~1102-1143 OLAF I the Red (Olaus the Swarthy)
Olaf I The Red Godredson (Olaf Bitling, Olaf Klining), appointed viceroy by King Magnus of Norway, styled as King of Man, married to 1 Ingibiorg, daughter of Earl Hakon of Orkney, 2 Elfrica of Galloway, from his first marriage sprang Ragnhildis, wife of Sumarlidhi Höld progenitor of Clan Donald after a peaceable reign of about 40 years. In 1140 an insurrection broke out but but was calmed with the help of Sumarlidhi Höld, he was treacherously murdered by the sons of his natural brother Harold, anno 1143, and was succeeded by his only lawful son.

1143-115 GODRED II Ochraidh Godred II The Black (Godfrey)OLAFSON
King of Man, son of Olaf and Elfrica of Galloway, married to Phingola (Fionghuala) Maclochlan, reigned until in 1158 his brother in law Sumarlidhi Höld (Somerled) defeated him heavily in a sea batlle and tried to establish his son Dugall as King of the Isles. In 1164 on Somerled’s death he returned from Norway.

1158-1164 Sumarlidhi Höld porgenitor of Clan Donald established himself as independent ruler over the Hebrides, Man and Argyll after the death of Olaf the Red.

1164-1187 GODRED II the Black Ochraidh Godred II The Black (Godfrey) OLAFSON
King of Man, son of Olaf and Elfrica of Galloway, married to Phingola (Fionghuala) Maclochlan, reigned until in 1158 his brother in law Sumarlidhi Höld (Somerled) defeated him heavily in a sea batlle and tried to establish his son Dugall as King of the Isles. In 1164 on Somerled’s death he returned from Norway.

ca. 1177-1237 OLAF the BlacOllaghair Olaf or Olaus Odhar Godredson
King of Man and the Northern Isles, married to 1 Lady from Kintyre, 2 Joan, 3 Christina Ross, daughter of Farquar, Earl of Ross, in 1223 Olaf succeded to Man and the Western Isles by help of Paul Baalkason sheriff of vast estates on the Isle of Skye, seemingly also foster father of his son Leod. Olaf died 21.05.1237, Isle of St. Patrick. From here the Kingdom of Man and the Isles was succeded by the descendants of Sumarlidhi Höld, namely by his son Rögnvald.

1237-1280 1st chief Ljótr (LEOD)
born ca. 1200, son of Olaf the Black, King of Man and Northern Isles and Christina Ross, ca. 1220 he acquired Dun Bheagan by marriage to the heiress of Gofra Macrailt Armuinn (Godfrey MacHarold the tax gatherer or the chamberlain) the norse skigerefa or Seneschal (Sheriff) of Skidh (Skye), styled “King of the Isles”,Ljótr gave the patronymic MacLeod (sons of Leod), possibly the island of Liodhús (Lewis) is also named after him. Some say that he seized Dun Bheagan adhering lands and the hand of hsi daughter by force from MacHarold coming assail from the north, but tradition has it, that he was a native Skyeman and ward of Paul Baalkaason, by some called “Lord of Skye” and inherited most of the lands from him after his death in 1231. He held Uist and Harris from Sheriff Paul , Llewis from his father, Glenelg from his grandfather, the Earl of Ross and Duirinish, Bracadale, Minginish, Lyndale and much of Trotternish by his marriage. He died ca. 1280 and was buried at Iona. From his marriage sprang two sons, Tormad (Norman) his successor (the clan sept being Siol Thormaid nan Sgiath but mostly called Siol Leòid) and Torcull (Torquil), the progenitor of Siol Torquil (Macleod of Lewis). Leod was buried in Iona.

1280-1320 2nd chief TORMOD (Norman)
Tormod MacLeod of MacLeod of Harris and Dun Bheagan, born 1250, elder (?) brother of TORQUIL 2nd Baron of Lewis, progenitor of the MacLeods of Lewis (norse: Liodhús) Torquil was married to Dorothea Ross, their son Norman Roderick was 3rd Baron of Lewis. Tormod was married to Fingula (Flora) Maccrotan or to Christina, daughter of Lord Lovat. Tormod granted Waternish to his brother Torquil in whose line it remained for several centuries. He seems to have held part of his lands under the Earl of Ross, as in 1309 Robert the Bruce assigned Skye to that nobleman. Glenelg was in 1307 cededto the Earl of Moray and held by him until 1314. Tormod most probably fought at Bannockburn. He died at Pabay his seat in Harris and was buried in Iona.

