# Clan MacDonell of Glengarry

Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, also known as Clan Ranald of Knoydart & Glengarry (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Dòmhnaill Ghlinne Garaidh) is a Highland Scottish clan and is a branch of the larger Clan Donald. The clan takes its name from River Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen about 16 miles (25 km) north of Fort William, Highland. The progenitor of the MacDonells of Glengarry is Reginald, 4th great-grandson of the warrior Somerled.
The clan chief is traditionally designated as the "Son of Alexander's son" (Scottish Gaelic: Mac Mhic Alasdair). Clan MacDonell of Glengarry has a chief that is recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon, and the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is the heraldic authority in Scotland.

## History of the MacDonells of Glengarry
### Origins

The MacDonells of Glengarry are one of the branch clans of Clan Donald—one of the largest Scottish clans. The eponymous ancestor of Clan Donald is Donald, son of Reginald, son of Somerled. Somerled, son of Gillebride was a 12th-century leader, styled as "King of the Isles" and "King of Argyll". Through ambitious military conquest, Somerled rose in prominence to create the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. However, his origins and ancestry are obscure. King Robert the Bruce granted a charter of many lands to Aonghus Óg of Islay, including half the Lordship of Lochaber. Angus Og's son John was the first Lord of the Isles. John's first marriage was to Amie MacRuari, heiress of Clann Ruaidhrí. John later divorced Amie and married Margaret, daughter of King Robert II. The children from John's first marriage became the main succession of the chiefship of Clan Donald and the later Macdonald Lords of the Isles would go on to descend from John's second marriage. The MacDonells of Glengarry and MacDonalds of Clanranald both descend from John and Amie's eldest son, Reginald.

### 14th century

Reginald, 1st of Clanranald and Glengarry succeeded through his mother Amie MacRuari in the majority of the old lands of Clann Ruaidhrí. Reginald married Lady Fiona Stewart, a daughter of Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl. Reginald himself had five sons. One of them was Alan, the progenitor of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald and another was Donald, 2nd of Glengarry. Little or nothing is known of Donald, however, an account was given in which the lands of Glengarry were returned to the control of the Scottish crown. These lands became a royal forest and were associated with Inverlochy Castle, which was a residence for the monarchy at that time. Meanwhile, the MacDonells of Glengarry were tenants of the crown. Over time, the clan managed to secure a crown charter, granting them legal ownership of the Glengarry lands that were originally taken away from them by their feudal superior, Godfrey of Garmoran, despite Godfrey never questioning the claims of Donald to the Lordship of the Isles. Donald married twice: firstly Laleve, daughter of the chief of Clan MacIver, by whom he had one son named John. Donald married secondly a daughter of the chief of the Clan Fraser of Lovat by whom he had two more sons, Alexander and Angus. Donald died in Lochaber in 1420, was buried at Rollaig Orain, and succeeded by his son.
The first son, John 3rd of Glengarry, died without heirs and was therefore succeeded by his half-brother Alexander "of the Woods", 4th chief of Glengarry, progenitor of Glengarry. Alexander is sometimes considered the first true chief of Glengarry but is usually regarded as the fourth of Glengarry. From Alexander, the clan takes the Gaelic patronymic of Mac Mhic Alasdair, meaning "son of the son of Alexander".

