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About the MacGillivray surname

From "History of Christmas Island Parish" page #40:

THE MacGILLIVRAYS

In ancient times, by far the most powerful of the clans owning the sway of the native Earls or Maormors of Moray was the Clan Chattan, occupying the whole of Badenoch, the greater part of Lochaber and the districts of Strathnairn and Strathdearn. This important Clan is said to have included fifteen septs, reckoned under two classes. The first consisted of those sprung from the Chief's own house, the Mackintoshes, the oldest cadet, or the “beginning,” as may be learned from the Gaelic name, Mac-an-Toisich; and the second consisted of those who attached themselves, though of other names than that of Mackintosh. Among the second class the oldest and reckoned the most important was the Clan MacGillivray, Clann Mhic Gillebraith. According to the MS of 1450 Siol Gillivray are descended from a certain Gillebride, surnamed King of the Isles, who lived in the 12th century and belonged to the family of Somerled, the progenitor of the MacDonalds. As early as 1268, the progenitor of the Clan placed himself under the protection of Farquhar Mackintosh, the fifth of the Mackintoshes; and about 1626 Farquhar, son of Duncan MacGillivray, acquired the title, Dunmaglass.

The MacGillivrays were ever noted for great prowess and bravery, but, perhaps the best known was Alasdair, the fourth from Farquhar. It was he who went to Moy Castle, the ancestral home of the Mackintoshes, the night before the battle of Culloden, and was there appointed by Lady Mackintosh to lead her husband’s Clan in Prince Charles’ army. The young warrior acquitted himself in a manner worthy of the great Clan he represented, but, like many more noble heroes who fought on that fateful day, he fell dead from a shot through the heart while leading his battalion in a brave but rash charge upon the English lines. There is a most interesting legend in connection with Alexander Macgillivray taking command of the Clan Chattan at Culloden. It is said that in the absence of the Chief of the Clan, it was intended that Duncan Mackintosh, of Castle-ledders, the next of kin, should lead the Clan; but when Macgillivray visited Moy Castle he stated to Lady Mackintosh that the Macgillivrays would not fight unless he got the command. The Lady Mackintosh became alarmed and sent for Mackintosh of Castle-ledders. She begged of him, by all the ties of kinship and affection, to forego his right in favour of Dunmaglass. Castle-ledders acquiesced; but declining to serve under another, he retired to his home and took no part in the battle. Now, according to the legend, Mackintosh was engaged to Miss Anna Dallas of Canbary, while Macgillivray was engaged to Miss Elizabeth Campbell, of Cluny. Between these two young ladies there was great rivalry, for they were regarded as the two most beautiful women in the Highlands at the time. Miss Campbell of Cluny, it is said, told Macgillivray that unless he led the Mackintosh Clan for the Prince he need not come to see her any more; and so rejoiced was she upon the selection being made that she actually rode to Culloden on the morning of the battle. Her face beamed with joy when she saw at the head of the great Clan Chattan her young hero, a splendid specimen of the Highlander, for Alasdair Mor was six feet six inches in height, powerful in build and straight as a reed. Prince Charles graciously saluted her as she rode past, and on being told who she was, he at once sought Dunmaglass and said: “I envy you your good fortune, Macgillivray.”

Poor Elizabeth Campbell’s ambition was gratified so far; but later on, pangs of sorrow pierced her heart, as she saw the one she loved lie mortally wounded among the dead and dying at Dead-man’s Well. The spot, near the well, is marked by a cairn on which is the significant inscription: “Here is where Macgillivray fell.” A few months later she died of broken heart; while Anna Dallas married Castle-ledders, and their son, Angus, succeeded to the Chiefship of great Clan Chattan.