1320-1360 3rd chief MALCOLM Calum Reamhar Math (the Fat and Good)
Malcolm MacLeod of MacLeod, born 1296, married to the daughter of Donald Stewart, Earl of Mar, thus a niece of Robert the Bruce. In 1343 he received a royal charter by David II granting him 2/3 of Glenelg. He may have been lent a royal mason to enhance Dun Bheagan Castle. Was entertained by Argyll (probably Gillespie MacCalein Campbell) and saved a Campbell clansman who had for some mischief he had done been sentenced to be crushed to death by a great bull. Gillespie had promised him the man’s life if he could save it from the bull and so Malcolm took the bull by it’s horns and to cries of “Hold Fast” defeated it. In another version he slew a bull with bare hands in Glenelg after having visited the wife of Clan Fraser’s chief. When she heard of the news she immediately left her husband for Malcolm thus starting a lengthy clan feud between Fraser and Macleod. From one of these adventures he is said to have brought the famous horn later known as Rory Mor’s horn. He had four children, Ian, Norman of Harris, Murdo of Gesto and Fingula who married Alastair Ionraic Mackenzie 6th of Kintail. Malcolm died at Stornoway Castle and was buried in Iona.
From his third son, Murdo, sprang the MacLeods of Gesto (Clann ‘ic Mhurchaidh) who never paid service or rent to the chief until 1674 after the lands having been forfeited for the killing (in duel or as murder) of Gesto’s brother in law MacAskell of Ebost. After this the lands were held as a tack until in 1825 the renewal of the lease was refused by MacLeod of MacLeod. In 1365 to Murdo MacLeod of Gesto were presented a herd of fairy cattle whose descendants were bred at Gesto for centuries. The fairies had given him this as a reward for preventing some clansmen from destroying their Dun Taimh when building a new byre.

1360-1392 4th chief IAIN CIAR Ian MacLeod of MacLeod

born 1320, (received the fairy flag “Am Bratach Sith” in the 14th century, probably brought to Britain by Harald “Hardradi” Sigurdson, King of Norway from one of his viking-raids to the Middle East), married to a O’Neil woman. His older son Malcolm was killed when he seeked the hand of MacLeod of Lewis quarrelling with his spouse’s brother. Besides his other son William and the daughters mentioned below he had another daughter who married Lachlan Maclean of Duart. Ian was known for his hot temper. Once when he found out that two of his daughters wanted to marry to two MacSwan brothers, his subjects, he had his daughters buried alive in the dungeon and their would-never-be husbands flogged and hurled into the sea to drown.
He was killed by an arrow in the back of his head after having one of his retainers disembowelled by the antlers of an albino deer which he had slain but Iain had reserved for himself in the previous hunt in Harris. He fell between the landing stage and the boat, his wife and daughters having already embarked his galley. In the confusion the galley drifted away without crew and oars and was shipwrecked at Idrigall Point, near “the Maidens”. Thus his wife and daughters were killed as well. Ian’s son Malcolm died young. In 1375 (or 1395)Tormod Coil MacLeod of Gesto fought the Battle of Loch Sligachan claiming to have slain and bedeaded Alasdair Carrach, brother of John of Isla. But as Alasdair fought at Harlaw in 1411 there must be some mistake to the person whom he slew.

1392-1409 5th chief UILLEAM CLEIREACH William the Clerk

born 1365, 2nd son of Ian Ciar, his elder brother, Malcolm was killed in Lewis, William had been educated for the church but seemingly this would not have suited him as on his succession he immediately led an expetition into the lands of Clan Frazer in Easter Ross depriving them of cattle and whatever booty could be seized. He was married to either a daughter of MacLean of Duart or a daughter of John MacLaine, 2nd of Lochbuie (or Murdoch MacLaine). He died suddenly c. 1409, at Castle Camus in Sleat, buried at Iona. From his second son, Norman spring Clann ic Uilleim (William) and Clann Alasdair Ruaidh (Red Alexander). He had another son George and several illigitimate children. In 1395 (or 1375) the Battle of Sligachan was fought.

