Honored Clan for 2025 - Clan MacLeod
The origins of Clan MacLeod can be traced to Leod, a Norseman who was born around 1200. The Clan takes its name from Leod, "Mac" being Gaelic for son. Leod’s sons Tormond (Norman) became progenitor of the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan; Torcall (Torquil) became progenitor of the MacLeods of the Lewes. MacLeod of Lewis later branched again to create the MacLeods of Raasay. MacLeod of Harris’s motto is “Hold Fast” with a blue/green tartan. MacLeod of Lewis’s motto is “I Birn Quhil I Se” – roughly translated as “I burn while I watch” as well as a Latin motto “Luceo non uro” – “I Shine, Not Burn” with the distinctive yellow/black tartan that many refer to as the “Loud, Proud MacLeod”. MacLeod of Raasay’s motto is the Latin “Luceo non uro” with a red/black tartan in the same pattern as the MacLeod of Lewis. Both the motto and tartan are a nod to this branch’s origins from the MacLeod of Lewis.
Dunvegan Castle, located on the Isle of Skye, has been the seat of the Clan MacLeod since the time of Leod. It is a natural rock fortress on which the castle was built and developed and has been continually inhabited since 13th century. Dunvegan is open to visitors April 1st - October 15th. Notable family relics held at the castle include the Fairy Flag, Sir Rory Mor's Horn and the Dunvegan Cup.
In more recent Clan history, our Chiefs have fostered a sense of clanship amongst a worldwide Clan. In 1935, Dame Flora MacLeod became the 28th Chief of the Clan and travelled widely establishing Clan MacLeod Societies in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada and was honored as a Dame of the British Empire in 1953 for her work. She instituted the first Gathering of Clan MacLeod in 1956 on the coming of age of her grandson and heir, John. She called the gathering a "Parliament", a name by which they continue to be known.
Upon her death in 1976, her grandson John became the 29th Chief and followed in her footsteps, adding visits to clansfolk in France, Germany and South Africa. He undertook the extensive project of modernizing the Castle and the estate. In 2007 he was succeeded by his son Hugh, who is our current and 30th Chief. He divides his time between Dunvegan and London.
Clan MacLeod Society, USA was founded in 1954 as part of Dame Flora's efforts to bring strengthen the bonds of fellowship in our often far-flung family! We're proud to continue her legacy of family, camaraderie and tradition.
https://www.dunvegancastle.com/castle/fairy-flag/