The MacLeods of Lewis (like the MacLeods of MacLeod) are of Norse origin, and were owners of the Lewis and of Waternish in Skye. They had also Assynt on the mainland by Crown charter, 1340. Along with the clansmen of the Harris branch they fought on the right wing at Harlaw in 1411.
At the close of the sixteenth century the male line of the MacLeod of Lewis became extinct. The lands of Assynt passed to the Earl of Seaforth in 1660. The story of how this came about is one of the darkest and bloodiest pages in the troubled history of the Highland clans. Their estates were transferred to MacKenzie of Kintail, and MacLeod of Raasay claimed to have become heir-male, but was not allowed arms as representor.
Raasay also lost his lands, but continued to be principal cadet of Siol Torquil. The MacLeods fought for Charles II at Worcester, but took no active part in future Jacobite risings.