1409-1442 6th chief IAIN BORB

(FIERCE IAN or John the Truculent)Fierce Ian of Dunvegan, born 1392. When he was still a child his tutor, Iain Mushealbhach (John the Ill Fated) lost Dun Sgathaich and Castle Camus (Knock Castle) to Donald MacDonald. When attacking Dun Bheagan itself MacDonald was defeated by MacLeod of Lewis and a mixed army of Skye and Lewismen. MacLeod of Lewis thence took him to Lewis and had him proclaimed Chief at Rodel in Harris. As Skye had come under the sway of the Earls of Ross and Donald MacDonald had married the heiress of that house, finally the MacLeods found themselves as vassals of the Lords of the Isles, namely Donald MacDonald. Thus Iain Borb fought together with Iain of Harris and Roderick of Lewis in the Battle of Harlaw on 24 July 1411, for Donald MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, to support his claim to the Earldom of Ross. In the MacDonald annals there is account of “Norman” Chief of MacLeod (probably his brother being confused with him) being wounded by an arrow in his forehead. The wound kept breaking open with high blood pressure and that was supposed to be the cause of his sudden death in 1442 when he fought with and was bested by one of his clansmen, threw away his sword and in the subsequent wrestling got so enraged and strained that the wound opened and he bled to death.
He had married Margaret Douglas, the granddaughter of the Earl of Douglas and his daughter Margaret was married to Roderick MacLeod 3rd of Lewis, his daughter Fynvola to Lachlan MacLean of Duart. His younger son Norman died 1429 in the Battle of Lochaber when James I in person came to defeat Alexander MacDonald, Lord of the Isles. From other sources we learn that these were not his children but those of his brother Norman.

1442-1480 7th chief WILLIAM Dubh William

” a claidheamh fhada” (= longsword) MacLeod of MacLeod, – either son of Iain Borb or his brother Norman, born 1415, killed in a feud with MacDonalds at “the Battle of the Bloody Bay” (Mull) 1480. William was married to a Maclaine of Lochbuie. His sister Margaret was married to Roderick MacLeod 3rd of Lewis. Another sister was married to Lachlan Maclean7th of Duart. From his brother Norman sprang the MacLeods of Drynoch, MacLeods of Balmeanach, MacLeods of Meadle and Sliochd Iain ‘ic Leòid (the main stem, John the 10ch Chief being his son. He confirmed a charter given by Alexander MacDonald of Ross and the Isles to the latters son, Hugh of Sleat. In 1460 MacLeods joined Hugh of Sleat in his raid to Orkney and in 1480 he was either killed or taken prisoner in the Battle of Bloody Bay off the Coast of Mull, supporting John MacDonald against his rebellious bastard-son Angus Og, one of the occasions on which the Fairy Flag was said to have been unfurled. If he survived the day, however, he did not survive it for long. He was the last chief who was buried in Iona.

