Alasdair Crotach MacLeod
Encyclopedia
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod (Scottish Gaelic: Alasdair Crotach MacLeòid) (1450 – 1547) is considered to be the eighth chief of Scottish Clan MacLeod
. He was the son of the seventh chief William Dubh
and succeeded his father in 1480, following William Dubh's death at the Battle of Bloody Bay
. He was the first MacLeod chief not to be buried on the island of Iona
. The Scottish Gaelic word crotach means "humpbacked" and the nickname refers to wounds he received during battle which crippled him the rest of his life. Alasdair Crotach's tomb is one of the most magnificently carved tombs of its era in Scotland. He was succeeded by his son, William.
, seventh chief
of Clan MacLeod
. The Scottish Gaelic word crotach means "humpbacked". According to MacLeod tradition, Alasdair Crotach earned this nickname
during a pitched battle in which he was severely wounded. In the late 15th century, Angus Og MacDonald
, bastard son of John MacDonald, Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles
, attempted to depose his father. Angus was supported by all the branches of Clan Donald
, as well as the MacLeods of Lewis
. However, other island clans, such as the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, the MacLeans
and the MacNeils
, supported John. The Bannatyne manuscript
states that the opposing clans fought skirmishes throughout the Hebrides
. One such skirmish took place on Skye between the MacDonalds and MacLeods when a large force of MacDonalds, led by "Evan MacKail", son of the chief of Clanranald, landed at Aird Bay with the intention of laying waste to MacLeod territory. At this particular time, William Dubh was away and his only son, Alasdair, rallied the clan's forces and marched them towards the MacDonalds who were encamped near their galleys
. The opposing forces clashed with each other and Alasdair was wounded in the back by Evan MacKail, who wielded a battle axe
. As the wounded Alasdair fell he grabbed hold of Evan MacKail and brought him to the ground as well. Alasdair then killed the MacDonald with his dirk
and cut off the dead man's head as a trophy. The battle ended with the defeat of the MacDonalds, who lost most of their men, and ten galleys. The writer of the manuscript states that at the time of writing (about the 1830s), there were heaps of skulls and bones which could still be seen where the battle was said to have taken place.
in 1480. Angus later followed up on this victory and had a force invade the MacLeod lands of Trotternish
. In consequence, Duntulm Castle
was taken from the MacLeods by surprise and the clan never repossessed the fortress. According to the Bannatyne manuscript, in about the year 1490, the MacDonalds attacked the MacLeods again—in what is known as the Battle of Glendale
. However, the historian J.L. Roberts considered it likely that several battles were confused in MacLeod tradition; and that the battle fought at Glendale was fought at a much later date than which MacLeod tradition records. Roberts proposed that MacDonalds could have landed on the north-west coast of Skye, following Alasdair Crotach's seizure of Dunscaith Castle
after the year 1513; and that the opposing forces could have met and done battle at Glendale. Roberts noted that Alasdair Crotach later received a lease to the lands of Trotternish, from the Crown. These lands had been held at various times by Torquil MacLeod of Lewis, and Ranald Ban MacDonald of Clanranald. For example, A. and A. Macdonald stated that in June 1498, the king granted Alasdair Crotach many lands on Skye, among them were two unciates of the barony of Trotternish, with the office of bailiary for these lands. In October of the same year, the king then granted the same office of bailiary of Trotternish, to Torquil MacLeod of Lewis. Roberts stated that in 1528, Donald Gruamach joined forces with his half-brother, John MacLeod, eldest son of Torquil MacLeod of Lewis; together the half-brothers drove Alasdair Crotach MacLeod out of Trotternish. According to R.C. MacLeod, Alasdair Crotach was recorded as a tenant of the Crown in Troternish; and in 1542, received a Crown charter of Trotternish, Sleat
, and North Uist
. MacLeod, however, stated that he did not believe that Alasdair Crotach ever really possessed these lands (except the two unce-lands of Trotternish, which his grandson exchanged for Waternish
in 1610). MacLeod noted that during 15th century, the MacLeods lost about half of their ancient lands: the part of North Uist was ceded by chief Iain Borb
in 1406; Sleat was lost in about 1435; and as noted above, during the tenure of Alasdair Crotach, Trotternish was lost in about 1482.
which was driven ashore on the island of Eigg
. The crew were refused provisions and in consequence they slaughtered some local livestock to sustain themselves. The locals then put the majority of the crew to death and set three others to sea, where they miraculously washed ashore on Skye. When Alasdair Crotach heard of the treatment of the crew he swore he would not change his clothes until every soul on the islands of Eigg, Rum
, and Canna
was put to death. The chief ordered six large galleys to be made ready, and together with his son, William, and several hundred armed men, sailed for the Small Isles
. The inhabitants of the islands knew the intentions of the MacLeods and attempted to escape their fury by hiding themselves in a large cave on Eigg. When the MacLeods reached the island they waited for three days before discovering the cave and the inhabitants within.
The manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach was a religious man; so before the massacre of all the local inhabitants, he prayed for six hours incessantly. Before his prayers, he declared that if the wind was blowing off mouth of the cave at the end of the six hours, then the people should be spared; however, if the wind was blowing on the mouth of the cave, they should be put to death. While Alasdair Crotach prayed, the wind blew sideways across the mouth of the cave, but at the last moment it shifted to blowing hard upon the mouth of the cave. Alasdair Crotach took this as a sign from heaven
and ordered the massacre. The manuscript claims that he then sailed to Skye and left actual killing to his son, William, who collected all the combustible material he could find and set it alight and smothered everyone within the cave. The manuscript states that 395 MacDonalds died within and that their remains were still there (in about the 1830s). For his part in the massacre, William was afterwards known as 'William of the Cave'. The massacre was reported to James VI, to have taken place in the year 1577, but this would put the event years after Alasdair Crotach's death. Roberts noted that MacLeod tradition dates the massacre to about the year 1510. MacLeod considered that this event may date to the years between 1502 to 1520. Roberts thought it dated to the reign of James V
, or to the time just after his death.
The cave is known in English as the Massacre Cave, it is called in Scottish Gaelic Uamh Fhraing ("Frances's Cave"). It is located at . Sir Walter Scott
is said to have visited the site and discovered bones there in 1814, taking away a souvenir with him. A human skull, found within by a boy on holiday, was handed over to Birmingham Museum
in 1979. The skull was verified to be human by the coroner
; it was stated to be quite old and that of a child, aged about five or six years old.
, on Harris. He endowed the monastery with lands and restored the church. He also built two churches, one at Nic Caperrall close to Toe Head, and one in Scarpa, an island off Loch Resort on the west side of North Harris. MacLeod stated that both were now in ruins. Alasdair Crotach also had work done on Dunvegan Castle, where he built a tower which is known by his name.
The Bannatyne manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach formed a college of pipers on Skye. He was a man of culture, and employed a number of harp
ers, bard
s and shenachies. The manuscript claims that few could wield his claymore
and MacLeod proposed that the claymore kept at Dunvegan Castle, which is called 'Rory Mor
's claymore', may actually be that of Alasdair Crotach. MacLeod stated that the sword had been dated to the about the year 1460—which is roughly the time when Alasdair Crotach would have been a young man.
MacLeod stated that Alasdair Crotach died in 1547. He was buried within a tomb inside St Clement's Church
, Rodel
, on Harris. The tomb is one of the most richly carved tombs in Scotland of its period. The tomb dates to 1528, about two decades before Alasdair Crotach's death. He was the first MacLeod chief to be buried on Harris, his predecessors are all said to have been buried on the island of Iona
.
The Bannatyne manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach had a natural son, Donald Glass. The manuscript relates how this son was on-board a birlinn
which was seized by a party of MacDonalds, where it was taken to North Uist. Donald Glass was put in irons, and had a heavy weight wrapped around his neck; he was held for six years and never recovered from the ill-treatment he received at the hands of the MacDonalds. Donald Glass's crew fared much worse, however; they were imprisoned in a dungeon where they starved to death. The manuscript states that it was said that they ate each other till not one remained alive.
Clan MacLeod
Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the Macleods of Harris and Dunvegan, whose chief is Macleod of Macleod, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid ; the Macleods of Lewis, whose chief is Macleod of The Lewes, are known in...
. He was the son of the seventh chief William Dubh
William Dubh MacLeod
William Dubh MacLeod is considered to be the seventh chief of Clan MacLeod. He is thought to have been a younger son, yet because of the death of his elder brother, William Dubh succeeded his father, Iain Borb, in the year 1442...
and succeeded his father in 1480, following William Dubh's death at the Battle of Bloody Bay
Battle of Bloody Bay
The Battle of Bloody Bay, or Blàr Bàgh na Fala in Scottish Gaelic, was a naval battle fought near Tobermory, Scotland. It was fought on the coast of Mull two miles north of Tobermory, between John of Islay, Earl of Ross, the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald; and his son, Angus Og Macdonald...