### 15th century

According to Angus and Archibald MacDonald, the family seanachie MacVuirich recorded a death account of Alexander "of the Woods", who is referred to as "a powerful, bold, warlike Lord of the Clanranald", who died on the Isle of Abbas in 1460; However, due to the contemporary records being referenced by the Crown holding unto their lands, there is no mention of his territorial magnate. His successor, John MacAlister Ranaldsoune, 5th of Glengarry, inherited the lands of Glengarry from his father. The clan was part of the MacDonalds of Clanranald around this time, and took part in several battles, including supporting Aonghas Óg and his claim to the Lordship of the Isles from his father at the Battle of Bloody Bay. Sometime after, John MacAlister supported Aonghas Óg at the Battle of Lagabraad against Clan Mackenzie in order to acquire lands in the Earldom of Ross, which resulted in a victory for Clan Donald. John Ranaldsoune was killed by Fraser of Lovat after being invited to a "friendly" interview with him in Achteraw in Abertarff, Inverness-shire in 1501. This resulted in a conflict between the MacDonells of Glengarry and the Frasers of Lovat, in which the Frasers were defeated and surrendered the lands of Abertarff to Glengarry. Proceedings were initiated by Alexander MacIain of Glengarry before the Lords of Council against the murderers of his father.
Alexander Ranaldson, 6th of Glengarry, was considered to be a rebellious chief. The MacDonells of Glengarry did not play an important part in the politics of Clan Donald until the late 15th century. Traditional rights of the chiefs were being replaced with feudal relationships in which the Crown was the ultimate superior, as part of the royal policy to pacify the Scottish Highlands, including taking charters from lands formerly held by the Lords of the Isles. The lands of Glengarry were leased to the Earl of Huntly, and the Camerons of Lochiel. Most of the chiefs submitted to James IV of Scotland, and even the MacDonalds of Clanranald accepted charters in 1494. Alexander Ranaldson did not receive a charter, suggesting that he continued to have a rebellious attitude at this time after the fall of the Lords of the Isles. In response, James IV tasked the Earl of Huntly and the Duke of Argyll in carrying out his policy in dividing the territories that once belonged to the Lordship of the Isles for their own holdings for their own clan lands. Alexander Ranaldson married a daughter of MacDonald of Lochalsh, who was a descendant of King Robert II of Scotland.

### 16th century

In 1501, Alexander Ranaldson was summoned for occupying Morar lands without a title, while the Earl of Huntly's son was granted part of Glengarry. Ranaldson rebelled by supporting Domhnall Dubh’s insurrection but didn't participate directly. In 1510, James IV granted more of Glengarry to the Earl of Huntly. After James's death at Battle of Flodden, Ranaldson backed Donald Gallda’s claim as Lord of the Isles, leading to clashes with Clan Grant and the invasion of Urquhart Castle. After failed rebellions, Ranaldson submitted to the Crown and was pardoned in 1531. In 1539, he received a Crown charter for Glengarry, Morar, and other lands but continued efforts to reclaim the Lordship of the Isles. He supported Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat’s failed rebellion, but was later imprisoned by James V in 1542. Clan MacDonell of Glengarry supported Clan Cameron in their Raids of Urquhart in October 1544 and April 1545. The chief of Clan Grant petitioned to the Scottish monarchy for protection from the incursions of Lochiel and Glengarry. In return, King James VI issued letters to various chiefs in Lochaber, including the chiefs of Clan Mackintosh and Clan Mackenzie, charging them to defend the lands of the Grants in March of 1567. Alexander Ranaldson was also present at the Battle of the Shirts, supporting John Moidartach and the MacDonalds of Clanranald and Clan Cameron against Clan Fraser of Lovat. It is said that only eight MacDonalds and five Frasers survived the battle. Alexander Ranaldson soon died in 1560.
Angus MacAlester, 7th of Glengarry, used his father-in-law, the chief of Clan Grant, to secure a charter from James VI of Scotland, reclaiming his ancestral lands in 1574. A 1571 bond of manrent between MacAlester and Clan Grant included an exception recognizing the authority of Clanranald, implying Glengarry's acknowledgment of Clanranald as his chief. The feud with Clan Mackenzie began in the late 16th century after MacAlester inherited lands in Wester Ross. The conflict escalated when two of his cousins burned a house of a murderer in Applecross, killing a Mackenzie, leading Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail to accuse the MacDonells of the murder to the Privy Council, prompting Angus MacAlester to flee Edinburgh.
Donald MacAngus, 8th of Glengarry, succeeded Angus, who was reputed to have lived over one hundred years. In February 1576, Donald MacAngus successfully complained to the Privy Council after Hugh Fraser, 5th Lord Lovat blocked his timber transport on Loch Ness towards Inverness, and Lord Lovat was ordered not to interfere. Known for his law-abiding nature, Donald MacAngus sought protection from the Privy Council in 1577 when Colin Campbell, 6th Earl of Argyll, upon succeeding as chief of the Campbells in 1577, invaded and plundered the lands of the MacLeans and the MacDonalds, including making preparations for an invasion of the mainland, with the lands of Glengarry as his principle attack. The Council declared Donald MacAngus a "good subject," prohibiting Argyll’s attack and rallying local clans to defend Glengarry, and forbidding any further attacks against Glengarry under pain of treason. The Earl of Argyll conceded and abandoned his plans for invasion.

