History of Clan MacPhee
The Keepers of the Records: History of Clan MacPhee
Clan MacPhee (Gaelic: MacDhubhShìth) is one of the oldest and most storied clans of the Hebrides. The name translates to "Son of the Dark One of Peace," perhaps referring to an early ecclesiastical figure. The clan's ancestral home was the island of Colonsay, and the smaller tidal island of Oronsay in the Inner Hebrides. Historically, the MacPhees were trusted lieutenants to the Lords of the Isles. They held the hereditary office of Keepers of the Records for the Lordship, a prestigious role that placed them at the heart of Hebridean power.
The Murder of the Last Chief
The clan’s fortunes took a dark turn in the early 17th century. Following the forfeiture of the Lordship of the Isles, the MacPhees became entangled in the violent power struggles between the MacDonalds and the Campbells. In 1623, the last Chief, Malcolm MacPhee, was hunted down by the ruthless Colla Ciotach (Coll the Left-handed MacDonald). According to legend, Malcolm was hiding on Eilean nan Ròn when a seagull alerted his pursuers. He was captured, tied to a standing stone (the "MacPhee Stone"), and summarily executed. With his death, the clan lost their lands on Colonsay and became a "broken clan"—leaderless and dispossessed.
Ewen MacPhee: The Last Outlaw
Following their dispersal, many MacPhees settled in Lochaber under the protection of Clan Cameron. It was here, in the 19th century, that one of the most famous figures in Highland history emerged: Ewen MacPhee. A deserter from the British Army, Ewen became an outlaw, living on a small island in Loch Quoich for over 20 years. He recognized no authority but his own, defending his island home with a gun and relying on his wife’s fierce loyalty. He became a local legend, revered and feared as a seer and a rebel who lived by the old ways long after the rest of the Highlands had been tamed.
The Jacobite Risings
Despite being a broken clan, the MacPhees remained warriors. They fought alongside the Camerons in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. At the raising of the standard at Glenfinnan, a MacPhee was one of the pipers who played for Bonnie Prince Charlie. They fought on the right flank of the Jacobite army at Culloden in 1746, suffering heavy casualties in the final charge.
Modern Recognition
For over 350 years, the clan remained without a leader. However, in 1981, the Lord Lyon finally recognized Clan MacPhee as an active clan once more. Although still considered an armigerous clan (without a hereditary Chief), a Clan Commander is appointed to lead the worldwide community. Today, MacPhees (and McPhees) across the globe celebrate their heritage, from the standing stones of Colonsay to the outlaw legends of Lochaber.