MacDonalds are of very ancient origin. The clan founder was the heroic Somerled, who freed his countrymen from the Norse yoke, and rose to power that no subject has equalled.
As Lords of the Isles and Earls of Ross, the Clan Donald were the greatest of the Highland clans, their chief until 1493 ranking as an Island Sovereign.
After the fall of the Lords of the Isles, first Glengarry, and then the Lords of Sleat held the chiefship.
The branches of Clan Donald were Macalisters, Maclans of Ardnamurchan, Macdonalds of Glencoe, Clanranald, Dunyveg in Islay, Keppoch, Loch Alsh, and Sleat. Glengarry was a cadet of Clanranald.
Since 1947 Lord Macdonald has borne the undifferenced arms of the Head of Clan Donald.

Chief: Lord Macdonald.
Patronymic: Mac Dhomnuill.
Clan Seats: Dunscaith Castle; Armadale Castle Ostaig House, all in Skye.
Tryst: DunDonald.
Slogan: Fraoch Eilean.
Plant: Heather.
Memorials: Iona.
Pipe Music: (1) Macdonald's Salute. (2) March of the Macdonalds.