John Dubh MacLean, 4th Chief

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dubh_Maclean,_4th_Chief

John 'Dubh' Maclean, 1st of Duart1

Biography[edit] John succeeded his father as chief of the clan. He was known as Iain Dubh Maclean, or Black John Maclean. He married a daughter of Cumming, Lord of the Braes of Lodiaber. He undoubtedly had large possessions, particularly the lands of Duard and Lochbuy, of which the Lord of the Isles was his feudal superior.[1]

He had three sons:[1][2]

Hector Reaganach Maclean, 1st Laird of Lochbuie, or Hector the Stern, was the progenitor of the Lochbuie Macleans.[2] Lachlan Lubanach Maclean of Duart, or Lachlan the Wily John Maclean, an illegitimate son and is considered the progenitor of the mainland Macleans of Lorn, Ardgour and Morvern[2] It would appear that John designed the lands of Duard for Lachlan, and those of Lochbuy for Hector. Such, at least, was the way in which they were disposed of. These two brothers made a considerable figure during the reigns of Robert II of Scotland and Robert III of Scotland. The prominence of their father, as well as their own affable behavior and pleasing manners, gained for them the friendship of John, First Lord of the Isles, in so much so, that it excited the jealousy of the courtiers, among whom the chief of MacKinnon, the master of the household, became a most inveterate enemy. In order to accomplish his revenge, or satiate his jealousy, he determined to cut the brothers off by taking their lives, while they were hunting with Lord John. Having been warned of MacKinnon's designs, the brothers easily thwarted his plans. Shortly afterward MacDonald (Lord of the Isles) started on some expedition from his castle at Arc's in Mull to the mainland, intending to remain for a season at his castle of Ardtornish in Morvern. MacKinnon, having been unavoidably detained, was to follow after, but, meeting the two brothers, he renewed the quarrel between them. Both parties were well armed, and had their retainers. In the affray which took place MacKinnon was killed while in the act of mounting into his galley, and his followers dispersed. Skene calls this "one of the most daring actions which has ever been recorded of any Highland chief." His version, however, is somewhat different from the above. Not knowing how the Lord of the Isles would take the death of the master of his household, they resolved to apply heroic measures, and keep by force that friendship which they thought might now be forfeited. They now proceeded to follow up their act by one still more daring. Immediately they manned MacKinnon's galley with their own men, and started in pursuit of John, whom they overtook a short distance from Ardtornish, captured his vessel, and carried him prisoner to one of the Garvelloch islands. Here he was detained until he solemnly promised them to remain their true friend.[1]

Death[edit] He died during the reign of Robert II of Scotland.[1]

John 'Dubh' Maclean, 1st of Duart is the son of Gilliecallum (?) and unknown daughter Carrick.2 He married unknown daughter Comyn, daughter of unknown Comyn, Lord of Lochaber.1

   He held Duart and other lands on the Isle of Mull.1 He was living in 1326.2 Children of John 'Dubh' Maclean, 1st of Duart and unknown daughter Comyn

Hector Maclean, 1st of Lochbuie+2 d. 1406 Lachlan 'Lubanach' Maclean, 2nd of Duart+2 d. c 1405 Citations

[S37] BP2003 volume 2, page 2524. See link for full details for this source. Hereinafter cited as. [S37] [S37] BP2003. [S37]

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Gillean's great-grandson, Iain Dubh, or Black John, had two sons, Eachin Reaganach (Hector the Stern), and Lachainn Lubanach (Lachlan the Wily). When the Gaelic Highlanders broke away from the Lowland monarchy in the 14th century, the MacLeans allied with the Highlanders - receiving lands from John, Lord of the Isles, in exchange for their support. Lachlan married John's daughter, and he and his brother moved to the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, where the two dominant branches of the family were formed: the Maclaines of Lochbuie and the MacLeans of Duart (The Maclaines of Lochbuie used the "MacLean" spelling until the 17th century). Lachlan was the head of the Duart branch, with Hector being the head of the Lochbuie branch. Many of the clansmen at Lochbuie retained other spellings of Maclaine or MacLean, such as Maclayne, McClain, and McLain. Various smaller families intermarried or banded together with the Maclaines, and they were all accepted into the clan.

In about 1350, Hector was granted lands on the Isle of Mull by the Lords of the Isles. He also sat on the Council of the Isles as did subsequent chiefs of Lochbuie until the Lordship was forfeited in 1493. Hector built Moy Castle, a typical Scottish tower house at Lochbuie, Mull in the 14th century. It was built on land formerly held by the McFadzeans. McFadzean family lore has it that the Maclaines originally allied with the smaller McFadzean clan, who became a loyal Sept of Clan Maclaine, before betraying and driving them out of Lochbuie.

Once the MacLeans allied with the Highlanders, they expanded beyond Lochbuie and Duart to Ardgower, Morvern, and Coll. Clan MacDonald, arguably the most powerful highland clan, became envious of the growing power of the MacLeans; and subsequently, the MacLeans - including the Maclaines of Lochbuie - feuded with the MacDonalds for many years.