MacIain of Ardnamurchan

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Ardnamurchan, Argyll, Scotland
Surnames/tags: maciain ardnamurchan scotland

The MacIains/McKeans/McKeens are a sept of the clan MacDonald of Glencoe. In Scotland, "Iain" means "John" and "mac/mc" means "son of", so the sept is known as the "son of John".

The progenitor of the MacIains was Iain Sprangach who died in 1338. He was the son of Angus Mor, Lord of Islay and the grandson of Donald, Lord of Islay from whom clan Donald takes its name. The branch of the McDonalds of Glencoe was called MacIain after the progenitor. This branch held the lands of the Lordship of the Isles until 1493 when they became feudal vassals of the Stewarts of Appin. During the minority of Mary, Queen of Scots, an Earl of Argyll eyed the MacDonald lands and so secured the rights. Thus, William McKean, the first documented McKean of the line, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland.

The MacIains of Glencoe were a brawny race..."large bodied, stout, subtle, active, and patient of cold and hunger". Ever ready and proud of their fighting ability, no protective castle was ever built.