The MacAulays are Celtic in origin. Their chief seat was Ardincaple, in Row, Dunbartonshire. Ardincaple was probably built in the twelfth century. At one time they dwelt in Kintail and some think they belong to the Lennox family. It is said the original name was Ardincaples of that Ilk, until they took the name of a chief called Aulay.
Aulay is mentioned in various charters by Malduin, Earl of Lennox, whose death took place at the beginning of the reign of Alexander III. Aulay was the Earl's brother. His son and successor, Duncan, or MacAulay, Knight, is also named in the Earl's charters. Subsequently, in 1587, Sir Aulay MacAulay is enrolled as among the chief vassals of the Earl of Lennox.
A branch of the clan went to Antrim, in Ireland, and acquired the lands of Glenerm. The last portion of the clan territory passed out of the hands of the 12th Chief in 1767, when Ardincaple was sold to the Duke or Argyll.
Lord Macaulay, the historian and essayist, belonged to the Clan MacAulay of Lewis, first on record in 1610, and a separate clan from the MacAulays of Ardincaple.

Chief: Macaulay of Ardincaple.
Clan Seat: Ardincaple Castle, Row, Dunbartonshire.
Plant: Scots Fir.