. He was the first MacLeod chief not to be buried on the island of Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
. The Scottish Gaelic word crotach means "humpbacked" and the nickname refers to wounds he received during battle which crippled him the rest of his life. Alasdair Crotach's tomb is one of the most magnificently carved tombs of its era in Scotland. He was succeeded by his son, William.
Alasdair the Humpbacked
Alasdair Crotach was the son of William DubhWilliam Dubh MacLeod
William Dubh MacLeod is considered to be the seventh chief of Clan MacLeod. He is thought to have been a younger son, yet because of the death of his elder brother, William Dubh succeeded his father, Iain Borb, in the year 1442...
, seventh chief
Scottish clan chief
The Scottish Gaelic word clann means children. In early times, and possibly even today, clan members believed themselves to descend from a common ancestor, the founder of the Scottish clan. From its perceived founder a clan takes its name. The clan chief is the representative of this founder, and...
of Clan MacLeod
Clan MacLeod
Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the Macleods of Harris and Dunvegan, whose chief is Macleod of Macleod, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid ; the Macleods of Lewis, whose chief is Macleod of The Lewes, are known in...
. The Scottish Gaelic word crotach means "humpbacked". According to MacLeod tradition, Alasdair Crotach earned this nickname
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
during a pitched battle in which he was severely wounded. In the late 15th century, Angus Og MacDonald
Aonghas Óg
Aonghas Óg was a Scottish nobleman who was the last independent Lord of the Isles.-Biography:He was the bastard son of John of Islay, Earl of Ross . Aonghas became a rebel against both his father and against the Scottish crown...
, bastard son of John MacDonald, Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles
John of Islay, Earl of Ross
John of Islay was a late medieval Scottish magnate. He was Earl of Ross and last Lord of the Isles as well as being Mac Domhnaill, chief of Clan Donald....
, attempted to depose his father. Angus was supported by all the branches of Clan Donald
Clan Donald
Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. There are numerous branches to the clan. Several of these have chiefs recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; these are: Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan...
, as well as the MacLeods of Lewis
Clan MacLeod of Lewis
Clan Macleod of The Lewes, commonly known as Clan MacLeod of Lewis, is a Highland Scottish clan, which at its height held extensive lands in the Western Isles and west coast of Scotland. From the 14th century up until the beginning of the 17th century there were two branches of Macleods: the...
. However, other island clans, such as the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, the MacLeans
Clan MacLean
Clan Maclean is a Highland Scottish clan. They are one of the oldest clans in the Highlands and owned large tracts of land in Argyll as well as the Inner Hebrides. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength and courage in battle. They were involved in many clan skirmishes with...
and the MacNeils
Clan MacNeil
Clan MacNeil, also known in Scotland as Clan Niall, is a highland Scottish clan, particularly associated with the Outer Hebridean island of Barra. The early history of Clan MacNeil is obscure, however despite this the clan claims to descend from the legendary Niall of the nine hostages...
, supported John. The Bannatyne manuscript
Bannatyne manuscript (Clan MacLeod)
The Bannatyne manuscript is a traditional account of Clan MacLeod, consisting of 142 sheets of foolscap paper. The author's name does not appear upon it, however, it is considered to have been written by William Bannatyne, Lord Bannatyne—from who it takes its name. Lord Bannatyne was the son...
states that the opposing clans fought skirmishes throughout the Hebrides
Hebrides
The Hebrides comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. There are two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides. These islands have a long history of occupation dating back to the Mesolithic and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive...
. One such skirmish took place on Skye between the MacDonalds and MacLeods when a large force of MacDonalds, led by "Evan MacKail", son of the chief of Clanranald, landed at Aird Bay with the intention of laying waste to MacLeod territory. At this particular time, William Dubh was away and his only son, Alasdair, rallied the clan's forces and marched them towards the MacDonalds who were encamped near their galleys
Birlinn
The birlinn was a type of boat used especially in the Hebrides and West Highlands of Scotland in the Middle Ages. The Birlinn is a Norse-Gaelic variant on the Norse longship. Variants of the name in English and Lowland Scots include "berlin" and "birling". It probably derives ultimately from the...
. The opposing forces clashed with each other and Alasdair was wounded in the back by Evan MacKail, who wielded a battle axe
Battle axe
A battle axe is an axe specifically designed for combat. Battle axes were specialized versions of utility axes...
