Quote Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown View Post
The Earl of Antrim??? A Chief??? By who's recognition??? No doubt he's an Earl (rather like the Earl of Stockton is an Earl, but not the chief of his clan). This may seem to enhance the status of the "High Council", and awe the clansfolk, but as far I can recall there never was a "MacDonald" (of any spelling) of "Antrim".

To be sure there was (and is) a MacDonnell of the Glens (Mac Iain Mor) as recognized by the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland about thirty years ago. He was succeeded by his son, the present Count Randal MacDonnell of the Glens, who now lives in Dublin.

Antrim, a very nice chap by all accounts, is descended from a junior branch, through the female line. And, if this "high council" is supposed to represent all of the branches of the Clan, where is the opera singing, former hearing aid salesman, recently recognized by Lyon as Chief of the MacDonalds of Keppock? Isn't he grand enough for the "High Council"?

Ignoring two rightful chiefs and putting in a "placeman", no matter how well their intentions may be, calls the whole "High Council" into question.
Don't sugarcoat it, MacMillan. Tell us what's on your mind.