1480-1547 8th chief ALASDAIR CROTACH

Alasdair “Crotach” MacLeod of MacLeod, son of William Dubh and a lady Maclaine of LochBuy, born 1455, in 1535, being humpbacked (Crotach = the bent), he married Cameron of Lochiel’s 10th daughter, the other nine having refused him. (according to Alexander Nicolson) he was married to his cousin, the daughter of Lachlan Maclean of Duart. Two of his daughters married into the house of Sleat, namely to John Og and James of Castle Camus, both sons of Donald Gruamach MacDonald of Sleat by his 2nd wife.
After the Battle of Bloody Bay in 1480 the MacDonalds raided Skye on behalf of Clan Leod’s part in supporting John MacDonald against Angus Og. William Dubh must have been prisoner then as Alasdair was not yet chief of the clan when he withstood the raging MacDonalds and was severely wounded between the shoulders by a battleaxe from which he never really recovered. Thence he was hunchbacked and so comes his name CROTACH.
When in 1493 the Lordship of the Isles was forfeited to the Crown Alasdair gained a royal charter for Harris, Duirinish, Bracadale, Minginish and Lyndale in Skye adding those places to the charter Malcolm the 3rd chief already had received from David II. Later in 1498 he captured Duntulm Castle and acquired parts of Trotternish (peninsula of Skye) along with the stewartship over the district. In 1513 he supported Donaldof Lochalsh in restoration of the Lordship of the Isles, meeting at Castle Maol. On the occasion he also stormed Dun Sgathaich and failed at Castle Camus (Knock). On this occasion Mary of the Castle came to fame. Later when delivering Donald’s two brothers to Regent Albany he was pardoned for this and granted a promis of non-disturbance in his lands of Trotternish for 11 years. Later by Regent Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus he was granted a charter of lands in Sleat and North Uist thus causing bitterness between MacLeod and the House of Sleat.
He is said to have unfurled the Fairy flag in 1530 in the bloody Battle of Glendale against MacDonald of Sleat and Clanranald. He built the Fairy Tower and St. Clement’s Church at Rodel in Harris where he is buried in an exeptionally handsome tomb. He also entertained King James V at a mountain feast on MacLeods Tables (Healabhal Bheag and Healabhal Mhor). In 1540 he was taken aboard the King’s ship when the King surrounded his country by sea. According to tradition he brought the MacCrimmons to Skye and founded their famous school of piping at Borreraig.
Until after Flodden he remained loyal to the James IV but afterwards he joined th e insurrection for the Lords of the Isles.
His son Donald, born 1507, murdered in March 1557, married twice but leaving no issue. Probably he was murdered by Iain Dubh.

1547-1551 9th chief UILLEAM NA H-UAMHA (William)

born 1505, married to Agnes Fraser, daughter of 4th Lord Lovat. died September 1551 taken as a hostage by King James V on his voyage to Skye in 1540. His brother Donald was murdered by Iain dubh, the 11th chief. His borther Norman became 12th Chief, one of his 10 sisters was married to James Gruamach of Castle Camus.

1551-1556 MARY heiress of the Isles

daughter of William, born 1543, died 1602 after Archibald Roy, the 4th Earl of Argyll having worked hard to obtain the wardship of Mary, her uncle, Donald,later murdered by the 11th Chief returned to the estate in 1556 and her claim to the chiefship was put down. About 1571 she was married to Duncan Dugald Campbell.

10th chief IAIN OG

(Iain a’ Chùil Bhà in) son o Norman, son of Norman, son of William 5th Chief. He had two sons, Norman and Iain Dubh, the 11th Chief. From his son Norman sprang another Norman who was 11th Chief (de iure)

1556-1557 11th chief (de facto) IAIN DUBH

son of Iain Og, 10th Chief. seized castle and lands by murdering Donald, brother of William the 9th Chief and various other kinsmen. In 1558 he killed the delegation of Archibald Roy, the 4th Earl of Argyll who was still trying to bring MacLeod’s country under his sway by marriying Mary MacLeod (the heiress of the isles and would-be 10th chief) to his kin. He was just a de facto- chief and died 1560 without issue.

11th chief (de iure) NORMAN on of Norman, son of IAIN OG, 10th chief.

1557-1584 12th chief TORMOD TORMOD MacLeod of MacLeod

third son of ALASDAIR, 8th chief, born 1509. married to 1 Giles Julia Maclean (1535), a daughter of Hector 12th Maclean of Duart 2 Janet the daughter of Archibald Roy, Earl of Argyle. Tormod had three sons and two daughters:
- William, 13th chief,
- Rory Mor, 15th chief and
- Alexander of Minginish from whome sprang MacLeods of Ose and MacLeods of Ferinica.
- Tormod’s daughter Margaret (the one eyed woman) was married to Donlad Gorm Mor MacDonald.
- Another daughter was married to Torquil Dubh of Lewis.