. As the wounded Alasdair fell he grabbed hold of Evan MacKail and brought him to the ground as well. Alasdair then killed the MacDonald with his dirk
Dirk
A dirk is a short thrusting dagger, sometimes a cut-down sword blade mounted on a dagger hilt rather than a knife blade. It was historically used as a personal weapon for officers engaged in naval hand-to-hand combat during the Age of Sail.-Etymology:...
and cut off the dead man's head as a trophy. The battle ended with the defeat of the MacDonalds, who lost most of their men, and ten galleys. The writer of the manuscript states that at the time of writing (about the 1830s), there were heaps of skulls and bones which could still be seen where the battle was said to have taken place.
Chief of the clan
MacLeod tradition preserved within the 19th century Bannatyne manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach succeeded to the chiefship following his father's death at the Battle of Bloody BayBattle of Bloody Bay
The Battle of Bloody Bay, or Blàr Bàgh na Fala in Scottish Gaelic, was a naval battle fought near Tobermory, Scotland. It was fought on the coast of Mull two miles north of Tobermory, between John of Islay, Earl of Ross, the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald; and his son, Angus Og Macdonald...
in 1480. Angus later followed up on this victory and had a force invade the MacLeod lands of Trotternish
Trotternish
Trotternish or Tròndairnis is the northernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, in Scotland.One of its more well-known features is the Trotternish landslip, a massive landslide that runs almost the full length of the peninsula, some...
. In consequence, Duntulm Castle
Duntulm Castle
Duntulm Castle stands ruined on the north coast of Trotternish, on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, near the hamlet of Duntulm. During the 17th century it was the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacDonald of Sleat.- History :...
was taken from the MacLeods by surprise and the clan never repossessed the fortress. According to the Bannatyne manuscript, in about the year 1490, the MacDonalds attacked the MacLeods again—in what is known as the Battle of Glendale
Battle of Glendale (Skye)
The Battle of Glendale was a battle fought on the Inner Hebridean island of Skye, between the MacDonalds of Sleat and the MacDonalds of Clanranald, against the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan and the MacLeods of Lewis...
. However, the historian J.L. Roberts considered it likely that several battles were confused in MacLeod tradition; and that the battle fought at Glendale was fought at a much later date than which MacLeod tradition records. Roberts proposed that MacDonalds could have landed on the north-west coast of Skye, following Alasdair Crotach's seizure of Dunscaith Castle
Dunscaith Castle
Dunscaith Castle also known as Dun Sgathaich Castle, Dun Scaich, and Tokavaig, is a ruined castle on the coast of the Isle of Skye, in the north-west of Scotland. It is located in the Parish of Sleat, in the Highland council area, and in the former county of Inverness-shire, at .-History:The castle...
after the year 1513; and that the opposing forces could have met and done battle at Glendale. Roberts noted that Alasdair Crotach later received a lease to the lands of Trotternish, from the Crown. These lands had been held at various times by Torquil MacLeod of Lewis, and Ranald Ban MacDonald of Clanranald. For example, A. and A. Macdonald stated that in June 1498, the king granted Alasdair Crotach many lands on Skye, among them were two unciates of the barony of Trotternish, with the office of bailiary for these lands. In October of the same year, the king then granted the same office of bailiary of Trotternish, to Torquil MacLeod of Lewis. Roberts stated that in 1528, Donald Gruamach joined forces with his half-brother, John MacLeod, eldest son of Torquil MacLeod of Lewis; together the half-brothers drove Alasdair Crotach MacLeod out of Trotternish. According to R.C. MacLeod, Alasdair Crotach was recorded as a tenant of the Crown in Troternish; and in 1542, received a Crown charter of Trotternish, Sleat
Sleat
Sleat is a peninsula on the island of Skye in the Highland council area of Scotland, known as "the garden of Skye". It is the home of the clan MacDonald of Sleat...
, and North Uist
North Uist
North Uist is an island and community in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.-Geography:North Uist is the tenth largest Scottish island and the thirteenth largest island surrounding Great Britain. It has an area of , slightly smaller than South Uist. North Uist is connected by causeways to Benbecula...
. MacLeod, however, stated that he did not believe that Alasdair Crotach ever really possessed these lands (except the two unce-lands of Trotternish, which his grandson exchanged for Waternish
Waternish
Waternish or Bhatairnis/Vaternish is a peninsula approximately long on the island of Skye, Scotland, situated between Loch Dunvegan and Loch Snizort in the northwest of the island, and traditionally inhabited and owned by Clan MacLeod whose clan seat is at the nearby Dunvegan Castle. The current...
in 1610). MacLeod noted that during 15th century, the MacLeods lost about half of their ancient lands: the part of North Uist was ceded by chief Iain Borb
Iain Borb MacLeod
Iain Borb MacLeod is considered to be the sixth chief of Clan MacLeod. He is the first MacLeod chief to which heraldry can be assigned...
in 1406; Sleat was lost in about 1435; and as noted above, during the tenure of Alasdair Crotach, Trotternish was lost in about 1482.
