MacIntyre Clan History

The name is derived from the Gaelic ‘Mac-an-T’saoir’ meaning ‘son of a carpenter’ which accounts for its occurrence throughout the Highlands.

By the end of the 13th century the MacIntyres of Glen Noe were foresters to the Lord of Lorn. Some became bards, Duncan of Bàn, and families of MacIntyre became hereditary pipers.

The first chief of record was Duncan who married a Campbell.

Originally the MacIntyres held their land by right of sword but they had acquired feudal obligations to the Campbells, which were purely symbolic until the 18th century. When the Campbells of Breadalbane imposed a rent that progressively grew too great, first Duncan, then Donald, 4th & 5th Chiefs respectively, emigrated to America by 1806.

In 1991, the correct shield of arms was recorded by the 9th Chief and the MacIntyres once more took their seat on the Council of Clan Chiefs.