### 17th century

In November 1601, Angus MacDonell, son of Donald MacAngus, led a raid on Mackenzie lands in Torridon. A complaint was filed with the Privy Council, but neither Angus nor his father appeared in court. On 9 September 1602, Donald MacAngus was declared an outlaw. In response, the Council acquired Kenneth Mackenzie a commission of "fire and sword", and procured through the interest of the 1st Earl of Dunfermline by invading Glengarry's lands of Morar. Similarly, the MacDonells raided the Mackenzies and wasted the lands of Lochalsh and Applecross. The escalation came to head at the Battle of Morar, where the Mackenzies laid siege to Strome Castle, causing the MacDonells to surrender, and the Mackenzies demolished the castle by gunpowder. The clan soon built Invergarry Castle in the Great Glen. The conflict intensified when Glengarry allied with MacDonald of Moidart. While Kenneth Mackenzie sought support from Hector Og MacLean of Duart in Mull, Angus MacDonell raided Lochcarron. The MacDonells loaded their boats with plunder, but the MacKenzies intercepted the MacDonells in small rowing boats, overturning the boat, and killing many men, including Angus. The survivors swam to the Isle of Skye and escaped, leaving their pillaged plunders behind. The following year, Allan Dubh MacRanuil of Lundie launched a fiercer raid on the Mackenzies by burning an entire congregation of Mackenzie clansmen in the church in Kilchrist. According to tradition, a bagpiper for the MacDonells of Glengarry marched around the burning church playing a spirited tune, which was later known as "Cillechriost". The Privy Council ordered both clans to cease hostilities and swear an oath to keep peace in the Highlands. Donald MacAngus was later compensated with Knoydart from the Camerons of Lochiel in 1611. Donald MacAngus was briefly imprisoned by Lord Ochiltree, Lord Chancellor of Scotland in 1626, but secured a charter in 1627, making Glengarry a free barony.
When the Wars of the Three Kingdoms began in 1639, Donald MacAngus passed his duties to his son, Aeneas, 9th of Glengarry. A staunch Royalist, Aeneas fought under James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose in the 1644–1645 campaign, protecting him after the Battle of Philiphaugh. In 1645, Montrose's army defeated Argyll's Covenanters at the Battle of Inverlochy. In the aftermath, The Keppoch bard John MacDonald, known as Iain Lom, immortalized the battle in verse, taunting the defeated Campbells to retrieve their lost bonnets from the River Lochy and advising them to "take swimming lessons before returning to Glengarry". After Donald MacAngus's death in 1645, Aeneas continued serving the King, fighting in Confederate Ireland in 1647 with the army of Thomas Preston, 1st Viscount Tara. After losing his estates to Oliver Cromwell during the Protectorate, Aeneas regained them following the 1660 Restoration. The clan continued as MacDonald until the patent of nobility was granted to Aeneas, who was raised to the Scottish peerage by the title of Lord MacDonell and Aros. This is stated to be the origin of the name of MacDonell, McDonell or McDonnell, the orthography varying according to the usage of different families descended from the Glengarry branch. In 1665, a serious quarrel broke out between the MacDonells of Glengarry and the town of Inverness; a dispute led to an escalation resulting in several casualties. The MacDonells threatened revenge on the town due to their longstanding feud with the Mackintoshes, who were friendly with Inverness. The town sought support from neighboring Mackintoshes, while the MacDonells proposed a treaty with demanding conditions. The Privy Council ruled in favor of the MacDonells, ordering Inverness to pay Glengarry £4,800 in damages and fees, including the fees due to the surgeon who attended the wounded MacDonells. In 1675, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, along with Keppoch and Lochiel, were feuding against Clan Campbell by protecting Clan MacLean from Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll acquiring their lands on the Isle of Mull after the Restoration. After a year-long spree of cattle raids, robbing inhabitants, and opposing Campbell's authority, Argyll made a complaint to the Privy Council against Lord MacDonell, Lochiel, the MacLeans, and more than 20 defenders for their incursions. As consequence, all defenders, except for Lord MacDonell and Lochiel, who were compeared, were declared outlaws.
Aeneas produced no eligible children, and the title died with him in 1680. Ranald, 2nd of Scotus, and 10th of Glengarry succeeded as chief of Glengarry in 1680. When James II & VII was expelled in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Alastair Dubh MacDonell, acted on behalf of his father as chief and leader of the Glengarry clan during the 1689 Jacobite rising. The Scots Parliament confiscated Glengarry's lands, although the MacDonells continued to hold Invergarry Castle. The clan, along with 2500 clansmen, fought under John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee at the Battle of Killiecrankie. During this time, the MacDonells of Glengarry, along with the MacDonalds of Glencoe began looting and raiding other neighboring clans, including the lands of Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. In his subsequent appeal for compensation, Robert Campbell of Glenlyon believed the Glengarry men to be the more culpable, making no mention of Glencoe. By late 1691, the British government was determined to "make an example" of the MacDonells. Ranald did not take the oath of allegiance to the new Williamite government until 4 February. John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair's letter to Campbell of Breadalbane on 2 December showed the decision to make an example of Glengarry was taken before the deadline for the oath, originally as a much bigger operation; "...the clan Donell must be rooted out and Lochiel. Leave the McLeans to Argyll...". However, after agreeing to pardon Ranald MacDonell of his treason, the Williamites switched targets to the MacDonalds of Glencoe, which resulted in the Massacre of Glencoe.

