald, established a United States extension of the Clan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1956.

In 1976 Ellice McDonald, Jr, CBE of Delaware was appointed High Commissioner by Lord Godfrey Macdonald and with the assistance and cooperation of a few commissioners and clansmen, the clan began to prosper. He incorporated Clan Donald-USA, Inc. in the State of Delaware, divided the country into 13 regions (now 12 regions) and appointed regional and state commissioners. The national Clan Donald magazine, "By Sea By Land," was published and regional and state newsletters were distributed. Over the next following years, Clan Donald-USA grew from a handful of members to over 3,700 families today.

Today Clan Donald-USA is the largest Clan organization in America. By participating in the Highland games throughout the United States and by sponsoring local gatherings and events, Clan Donald members are able to meet new "family" members and share traditions and a common heritage which has extended for almost a thousand years.

Copyright 1983--1998 by Clan Donald-USA, Inc. Clan Donald logo and Lordship Map graphics copyright 1997 by The Highland Connection, used with permission. COSCA Logo used as member organization. Dunblane Rose is in the public domain. All rights are reserved.