Features: Scottish Clan Early Genealogy - Clan MacMillan

Motto: Miseris succurrere disco (I learn to succour the unfortunate)
Historic Seat: Castle Sween
District: Lochaber
Associated Surnames: Brown, MacBaxter
Associated Tartans:

Early MacMillan Genealogy and History:
(Excerpt from "The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans", James Grant, 1906)

The traditions in regard to the origin of this clan are very conflicting. Some say their original country was Argyll, others Braidalban, other says Lochaber in Inverness; their known possessions, however, were on both sides of Loch Arkaig, where they were dependent on the Clan Cameron. Another branch, supposed to have been driven from Strath Tay, began to flourish in Knapdale in the sixteenth century.

Through the marriage of a chieftain with the heiress of the chief of the MacNeils, they became the possessors of the Castle Sweyn. One of the towers of this stronghold is called "MacMillan's Tower." Those who went to Argyll settled in the southern part, where the chief was distinguished form his resident as MacMillan Cnap, the name of the property which had been obtained from the Lord of the Isles; and it is said that he had the charter engraved on the top of a rock at the boundary of his land in the Gaelic language and letter.

Here they rose to considerable importance, and in the burial-ground of the chapel of Kilmore, which was built by them, is a stone cross, at least twelve feet high, covered with beautifully executed foliage and other ornaments, amid which is represented a spirited deer hunt. One one side is inscribed in rude Saxon charactesr, "Haec est crux Alexandri MacMillan."

One of the clan, Gille Maol, subsequently returned to Argyll, and taking up his residence at Badokenan, by the head of Loch Fyne, was the progenitor of the MacMillans of Glena Shera, Glen Shira, and others. On the extinction of the family of Cnap, MacMillan of Dunmore assumed the chiefship, with apparent right, but this house also became extinct, when the Campbells laid claim to the lands, but were opposed by the MacNeils. The contention was finally settled in favour of the Campbells by mutual concessions, and in 1775 the estates became the property, by purchase, of Sir Archibald Campbell of Inver Neil. The MacMillans of Lochaber latterly dwelt in Muir Lagan, Glen Spean, and Caillie, and they were among the trustiest followers of Lochiel.

The branch best known in history is that which passed into the district of Galloway. One of this southern branch distinguished himself as a preacher and leader of the "Cameronians," who were also called "MacMillanites"; his Bible is still preserved among the descendants of the Covenanters. Some of the Kintyre MacMillans found thier way into Arran last century, and from them have sprung the most distinguished bearers of the name.

(End excerpt)

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