Hebridean anarchy; massacre on Eigg
The Bannatyne manuscript states that while the Western Isles were now nominally under the direct rule of the Scottish Crown, that the chiefs took the law into their own hands and in consequence anarchy descended across the West Highlands and Isles. The manuscript states that the most vicious acts were carried out between the MacLeods and MacDonalds of Clanranald. The manuscript gives several examples of feuding between the clans. One such example is a story of a birlinnBirlinn
The birlinn was a type of boat used especially in the Hebrides and West Highlands of Scotland in the Middle Ages. The Birlinn is a Norse-Gaelic variant on the Norse longship. Variants of the name in English and Lowland Scots include "berlin" and "birling". It probably derives ultimately from the...
which was driven ashore on the island of Eigg
Eigg
Eigg is one of the Small Isles, in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. It lies to the south of the Skye and to the north of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Eigg is long from north to south, and east to west. With an area of , it is the second largest of the Small Isles after Rùm.-Geography:The main...
. The crew were refused provisions and in consequence they slaughtered some local livestock to sustain themselves. The locals then put the majority of the crew to death and set three others to sea, where they miraculously washed ashore on Skye. When Alasdair Crotach heard of the treatment of the crew he swore he would not change his clothes until every soul on the islands of Eigg, Rum
Rùm
Rùm , a Scottish Gaelic name often anglicised to Rum) is one of the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, in the district of Lochaber, Scotland...
, and Canna
Canna, Scotland
Canna is the westernmost of the Small Isles archipelago, in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. It is linked to the neighbouring island of Sanday by a road and sandbanks at low tide. The island is long and wide...
was put to death. The chief ordered six large galleys to be made ready, and together with his son, William, and several hundred armed men, sailed for the Small Isles
Small Isles
The Small Isles are a small archipelago of islands in the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland. They lie south of Skye and north of Mull and Ardnamurchan – the most westerly point of mainland Scotland.The four main islands are Canna, Rùm, Eigg and Muck...
. The inhabitants of the islands knew the intentions of the MacLeods and attempted to escape their fury by hiding themselves in a large cave on Eigg. When the MacLeods reached the island they waited for three days before discovering the cave and the inhabitants within.
The manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach was a religious man; so before the massacre of all the local inhabitants, he prayed for six hours incessantly. Before his prayers, he declared that if the wind was blowing off mouth of the cave at the end of the six hours, then the people should be spared; however, if the wind was blowing on the mouth of the cave, they should be put to death. While Alasdair Crotach prayed, the wind blew sideways across the mouth of the cave, but at the last moment it shifted to blowing hard upon the mouth of the cave. Alasdair Crotach took this as a sign from heaven
Heaven
Heaven, the Heavens or Seven Heavens, is a common religious cosmological or metaphysical term for the physical or transcendent place from which heavenly beings originate, are enthroned or inhabit...
and ordered the massacre. The manuscript claims that he then sailed to Skye and left actual killing to his son, William, who collected all the combustible material he could find and set it alight and smothered everyone within the cave. The manuscript states that 395 MacDonalds died within and that their remains were still there (in about the 1830s). For his part in the massacre, William was afterwards known as 'William of the Cave'. The massacre was reported to James VI, to have taken place in the year 1577, but this would put the event years after Alasdair Crotach's death. Roberts noted that MacLeod tradition dates the massacre to about the year 1510. MacLeod considered that this event may date to the years between 1502 to 1520. Roberts thought it dated to the reign of James V
James V of Scotland
James V was King of Scots from 9 September 1513 until his death, which followed the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss...
, or to the time just after his death.
The cave is known in English as the Massacre Cave, it is called in Scottish Gaelic Uamh Fhraing ("Frances's Cave"). It is located at . Sir Walter Scott
Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet, popular throughout much of the world during his time....
is said to have visited the site and discovered bones there in 1814, taking away a souvenir with him. A human skull, found within by a boy on holiday, was handed over to Birmingham Museum
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a museum and art gallery in Birmingham, England.Entrance to the Museum and Art Gallery is free, but some major exhibitions in the Gas Hall incur an entrance fee...
in 1979. The skull was verified to be human by the coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
; it was stated to be quite old and that of a child, aged about five or six years old.