### 18th century

Ranald died in 1705 and was succeeded by his son, Alastair Dubh MacDonell, 1st of Titular, Lord MacDonald, and 11th of Glengarry, known as "one of the most distinguished warriors of his day in the Highlands." Alastair Dubh and his father were among the first of the Highlanders who joined Viscount Dundee in the Jacobite rising of 1715 on behalf of James Francis Edward Stuart, son of the disposed James VII and II. Alastair Dubh joined Viscount Dundee "on the appointed day" of 18 May 1689 in Lochaber, with 300 of his followers. Montrose wrote his famous letter to Clan MacLeod on 23 June 1689, in which he says "Glengaire gave me account of the subject of a letter he receaved from you; I shall only tell yow, that if you hasten not to land your men, I am of opinion you will have litle occasion to do the king great service". When Ailean Dearg, the Chief of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald was mortally wounded at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, Alasdair Dubh rallied the faltering warriors of Clan Donald by throwing up his blue bonnet and crying Buillean an-diugh, tuiream a-màireach! ("Blows today, mourning tomorrow!"); Although considered a victory, it was ineffective in restoring the Stuarts to the British throne. In 1716, Alastair was given the title Lord MacDonell in the Jacobite peerage. General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men. Alastair Dubh died at Invergarry in 1721, and was eulogized in the song-poem Alistair à Gleanna Garadh by his kinswoman Sìleas na Ceapaich, which hearkens back to the mythological poetry attributed to Amergin Glúingel and which remains an iconic and oft imitated work of Scottish Gaelic literature. His eldest son, John, succeeded him.
John, 2nd Titular Lord MacDonald and 12th of Glengarry, became chief and secured a charter for Knoydart from John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll in 1724. Although John did not actively participate in the Jacobite rising of 1745, Aeneas (or Angus), John's second son, fought in the rebellion. Glengarry's Regiment were involved in many battles, including the Highbridge Skirmish, which was the first engagement between Government and Jacobite troops. The regiment also fought at the Clifton Moor Skirmish and the Battle of Prestonpans, a Jacobite success. However, Aeneas was accidentally shot after the regiment's engagement at Falkirk and died three days later. He was replaced by his kinsman, Donald MacDonnell of Lochgarry, who lead the Glengarry regiment at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746, under the command of James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth. Glengarry's numbered up to 530, the largest in the entire Jacobite army. During the battle, the MacDonald regiments were located on the extreme left wing of the Jacobite army, instead of their preferred place on the right wing. According to legend, these regiments refused to charge when ordered to do so, due to the perceived insult of being placed on the left wing. The Glengarry regiment disbanded in May 1746 after their defeat at Culloden. Charles Edward Stuart sought shelter at Invergarry Castle by way of Fort Augustus. After Charles left to hide in the moors of the Highlands, Invergarry Castle was afterwards plundered and burnt to the ground by Cumberland's troops. Aeneas's elder brother Alastair Ruadh, later 13th of Glengarry, was captured in November 1745 by a Royal Navy frigate while traveling from France to join in the Jacobite Rising. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, he was released in 1747 and at some point became a Hanoverian mole inside the Jacobite Movement. While his motivations are still disputed, Scottish historian Andrew Lang confirmed that Alistair Ruadh was in fact 'Pickle the Spy' in 1747.

