MacFarlane Black and White

Description

Strathclyde/Gododdin Welsh origins Clan MacFarlane claims its descent from the original line of the Earls of Lennox, through Gilchrist, brother of Maol Domhnaich, Earl of Lennox, who received in charter, “de terris de superiori Arrochar de Luss”, the lands of Arrochar which the MacFarlanes held for centuries until the death of the last chief. Gilchrist’s son, Duncan, also obtained charters for his lands from the Earl of Lennox, and appears in the Ragman Rolls as “Dunkan Makilcrift de Leuenaghes” (Duncan son of Gilchrist of Lennox). Duncan’s grandson was Parlan (or Bartholomew), from whom the clan takes its name from. Malcolm MacFarlane, the son of Parlan, was confirmed the lands of Arrochar and others, and “hence Malcolm may be considered as the real founder of the clan”. Malcolm, in turn, was succeeded by his son, Duncan, who obtained by charter the lands of Arrochar, dated in 1395 at Inchmurrin. Duncan seems to have married Christian, daughter of Sir Colin Campbell of Loch Awe, as stated in a charter of confirmation by Donnchadh, Earl of Lennox, also dated in 1395. Iain MacPharlain, in 1420, received confirmation to his lands of Arrochar.