1584-1590 13th chief WILLIAM William MacLeod of Macleod

born 1560, married to Janet Macintosh of Dunachton

1590-1595/6 14th chief JOHN

born 1580, beheaded 1597 or 1598, died without issue

1595-1626 15th chief Sir RUAIRIDH MOR Sir Ruairidh (=Rory) Mor (=the great) MacLeod of MacLeod

born 1562, son of TORMOD (Norman), 12th chief, settled the feud with the MacDonalds of Sleat, enlarged Dunvegan Castle, fought the War of the One-Eyed Woman against Donald Gorm Mor MacDonald of Sleat married to Isabel MacDonald of Glengarry, was outlawed before 1597 but still held Harris, Dun Bheagan and Glenelg. When the King raided the coast in 1608 Sir Ruairidh sent his son to the HMS Moon and was thus not kidnapped like the other clan-chiefs. MacLeod’s lands were forfeited to the crown and given to the Company of Gentlemen Adventurers, but this did not bother the chief. In 1609 he signed the Statutes of Iona. In 1613 he was knighted by King James VI. He linked the Keep of Dunvegan with the Fairy Tower. And it was under his chiefship that the MacLeods fought the MacDonalds at Core-na-Creiche (Corrie of the Spoil), Isle of Skye. But he personally was not at the fight, that might be the reason why the MacDonalds won the day. As a young man when his brother William was chief of the clan he is said to have been watching some agricultural operations when Macdonalds landed. He thence jumped on a bull and commanded the other clansmen to do so and rush the herd towards Dun Bheagan. They joined William’s forces and routed the enemy. The bull that had carried him was never slain but on his natural death from one of it’s horns was made Rory Mor’s horn, still to this day exhibited at DunBheagan. He had also supported the Irish O’Neills against Queen Elisabeth I of England and thus it is believed that the famous Dunvegan Cup was presented to him by the O’Neills. Rory Mor had several children besides his heir,
- Sir Roderick of Talisker,
- Sir Norman of Bernera who married a daughter of Sir James MacDonald of Dunyveg,
- William of Hamera, from whom sprang the MacLeods of Waterstein,
- Donald, from whom sprang the MacLeods of Grishornish,
- Janet, who married Iain Garbh of Raasay and
- five other daughters.
In his time the lands of MacLeod of Gesto were forfeited on account of killing of MacAskill of Ebost. But the lands were subsequently given as a tack to Gesto, the family continuing on the lands until 1825. Neil MacTormont MacLeod of Gesto and his son Murdo were still referred to as principal clansmen in 1616 who had to appear before the Council in Edinburgh every year (if any Skye people ever appeared in Edinburgh at all). It was probably Neil’s father, John who was married to Mary Macdonald of Kingsburgh.

1626-1649 16th chief IAIN MÃ’R

born 1595, married to Sibella of Kintail he also had several childern:
- Roderick the witty (17th Chief)
- Iain Breac (18th Chief)
- Mary, who married James Mòr MacDonald of Sleat as 2nd wife,
- Sibella who married Thomas Fraser of Lovat
- Julia who married 1) Sir Allan MacLean of Duart, 2) Campbell of Glendaruel and
- two other daughters.

1649-1664 17th chief RUAIRIDH MIR Rory or Roderick the Witty

born 1635, married to Margaret, daughter of Sir John Mackenzie of Kintail. Their son Norman died young. Their daughter was married to Duncan (?) Stewart of Appin. In 1651 the Clan was almost wiped out at Worcester 700 soldiers having taken part in the Battle.

1664-1693 18th chief IAIN BREAC Iain Breac MacLeod of MacLeod, born 1637, married to Florence MacDonald daughter of his brohter in law, Sir James Mòr MacDonald, 2nd Baronet of Sleat (southern part of Skye). From their marriage sprang
- Roderick (19th Chief)
- William

- Norman (20th Chief)
- Isabel, married to Robert Stewart of Appin
- Janet, married to Sir Jamesb Campbell of Auchinbreck
During his Chiefship the Clan fought at Killiecrankie for James VII on 27 July 1689. Built a wing to Dun Bheagan that was destroyed by fire in 1938 and rebuilt just before World War II.

1693-1699 19th chief RODERICK RUAIRIDH OG Roderick Ruairidh Og

born 1674, married to Lady Isabel Mackenzie, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Seaforth, their daughter, Anne married Donald MacLeod of Bernera (“The Old Trojan”). Roderick died 24.06.1699.

1699-1706 20th chief NORMAN Norman MacLeod of MacLeod

born 1685, 2nd son of Iain Breac married to Anne Fraser of Lovat, granddaughter of John, 1st Marquess of Atholl (1635-1703).

