Torquil MacNeill
Encyclopedia
Torquil MacNeill was a mid sixteenth century clan chief.
In the sixteenth century, there was a clan of MacNeills centred on the Inner Hebridean island of Gigha
. In about 1530, the chief
of the clan, Niall MacNeill of Gigha, died without a male heir. While Niall's lands passed to his daughter, the chiefship of the clan passed over two her second cousin, Torquil MacNeill. In 1531, Torquil is recorded as the "chief and principale of the clan and surname of Maknelis". In 1542, a Crown grant
of the clan lands was given to Niall, the illegitimate son of the deceased Niall MacNeill of Gigha. As late as 1553, Torquil was still regarded to be chief, for he is recorded as "principalis seu primarius tribus sive familie de MacNeille". In that year he is also described as being in very poor health. According to historian John Bannerman
, it is likely that on Torquil's death, the chiefship of the clan officially passed over to Niall MacNeill of Gigha, who possessed the clan's lands.
The nineteenth century Scottish scholar William Forbes Skene
believed that Torquil was not a member of either the clan on Gigha, or the clan on Barra
(although Skene believed that the clans shared a common ancestry). Skene observed that in about 1530, both clans are known to have had chiefs of their own, and concluded that Torquil must have been chief of another (although a more senior chief). Skene also noted that Torquil was not designated with any property, and supposed that the chiefs of his clan were the hereditary keepers of Castle Sween
. Earlier in 1472, a Hector Mactorquill Macneill is recorded as the keeper of the castle, and Skene considered this man to be the first record of a chief of Torquil's clan.
Skene also noted that Torquil seems to have been the last of his line, and suggested that an heiress
of his clan passed the hereditary possessions to the MacMillans
, who are recorded in possession of the castle and certain surrounding lands. After the demise of Torquil, the most prominent chiefs of both the Gigha, and Barra clans, were those of Barra.
In the sixteenth century, there was a clan of MacNeills centred on the Inner Hebridean island of Gigha
Gigha
The Isle of Gigha is a small island off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland. The island forms part of Argyll and Bute and has a population of about 150 people, many of whom speak Scottish Gaelic. The climate is mild with higher than average sunshine hours and the soils are fertile.Gigha has a...
. In about 1530, the 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 the clan, Niall MacNeill of Gigha, died without a male heir. While Niall's lands passed to his daughter, the chiefship of the clan passed over two her second cousin, Torquil MacNeill. In 1531, Torquil is recorded as the "chief and principale of the clan and surname of Maknelis". In 1542, a Crown grant
Royal Charter
A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch as letters patent, granting a right or power to an individual or a body corporate. They were, and are still, used to establish significant organizations such as cities or universities. Charters should be distinguished from warrants and...
of the clan lands was given to Niall, the illegitimate son of the deceased Niall MacNeill of Gigha. As late as 1553, Torquil was still regarded to be chief, for he is recorded as "principalis seu primarius tribus sive familie de MacNeille". In that year he is also described as being in very poor health. According to historian John Bannerman
John Bannerman (historian)
John Walter MacDonald Bannerman was a Scottish historian, noted for his work on Gaelic Scotland.He was born in Balmaha, Stirlingshire, the son of John MacDonald Bannerman, later Lord Bannerman of Kildonan, and his wife Ray Mundell...
, it is likely that on Torquil's death, the chiefship of the clan officially passed over to Niall MacNeill of Gigha, who possessed the clan's lands.
The nineteenth century Scottish scholar William Forbes Skene
William Forbes Skene
William Forbes Skene , Scottish historian and antiquary, was the second son of Sir Walter Scott's friend, James Skene , of Rubislaw, near Aberdeen....
believed that Torquil was not a member of either the clan on Gigha, or the clan on Barra
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...
(although Skene believed that the clans shared a common ancestry). Skene observed that in about 1530, both clans are known to have had chiefs of their own, and concluded that Torquil must have been chief of another (although a more senior chief). Skene also noted that Torquil was not designated with any property, and supposed that the chiefs of his clan were the hereditary keepers of Castle Sween
Castle Sween
Castle Sween is located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale, on the west coast of Argyll, Scotland. Castle Sween is thought to be one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland, having been built sometime in the late twelfth century...
. Earlier in 1472, a Hector Mactorquill Macneill is recorded as the keeper of the castle, and Skene considered this man to be the first record of a chief of Torquil's clan.
Skene also noted that Torquil seems to have been the last of his line, and suggested that an heiress
Beneficiary
A beneficiary in the broadest sense is a natural person or other legal entity who receives money or other benefits from a benefactor. For example: The beneficiary of a life insurance policy, is the person who receives the payment of the amount of insurance after the death of the insured...
of his clan passed the hereditary possessions to the MacMillans
Clan MacMillan
Clan MacMillan is a Highland Scottish clan.-Origins of the clan:The MacMillans are one of a number of clans - including the MacKinnons, the MacQuarries, and the MacPhees - descended from Airbertach, a Hebridean prince of the old royal house of Moray who according to one account was the...
, who are recorded in possession of the castle and certain surrounding lands. After the demise of Torquil, the most prominent chiefs of both the Gigha, and Barra clans, were those of Barra.