Clan MacFarlane
(2002 Radford Highlanders Festival Honored Clan)

Badge:

Motto:

"This I'll defend"

Gaelic Name:

MacPharlain (son of Parlan)

Slogan:

Loch Sloy (Loch Sloidh-The Loch of the Host)

Crest:

A demi-savage brandishing in his dexter a broad sword Proper and pointing with his sinister to an Imperial Crown or standing by him on the wreath.

The MacFarlanes are descended from Alwyn, Celtic Earl of Lennox, whose younger son, Gilchrist, received lands at Arrochar on the shores of Loch Long at the end of the 12th century. Gilchrist's son, Malduin, befriended and aided Robert the Bruce during his fight for independence from the English. The MacFarlanes are reported to have fought at Bannockburn in 1314. The clan takes its name from Malduin's son Parlan.

The name Parlan has been linked to Partholon, " Spirit of the Sea Waves," in Irish myths and legends. More often, it is considered the Gaelic equivalent of Bartholomew. Gaelic grammar requires changes within a word to indicate possession. A "p" is softened to a "ph", and an "i" is added to the last syllable. In this way, " son of Parlan" becomes Mac (son) Pharlain (of Parlan).

The lands of Arrochar were first given (by charter) to Malduin MacGhilchrist in approximately 1286. Iain MacPharlain received a charter confirmation to Arrochar in 1420. Duncan, the last Celtic Earl of Lennox, was executed by James I. Although the MacFarlanes had a valid claim to the earldom, the title was given by the crown to John Stewart, Lord Darnley. The MacFarlanes sought to oppose the Stewarts, but they proved too powerful and Andrew MacFarlane, the 10th chief, married a younger daughter of Lord Darnley, forging a new alliance. Thereafter the MacFarlanes followed the new Earls of Lennox in most of the major conflicts of the 15th and 16th centuries.

The 11th chief and many of his clansmen fell at Flodden in 1513. The MacFarlanes later opposed the English at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 where Duncan, the 13th chief, and his brother were both killed.

After the murder of Henry Darnley, second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, the MacFarlanes opposed the queen and were noted for their gallantry at the battle of Langside in 1568. Andrew the Wizard, 14th chief, is said to have captured no less than three of Mary's standards. The valor of Andrew and his men was rewarded by the regent, James, Earl of Moray, with the clan's original crest and motto. The crest and motto allude to the defense of the crown and kingdom.

For much of their history, the MacFarlanes were a very turbulent lot. Their rallying cry, "Loch Sloy," signaled many a night raid to "collect" cattle from their richer neighbors to the south and east. Their march-cry, "Thogail nam Bo theid sinn" (To lift the cows we shall go) gives ample notice of intent. They were so competent that the full moon was known as "MacFarlanes' Lantern,”

In 1608, they slew the Colquhoun of Luss and were outlawed. Later chiefs were quieter. They established homes on the islands of Invergulas and Eilean a' Bhuth (now called Island I Vow). The latter was burned out twice during the Cromwellian invasions in the 17th century.

Walter, the 20th Chief (mid-18th century), was a renowned scholar and antiquarian. His home now forms the central part of the landmark Cobbler Hotel, near Arrochar.

The clan lands at Arrochar were sold off for debt after Walter's death in 1767, and the direct male line of the chiefs failed in 1886.