Macleans of Ardgour

The compiler of the Douglas Archives is a descendant of this ancient Scottish clan.

 

The Macleans of Ardgour, a branch of the ancient Clan Maclean, trace their lineage to Lachlan Bronneach Maclean, the 7th Chief of the clan, and a daughter of Mac Eachann of Kingerloch. Ewen Maclean, born out of wedlock, became the 1st Laird of Ardgour. Raised among his mother's people, Ewen proved his valor as a young man when he and his grandfather sought land from MacDonald of the Isles. They seized Ardgour by defeating and killing its Laird, MacMaster, and his family.

MacDonald granted Ewen a charter, later confirmed by the King, solidifying the Macleans' claim. Ewen's descendants, including his son Ewen Maclean, the 2nd Laird, continued the Ardgour legacy. The family's patronymic, Mac Mhic Eoghainn ''the son of the son of Ewen'' honours their namesake, who died displaying his arms at the Battle of Bloody Bay in 1482. His legacy lives on in the current Laird, connected to this storied heritage.

Branches of Maclean of Ardgour

• Maclean of Borreray - Donald second son to the first Laird of Ardgour got the Lands of Borrera and others from Huistor Bane MacDonald, first Laird of Slate
  
• Maclean of Treshnish - Donald (Dubh)John Maclean, 1st of Treshnish, was a son of Ewen, 2nd of Ardgour
• Maclean of Inverscaddle - Charles, Tutor to his nephew, Allan, 7th of Ardgour, 1592-1602, had himself served heir to Ardgour but his attempt to usurp his nephew was thwarted and to keep the peace he was granted lands at Inverscaddle, in the Barony of Ardgour, 1604, ancestor of the Macleans of Inverscaddle
• Maclean of Blaich - Hector, 1st of Blaich & Achnadale, was a son of Ewen, 2nd of Ardgour

The Maclean Lairds of Ardgour

The first Laird of Ardgour was Ewen Maclean, 'The Hunter', born circa 1411 died before 1463. Son of Lachlan 'Bronnach' MacLean (7th Duart) [Bronnach = Pot Bellied]

He was succeeded father to son to:

• Alexander John Hew Maclean, 16th Laird of Ardgour, born 1 Dec 1880 and died 27 May 1930 - J.P. for Argyllshire, and Major 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He in turn was succeeded by his daughter:
• Catriona Louisa Maclean, 17th Laird of Ardgour, born 27 Aug 1919 and died 16 Mar 1988, and she by her nephew:
• Robin Maclean, (Born Robin Michael Torrie) 18th Laird of Ardgour, born 12 Oct 1952 was the son of Elizabeth Muriel Phillipa Maclean, youngest daughter of Alexander, 16th of Ardgour, and the Rev Adam Ronald Rentoul Torrie.

A Douglas Archives Open Source Article - 17th April 2025