Island Families

Atholl

The Atholl family are the current Jarls of Orkney and Caithness. The head of their family is John II.

Gunnr (Gunn)

This family owns land in Orkney and Caithness.They are the descendants of Gunnr (Norse for “war”), second son of Olaf the Black, with his first wife, Margaret MacFhionguinn. Gunnr was born in 1204, younger brother of Leod (progenitor of Clan MacLeod), and was fostered to Ferchar MacIntsaggart, Earl of Ross. Chief among these land grants is Halbury castle, which thereafter forms the family seat.

MacBhiocair (MacVicar)

Harpers for the Caimbeuls, and important landowners in Argyll. Paul MacBhaic, the hersir of Waternish, is the current sheriff of Skye, but has passed his duties to his foster son, Leod. They control Dunvegan castle.

MacShuibhe (MacSween or MacQueen)

Important landowners on Skye, Lewis and in Argyll. Their home is Duntulm Castle in Waternish parish (see page 14). The MacShuibhe clan claim kinship with the Irish high kings, and are numerous on the islands of Skye and Lewis. The Hebridean branch of the MacShuibhe have long enjoyed a reputation as outstanding fishermen.