1706-1706 21st chief JOHN son of Norman

born 1704, died 1706. In his time a lawsuit about boundaries of Gesto broke out.

1706-1772 22nd chief NORMAN The Red Man The Wicked Man Norman MacLeod of MacLeod

son of Norman, 20th Chief, born 29.07.1705, 1st wife: Janet, daughter of Sir Donald MacDonald, 4th Baronet of Sleat/Skye, their eldest son, John, died 1766/7, 2nd wife: Ann, daughter of William Martin of Inchfure, Ross-shire (married 1748, died 1803). Norman’s daughter Ann was married to Professor Hill of St. Anrdews University. He had another two daughters and two natural sons, Maj. Alex MacLeod of Lochbay and Capt. MacLeod of Cyprus.
Under his chiefship the Clan supported Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 45.
His Clansman Donald MacLeod of Galtrigal transported a hoard of gold coins from Barra to Moidart and later from 21st April to 21st June 1746 hid the Prince at Long Island and Uist. Later he was therefore captured by Allan MacDonald of Knock.

1772-1801 23rd chief NORMAN “the General”Norman “the General” MacLeod of MacLeod

born 1754, son of John, son of Norman, 22nd chief and his 2nd wife, 1st wife: MAry MacKenzie of Suddie, 2nd wife: Sarah (married 1784, died 1822), daughter of Nathaniel Stackhouse, they had 8 children. His eldest son (*1781), Lieutenant Norman MacLeod of MacLeod, died when H.M.S. Queen Charlotte exploded and sank with all hands in 1800 (see the prophesy of the Brahan Seer), His daughter Mary was married to Col. N. Ramsay. The General was famous for his deeds in India. He entertained Boswell and Doctor Johnson in 1773.

1801-1835 24th chief JOHN NORMAN John Norman MacLeod of MacLeod

born 1788, married to Anne (died 1861), daughter of John Stephenson of Mersham/Kent. Neil MacLeod of Gesto won the cause about boundaries of Gesto but in 1825 the Chief refused the renewal of the tack of Gesto and kept the land for himself thus ending an unbroken tenure after nearly 500 years.

1812-1895 25th chief NORMAN Norman MacLeod of MacLeod

born 18.07.1812, Dunvegan, died 5.2.1895, Paris, France, married (1837) to Hon. Louisa Barbara (died 1880), daughter of 13th Baron St. John of Bletso and Louisa, daughter of Sir Charles Boughton-Rouse, 2nd wife: Hanna, daughter of Baron von Ettinghausen, Countess Latour (married 1881), his first son was Norman Magnus. His second son was Torquil Olave, they both died without issue. His third son was the 27th Chief. His fourth son Roderick Charles MacLeod of MacLeod had only one son, Iain (the next male heir) was killed in 1915. His sister Sarah (* 1810, + 1896, unmarried) was lthe last Gaelic-speaking member of the Chief’s family.

1895-1929 26th chief NORMAN MAGNUS Norman Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod

born 27.07.1839, died 5.111929 married to Emily Caroline, daughter of Sir Charles Isham, died without issue.

1929-1935 27th chief Sir REGINALD Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod

brother of NORMAN MAGNUS (26th chief), born 1.2.1847, died 20.8.1935 without issue. His youngest brother, Canon Roderick MacLeod of MacLeod hat only one son, who had been killed in 1915 thus leaving no male heir to the line.

1935-1976 28th chief DAME FLORA Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod

born 1878, married to Hubert Walter.

1976-2007 29th chief JOHN MacLeod of MacLeod

son of Joan Woolridge Gordon (daughter of DAME FLORA) and Captain Robert Wolridge Gordon of Hallhead and Esslemont, born 10.08.1935.

2007 30th chief HUGH MacLeod of MacLeod

son of John MacLeod (29th chief) Born in London in 1973

Ver 1:

It is said that the fourth chief Ian Ciar MacLeod of Dunvegan (or his father Malcolm the “fat & good”) married a fairy with whom he had a son. On the child’s first birthday the fairy mother had to return to her own folk. Ian loved them both dearly and pleaded for her not to go but she was obliged to fulfill her promise to return. The three of them walked from the village and at a bridge known as Beul-Ath nan Tri Allt (the ford of the three burns, on the road from Dunvegan castle to Edinbane) the fairy rose above her husband and son and dropped a piece of silk saying, “keep this flag and unfurl it to the wind whenever you are in real danger and it will protect you”.

