A Clan DonalD Journey to ArmaDale

So those who have never seen their ancestral lands may virtually experience them, and those who have experienced them may relive their experience here.

Entering the HighlanDs: The beginning of “A Clan Donald Journey to Armadale” illustrates the transition we experience going from the lowlands into the Highlands of Scotland. Our guide is Peter MacDonald, past Resident Director of the Museum of the Isles, Armadale gardens, and Armadale castle ruins on the 20,000 acres owned by the Clan Donald Lands Trust. His narration, in Highland poetic style, explains the meanings and proper pronunciation of Clan Donald Gaelic place-names, and many of the legends associated with every rock & stream of these ancient lands. Peter’s explanation allows us to see the lands of our ancestors as they viewed them for well over a thousand years. We can see literally the heritage that is ours. The background music is Steve McDonald singing his composition “Scotland the Brave” and “Loch Lomond”. Used by permission.

Glencoe: Narrator Peter MacDonald explains the “spirited existence” of the MacIains of Glencoe and shows us the locations of the Massacre of Glencoe including the Henderson Stone and the burial isle Eileen Mundie. The music begins with the MacDonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh playing “Cruel Was the Day” and then Steve McDonald’s composition “Pain”.

Keppoch: Narrator Peter MacDonald shows us the inside and out of the ancient wee chapel “Cille Choirill” featured in Donald J. MacDonald’s book “Clan Donald”. This ancient Keppoch burial ground is where there is an ornately carved stone paying tribute to the famous Keppoch Bard Iain Lom. Peter also tells us the story behind the “Well of the Heads.” Background music is Steve McDonald’s composition “Per Mare Per Terras”.

Glengarry: Peter MacDonald shows us the ruins of Invergarry castle, the Glengarry (loch) itself and Culloden moor. Music is Steve McDonald’s tribute to “The Celtic Warrior” and the major battles in which our ancestors fought and died up to Culloden.

ClanranalD: Peter MacDonald takes us first to Glenfinnen and the monument erected by Alexander Macdonald of Glenaladale. The Highland bell outside the Glenfinnen chapel is traditionally rung once upon entering the Highlands. So we gave it a ring! Peter then shows us castle Tirum ruins and gives the account of this important Clanranald stronghold. Background music is from Steve McDonald’s “Wild Mountain Thyme”.

Over the Sea to Skye: The final scenes of A Clan Donald Journey to Armadale are of the Sleat (pronounced Slate) peninsula on the Isle of Skye where lies the Armadale castle ruins, the last 20,000 acres of Clan Donald lands, and the Museum of the Isles. Peter MacDonald was in the midst of construction of the Museum of the Isles when the video was compiled so the artifacts displayed now have a home where they may be properly preserved. Peter takes us for a tour of the Gardens of Armadale Castle and appeals for the funds necessary for the preservation of these precious artifacts. Background music begins with the MacDonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh playing the “Skye Boat Song” and then Steve McDonald’s “Come to the Isle of Skye” beckons us all to come home.

Donations to the Clan DonalD LanDs Trust: When we filmed and compiled this video in 2000 our intent was to bring attention to the traditional lands held by the main branches of Clan Donald and encourage support of The Clan Donald Lands Trust. In the closing lines of our video Peter MacDonald encourages contributions to the Clan Donald Lands Trust “which go toward our core function, that is the preservation and enhancement of that which is held dear by Clan Donald.” Sadly, in 2025 the Clan Donald Lands Trust announced via a BBC article the sale of Armadale Castle, gardens, museum and 20,000 acres on the Isle of Skye! With this decision of the CDLT Board of Directors to sell “that which is most dear to Clan Donald” we feel compelled to advise our followers that, as of 2025, donations to The Clan Donald Lands Trust will no longer go to the core function, “the preservation and enhancement of that which is held dear by Clan Donald.“ As of 2025, if you choose to donate to The Clan Donald Lands Trust your donation will be used as the CDLT Board of Directors determines appropriate, such as scholarships rather than preserving the Clan Donald lands.

Clan Donald-Heritage, Inc. is not affiliated with The Clan Donald Lands Trust, Inc. although all proceeds (over $3,000.00) from the sale of “A Clan Donald Journey to Armadale” were donated to The Clan Donald Lands Trust during 2001. We regret that The Clan Donald Lands Trust Board has decided to sell our ancestral lands. The Clan Donald Lands Trust was formed in 1971 by prominent members of Clan Donald including Ellice McDonald, Jr. CBE Delaware for the express purpose of purchasing the 20,000 acres including Armadale Castle ruins & Gardens on the Isle of Skye. Thanks to these men the purchase was completed and has been maintained by the CDLT (with substantial annual donations from The Glencoe Foundation, Inc) for over 50 years (until 2025) when the board decided to sell our ancestral lands.

Heartfelt thanks to Steve McDonald for giving his permission to use his compositions & recordings as background music for “A Clan Donald Journey to Armadale”. He has several CD’s, including “Sons of Somerled” currently available that you may purchase through The Steve McDonald Fan Club.