Clanranald

Category

Library Item

Item no

13148

Title

Clanranald

Description

A man is seen standing in a Highland landscape dressed in the tartan of Macdonald of Clan Ranald. He is wearing a belted plaid, sporran, hose and shoes. He is carrying a sword and shield.

Artist / maker

McIan, Robert Ronald

Date

1845

Size

34.7 x 24.5 cm

Type

Lithograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying text in 'The Clans of the Scottish Highlands' by James Logan begins as follows:
"CLANN RAONUIL, OR MAC DONALDS OF CLAN RANALD

This branch of Clan Donald anciently held extensive insular possessions and other territories. In 1745 they inhabited the islands of Benbecula, Rum, and Uist, and the districts of Arisaig, Muidart, and South Morar, on the western coast of Invernesshire, a tract so rugged and mountainous that it was distinguished as the very highlands of the Highlands. 'The people of these horrid parts could never believe they were accessible, till the king's forces penetrated their fastnesses after the battle of Culloden, which was a prodigious surprise to the inhabitants.' The writer of these remarks confesses that, notwithstanding their local disadvantages and 'barbarous' manners, they bred amazing numbers of cattle, and a 'sort of wild horses,' the sale of which bought them much money; had plenty of venison, and were in better circumstances than most other clans, the rental being £1100 a year, 'well paid' an income then reckoned large, even for so great a cheif as Clan Ranald !"

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hosiery

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Shoes

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Sporrans

Clothing and dress > Garments > Plaid

Clothing and dress > Textiles > Tartan

Landscape > Land > Mountains

Military > Arms and armament > Daggers and swords

Military > Arms and armament > Shield

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