Later life
Years before his death, Alasdair Crotach gave up the leadership of the clan to his son, William. He then retired to the monastery of RodelRodel
Rodel is a village on the south-eastern coast of Harris, an island in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. It was formerly the historic capital and main port of Harris before Tarbert took the title....
, on Harris. He endowed the monastery with lands and restored the church. He also built two churches, one at Nic Caperrall close to Toe Head, and one in Scarpa, an island off Loch Resort on the west side of North Harris. MacLeod stated that both were now in ruins. Alasdair Crotach also had work done on Dunvegan Castle, where he built a tower which is known by his name.
The Bannatyne manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach formed a college of pipers on Skye. He was a man of culture, and employed a number of harp
Harp
The harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones and has its own sub category . All harps have a neck, resonator and strings...
ers, bard
Bard
In medieval Gaelic and British culture a bard was a professional poet, employed by a patron, such as a monarch or nobleman, to commemorate the patron's ancestors and to praise the patron's own activities.Originally a specific class of poet, contrasting with another class known as fili in Ireland...
s and shenachies. The manuscript claims that few could wield his claymore
Claymore
The term claymore refers to the Scottish variant of the late medieval longsword, two-handed swords with a cross hilt, of which the guards were in use during the 15th and 16th centuries.-Terminology:...
and MacLeod proposed that the claymore kept at Dunvegan Castle, which is called 'Rory Mor
Roderick Macleod of Macleod
Sir Roderick Macleod of Macleod, also known as Rory Mor, was the 15th chief of Clan MacLeod. His seat as Clan Chief was Dunvegan Castle.-Biography:...
's claymore', may actually be that of Alasdair Crotach. MacLeod stated that the sword had been dated to the about the year 1460—which is roughly the time when Alasdair Crotach would have been a young man.
MacLeod stated that Alasdair Crotach died in 1547. He was buried within a tomb inside St Clement's Church
St Clements, Harris
St Clement's Church is a fifteenth century church in Rodel, Harris, Scotland, built for the Chiefs of the MacLeods of Harris. It is dedicated to Pope Clement I. It is sometimes known as Eaglais Roghal or Rodal Church.-Architecture:...
, Rodel
Rodel
Rodel is a village on the south-eastern coast of Harris, an island in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. It was formerly the historic capital and main port of Harris before Tarbert took the title....
, on Harris. The tomb is one of the most richly carved tombs in Scotland of its period. The tomb dates to 1528, about two decades before Alasdair Crotach's death. He was the first MacLeod chief to be buried on Harris, his predecessors are all said to have been buried on the island of Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
.
Family and issue
Alasdair Crotach married a daughter of Cameron of Lochiel. The manuscript relates of how Alasdair Crotach was still unmarried even though he was no longer a young man. Cameron of Lochiel had ten daughters and offered him one any of them as a wife. Alasdair Crotach married the youngest of them and she lived to an old age and was buried beside her husband. Alasdair Crotach and his wife had three sons and two daughters; MacLeod considered that their family were likely born between the years 1500 and 1520. The Bannatyne manuscript states that one of the daughters married firstly James MacDonald, second son of Donald of Sleat; she married secondly Allan MacIan of Clanranald; and her third husband was MacDonald of Keppoch. However, while the manuscript states her first marriage was to James, the early 20th century clan historians A. Macdonald and A. Macdonald stated that a daughter of Alasdair Crotach married not James, but his brother John Og. The two historians state that her second busband, Allan MacDonald, 9th of Clan Ranald repudiated her, and that she afterwards married Ranald MacDonald of Keppoch. The Bannatyne manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach's second daughter married Hector MacLean of Lochbuie.The Bannatyne manuscript states that Alasdair Crotach had a natural son, Donald Glass. The manuscript relates how this son was on-board a birlinn
Birlinn
The birlinn was a type of boat used especially in the Hebrides and West Highlands of Scotland in the Middle Ages. The Birlinn is a Norse-Gaelic variant on the Norse longship. Variants of the name in English and Lowland Scots include "berlin" and "birling". It probably derives ultimately from the...
which was seized by a party of MacDonalds, where it was taken to North Uist. Donald Glass was put in irons, and had a heavy weight wrapped around his neck; he was held for six years and never recovered from the ill-treatment he received at the hands of the MacDonalds. Donald Glass's crew fared much worse, however; they were imprisoned in a dungeon where they starved to death. The manuscript states that it was said that they ate each other till not one remained alive.