Warriors at both sea and on land, the MacLeans claim a descent from the forbiddingly named Gilleathain na Tuaighe – Gillian of the Battleaxe – who displayed the martial ardour for which his clan was to become renowned when he fought valiantly at the battle of Largs in 1263 against a band of Norsemen.
• The islands of Mull, Tiree, Coll and Morven were all Maclean territories, while on the mainland they were also to be found in Knapdale.
• Many legends attach themselves to the clan and, in common with other legends, may have been based on some elements of fact that were then exaggerated for dramatic effect.