### 19th century to modern day

The Highland Clearances of the early 19th century forced the majority of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry into exile; most settled in Glengarry County, Ontario and parts of Nova Scotia. The most systematic evictions were ordered by the 15th chief, Alexander Ranaldson MacDonell of Glengarry, who was allegedly the model for the haughty and flamboyant Scottish clan chief Fergus MacIvor in Walter Scott's 1814 novel, Waverley. In June 1815, Glengarry formed the Society of True Highlanders, a rival to the Celtic Society of Edinburgh, reflecting the strong sense of Highland identity and pride that characterized the time; he was closely involved in arguments over precedence before, during, and after George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822. The occasion is best remembered for popularizing the idea of tartans and traditional Highland dress.
His kinsman Fr. Alexander MacDonell (1762–1840) became a Catholic priest in Lochaber. In 1794, during the French Revolutionary Wars, Fr. MacDonell became the first Catholic military chaplain in post-Reformation British military history after helping to raise the Glengarry Fencibles, which was disbanded in 1804. Father MacDonell accompanied his clansmen to Glengarry County, Ontario, where he helped resurrect the regiment for active service in the War of 1812. In 1826, he was appointed first Bishop of the local Diocese of Kingston. Sir James MacDonell, brother of the 14th Chief of Glengarry, fought under Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, winning glory for the clan at the Battle of Waterloo during the Napoleonic Wars. The Duke of Wellington awarded him £1000 for his part in the battle calling him "the bravest man in the British Army". General MacDonell insisted on splitting this money with his sergeant, James Graham.
Aneas Ranaldson, 16th of Glengarry sold his estate and, along with a significant portion of his clan, departed and emigrated to Australia in 1840. This event caught the attention of contemporary publications, "We cannot regard the expatriation of the head of an old Highland family, with its clan associations, its pipe music, and its federal recollections, from the battle of Inverlochy downwards, without some regret and emotion". The departure marked a significant change for the clan and its longstanding connections to their ancestral lands, evoking a sense of sentimentality and reflection. Aneas Ranaldson later returned to Knoydart where he died in 1851. The 17th chief of Glengarry, Alexander Ranaldson, also returned from Australia, but later sold his estate to the Marquess of Huntly and emigrated with his sons to New Zealand where he later died in 1862. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Charles Ranaldson, 18th chief of Glengarry, but died on his way home from New Zealand, rendering the chief line from the 11th chief of Glengarry, Alasdair Dubh, extinct. However, he was "posthumously" succeeded by his distant relative, Aneas Ranald, 19th of Glengarry through the Scotus branch, thus continuing the chief succession of the clan.
Aeneas Ranald Wesdrop, 10th of Titular, 20th chief was educated at Eton College, and entering upon a commercial career, he was latterly connected with New Zealand Midland Railway Company, a well-known oil producer in London and Moscow. Aeneas died at in Chelsea in 1901 and was succeeded by his son. Aeneas Ranald MacDonell, 11th of Titular, 21st chief. Aeneas was educated at St Paul's School, London, and was for a short time connected with the banking firm of Herries Farquhar & Company. During World War I, he was given the rank of Major and sent on a British military mission in Tbilisi, making the journey on a 36-hour train from Baku in December 1917. Aneas Ranald Donald, 12th of Titular, 22nd chief succeeded as chief in 1941 and died in 1999. His son, Aeneas Ranald Euan MacDonell, 13th of Titular, 23rd chief, succeeded him in 1999. Ranald MacDonell died in 2021, he was succeeded by his younger brother. The current chief is Colin Patrick MacDonell, 24th Chief of Glengarry, who lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The heir apparent is Angus Curt MacDonell, Younger of Glengarry.

