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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> MacDougal

MacDougal Clan Tattoos - The clan takes its name from Dougall, Somerled's son, who, after his father's death in1164, held most of Argyll, and also the islands of Mull, Lismore, Jura, Tiree, Coll and many others. The Celtic Christian mane Dougall, or Dugald, is derived from the Gaelic 'dubh-gall', meaning 'black stranger'. His royal descent was acknowledged by the king of Norway, and he styled himself 'King of the South Isles and Lord of Lorne'.His son, Duncan, and his grandson, Ewan, built castles to defend their broad dominions, including Dunstaffnage, Dunollie and Duntrune on the mainland, and Aros, Cairnburgh, Dunchonnel and Coeffin on the islands. Dunollie, a crag rising up over seventy feet, was probably fortified as early as the 6th century and was to become the chiefs seat.Duncan also built Ardchattan Priory, where the Macdougall chiefs were buried until 1737.

Ewan held his island possessions from the king of Norway and his main- land ones from the king of the Scots, and he found it hard to remain loyal to both. A choice was forced upon him in 1263, when King Haakon of Norway arrived of Oban with a huge fleet for his planned invasion of the west coast of Scotland. Ewan declined to join the invasion and because of old blood ties, Haakon left him in peace. However, Ewan saw that neutrality would ultimately lead to disaster, and attacked the Norse fleet near Mull. The Vikings were utterly defeated at the Battle of Largs, and three years later all of the Hebrides were ceded by Norway to Scotland.

Clan MacDougal Motto: Buaidh No Bas
From Gaelic: Conquer or die

See also: Claddagh, Thistle Tattoos, Scottish Lion Tattoo Designs, Welsh Dragon Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Designs, Celtic Tattoo Designs, Family Crests, Cross