John Mor McClure/MacLeod, IX of Gesto

John was generally regarded as a bold and violent man, because he was responsible for the death of his brother-in-law, MacAskill of Ebost in a quarrel probably occasioned by excessive drink.

Various versions of this tragedy are given and probably the most interesting appears in Alexander MacKinzie's HISTORY OF THE MACLEODS. The MacAskills of course were furious and were ready to exact dire vengeance.

John MacLeod of Gesto, on the advice of his wife, sought asylum at Cuidrach, which at that time was occupied by his father-in-law, the renowned MacDonald warrior, Domhnall macIain mhic Seumais, whose skilful leadership led to the defeat of the MacLeods by the MacDonalds at Carinish in Nourth Uist in 1601. Since then, Donald had become a successful drover and his son-in-law, John MacLeod of Gesto, referred to him slightingly as Aireach liath nam bo (the grey-headed herd of the cows).

None the less, in his hour of trouble, the old warrior received his son-in-law kindly and promised to protect him. He stationed himself outside the house with his broadsword and the sight of him was sufficient to compel the MacAskills to return home and to desist from their enterprise.

John MacLeod of Gesto was punished by Sir Rory Mor MacLeod, his Chief, for this tragic event. He had to give up some of his possessions in Glenelg and Gesto. There was issue of the marriage of John MacLeod and Maria MacDonald, daughter of the warrior Donald mac Iain mhic Sheumais.