## Castles

Castles that have been owned by Clan MacDonell of Glengarry include:
* Invergarry Castle was the traditional seat of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. The castle stands overlooking Loch Oich on Cregan an Fhithich (Scottish Gaelic: The rock of the raven), which became the clan's motto. The castle was built by the MacDonells of Glengarry in 1602, shortly after clan raids committed by Clan Mackenzie. It was attacked by George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle during Oliver Cromwell's occupation of Scotland. In 1688, Alastair MacDonald of Glengarry temporarily fortified the castle for James II of England. It was than retaken by Alasdair Dubh of Glengarry during the Jacobite Uprising of 1715, but recaptured by the Hanoverian forces in 1716. The MacDonells retook the castle in 1731. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, Charles Edward Stuart visited the castle, but was burned by the British Government lead under Prince William, Duke of Cumberland shortly after the 1746 Jacobite rebellion failed.
* Strome Castle was the original historic castle for Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. The castle was originally built in 1472 by Alexander MacDonald, Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross in the 15th century. Previously owned by Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh, the castle was granted by King James V of Scotland to Clan MacDonell of Glengarry in 1539. In the 17th century, Clan Mackenzie, with the support of Clan Ross, besieged the castle after the Battle of Morar in 1602, in which the MacDonells of Glengarry were defeated by the Mackenzies. According to tradition, after the MacDonells surrendered, Strome Castle was blown up with gunpowder by the Mackenzie clansmen under the leadership of Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail.

## Clan profile

* Clan chief: Traditionally the chiefs of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry have been styled as "Mac Mhic Alasdair". The current chief of the clan is Colin Patrick MacDonell of Glengarry, who is the 24th chief of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. The current chief's sloinneadh (or pedigree) is: Colin Patrick 'ic Aonghas Raghnall 'ic Aonghas Raghnall Dòmhnall 'ic Aonghas Raghnall 'ic Aonghas Raghnall Westdrop 'ic Aonghas Raghnall 'ic Tearlach Mac Raghnuill 'ic Alasdair Mac Raghnuill 'ic Aonghas Mac Raghnuill 'ic Alasdair Fiadhaich 'ic Donnchadh Mac Aonghais 'ic Alasdair Ruadh Mac Dòmhnuill 'ic Iain Mac Alasdair Dubh 'ic Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne Garraidh 'ic Raghnuill 'ic Aonghas Mac Alasdair Dheirg 'ic Dòmhnall Mac Aonghais 'ic Aonghas Aluinn 'ic Alasdair Mac Iain Mhic Alasdair 'ic Iain Mac Alasdair 'ic Alasdair na Coille 'ic Iain Mhic Raghnuill 'ic Dòmhnall Mac Raghnuill 'ic Raghnall nan Eilein 'ic Eoin 'ic Aonghais Og 'ic Aonghais Mhor 'ic Domhnaill 'ic Ragnhaill 'ic Somhairle.
* Chiefly arms: The current chief's coat of arms is blazoned: Or, an eagle displayed Gules surmounted of a lymphad Sable, her sails furled up and rigging proper, in the dexter chief point a dexter hand couped in fess of the Second and in the sinister a cross crosslet fitchee of the Third. Above the Shield is placed a Helmet befitting his degree, with a Mantling Gules doubled Argent, and on a Wreath of his Liveries is set for Crest a raven proper perching on a rock Azure, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto CRAGAN AN FHITHICH; on a Compartment below the Shield are placed for Supporters two bears each having an arrow pierced through his body all proper, and in an Escrol entwined with the Compartment this Motto PER MARE PER TERRAS..
* Clan member's crest badge: The crest badge is suitable for members of the MacDonell of Glengarry clan to wear, which consists of the heraldic crest and slogan. The crest is: A raven Proper perching on a rock Azure. The slogan within the crest badge is CREAGAN AN FHITICH, which translates from Scottish Gaelic as "The Rock of the Raven".
* Clan badge: The clan badge or plant badge attributed to the clan is common heather. This plant is attributed to the other MacDonald clans and some other associated clans such as Clan MacIntyre and the Macqueens of Skye.
* Pipe music: The bagpipe tune Spaidsearachd Mhic Mhic Alasdair (translation from Scottish Gaelic: "Glengarry's March") is attributed to the clan. Other pipe tunes that are associated with the clan are Failte Mhic Mhic Alasdair (Glengarry's salute), and Failte Moarair Bharasdal (Barrisdale's Salute). The clan uses Cumha Mhic Mhic Alasdair (Glengarry's Lament), Chuma Alasdair Dheirg (Alasdair Dearg, Younger of Glengarry, and Chuma Dhomhnaill an Lagain (Lament for Donald of Laggan, i.e. Donald MacAngus, 8th of Glengarry) as their laments, and the gathering music "Cillechriost" is also associated with the clan.