Ver 2:

Lady MacLeod heard singing coming from her babies bedroom, on entering the room she saw an old woman wrapping the child in silk and singing a fairy lullaby. The old woman disappeared leaving the fairy banner. A variation of this tale is that a nurse left the chiefs son in his room and went to join the celebrations in the great hall. The child was restless and so the fairies, particularly his own mother came to comfort him and wrapped him in silk. On returning the nurse found the child wrapped in the fairy flag which she took to the chief in the great hall, upon which the sound of the fairy lullaby was heard but no-one was seen to sing.

The Historical Version:

Harald Sigurdson immortalized in history as Harald Hardraada {hard council} was one of the most heroic figures of the Viking Age. He was half-brother to king Olaf Haraldsson of Norway who later was elevated to sainthood. Olaf, with 15 year old Harald at his side, fought a battle at Stiklestad where Olaf met his death. Severely wounded Harald fled the battlefield to begin his far-ranging travels. Journeying to Russia he married Elizabeth, daughter of Yaroslav king of Novgorad-Kiev. Later Harald traveled south until reaching Constantinople, today’s Istanbul, Turkey, the then capital of the Eastern Roman Empire of Byzantium. When established in that faraway place he was made captain of the Varangian Guard that formed the personal bodyguard of the Byzantine emperor; Varangian was the name given to Scandinavians by the Byzantines and Arabs.While in the emperor’s service Harald obtained the sacred flag he christened ‘Lord-Ravager’ (sometimes styled LandWaster). Because silk was popular and widely used by eastern people, but much less used in Europe at that time, Harald’s flag would undoubtedly have been made of silk.

Returning to Norway in 1046 Harald Sigurdson took with him his battle flag and the following year was proclaimed king. In 1066 Harald sailed with a Norse-Viking army and accompanied by English king Harold’s traitorous brother Tostig, from his kingdom of Norway to land in England on the coast of Yorkshire. On September 26th the army of the English king, Harold Godwinson, clashed with the Norse army at Stamford Bridge. Harald Hardraada perished in the battle and his Norse army vanquished. The Norse king’s battle-flag, Lord-Ravager, was carried from the field of battle in Yorkshire by his faithful comrade-in-arms Godred Croven.

Godred Crovan, son of Harald the Black of Iceland, had Hardraada’s Fairy flag in his possession. Despite the Norsemen’s defeat at Stamford Bridge, Croven’s roving days were not yet over. By 1079 he had established himself as king of Man, (immortalized as king Orry). The line of Norse kings established by Godred Croven ruled these islands until 1265. There appears little doubt that Hardraada’s battle flag, Lord Ravager, stayed with Croven’s successors.

A book written in 1982 by the eminent Scottish historian, Sir Iain Moncreiffe in tracing the ancestry of the British Royal Family, considers that ‘very probably’ Harald’s battle flag and the Fairy Flag of the MacLeod are one and the same. Inspection of the Fairy Flag, albeit an ancient, tattered remnant of its former condition, revealed it to be made of silk fabric, being unquestionably of oriental origin about one thousand years old. When this information is considered together with the known historical wanderings of Harald Hardrada and Godred Croven, then speculation of the two flags being one appears reasonable. Hardraada’s flag too, came from the Mediterranean area, traveled with him back to Norway and in 1066 after the battle at Stamford Bridge passed into the possession of Godred Croven who established the line of kings of Man and the Western Isles from whom the chiefs of Clan MacLeod claim descent.

The most treasured relic of the Clan MacLeod is the “am Bratach Sith” or the Fairy Flag, which is kept at Dunvegan castle. It is said to have been woven by fairies to be used by the chief of the MacLeods in dire times. Its magic has been called upon to turn defeat in victory on at least two occasions. Tradition holds that MacLeod pilots in the Battle of Britain carried pictures of the Flag. We see here an image of the Fairy Flag as it is today. It was on public display for many years in Dunvegan Castle but the last time I was there I couldn’t find it. Perhaps it has been put in storage as you can see it is in a pretty sorry state.