Loud MacLeod gathering... well, sort of

**Hebridean** · 21st December 11, 07:01 AM

A story about the loud Macleod, I heard many years ago as a boy, was that it was given to Macleod of Dunvegan by the Jacobites, and that the yellow represented the treachery they believed the Macleods were guilty of. Anyway, Dunvegan was suspicious, and never took to it - the tartan eventually ending up as being associated with the Lewis branch.

Just a story - I hope it doesn't annoy anyone - my father told it to me, I think he got it from one of his uncles, who was a MacLeod from Skye.

By the way - a big Hello from Ireland from me. Lots of Hebridean connections, as you can see from my username.

**Jock Scot** · 21st December 11, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by Hebridean

A story about the loud Macleod, I heard many years ago as a boy, was that it was given to Macleod of Dunvegan by the Jacobites, and that the yellow represented the treachery they believed the Macleods were guilty of. Anyway, Dunvegan was suspicious, and never took to it - the tartan eventually ending up as being associated with the Lewis branch.

Just a story - I hope it doesn't annoy anyone - my father told it to me, I think he got it from one of his uncles, who was a MacLeod from Skye.

By the way - a big Hello from Ireland from me. Lots of Hebridean connections, as you can see from my username.

Well, there is a story that I have not heard before. I have no idea how true it is.

**Hebridean** · 21st December 11, 07:32 AM

Nor have I Jock, I do know that the tartan was disliked in the family - I have an aunt in Glasgow who still rails against it. There were definitely some talented storytellers as well

In saying that, I've always thought that it was an interesting possibility, the Jacobites certainly were bitter with the Macleods at one time.

**Jock Scot** · 21st December 11, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by Hebridean

Nor have I Jock, I do know that the tartan was disliked in the family - I have an aunt in Glasgow who still rails against it. There were definitely some talented storytellers as well

In saying that, I've always thought that it was an interesting possibility, the Jacobites certainly were bitter with the Macleods at one time.

It was when the Chief of the MacLeods flatly refused, in 1745, to join Bonny Prince Charlie in his endeavours.The MacLeod of MacLeod's reasoning was that without the French army the cause would fail. He was right!

Many MacLeods did in fact join BPC as individuals.

**Hebridean** · 21st December 11, 07:57 AM

I'm aware of the history thanks Jock, and I agree the Macleods were right to refuse the Jacobites. The story in my own family was that those events were very divisive.

**Jock Scot** · 21st December 11, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by Hebridean

I'm aware of the history thanks Jock, and I agree the Macleods were right to refuse the Jacobites. The story in my own family was that those events were very divisive.

I felt sure that you knew the history. I just put in the explanation for those here, who were not aware of the events.

**Hebridean** · 21st December 11, 08:26 AM

Oops! I probably didn't phrase that last message very well either Jock - it sounds like I'm being a bit short with you - definitely not my intention.

Getting back to tartan, I was always told that the green tartan was correct for all Macleods - it seems to be mostly associated with the Dunvegan branch these days though.

As for the yellow one, It was never considered proper at all and that if anything it was an insult(this is just from my family mind, there is no offence intended - I'm just relating how some Macleods viewed the tartan at one time) As I said an elderly aunt still won't even look at it - and I mean that! - it's been the source of jokes from time to time(I once sent her a loud Macleod postcard)

I thought this attitude toward the tartan was more prevalent than it obviously is, it seems to be quite popular if anything. Anyway, there it is, talk to you again.