About 4 years ago I made an amazing discovery.
I was researching my husband’s family tree and I found out that he was descended from “the” branch of Clanranald that is currently holding the Chieftainship. That, on his paternal side, he descended from Hugh Macdonald IV of Boisdale, the last “official” Laird of Boisdale who lived from 1785-1875.
Hugh’s father had his lands on the island of South Uist, in Scotland put in trust as he was hugely in debt. Eventually, all the lands were sold off and his only surviving son, Hugh, moved to England. Hugh was already in his 30s when he left Scotland. He went from Scotland to Plymouth, then Swansea, Wales and eventually settled in Liverpool.
He married a woman with whom he had 11 children.
The amazing discovery was that the current clan chief, Captain Ranald Macdonald, 24th Captain of Clanranald, was awarded the title of clan chief because it was believed that Hugh Macdonald IV of Boisdale, died with no living male heirs. WELL, I discovered that this was not true!
Hugh had a son called Charles Edward Stuart Macdonald (1841-1902) who survived him. His direct male descendant lives on to this day in Liverpool.
WHAT DOES ONE DO WHEN THIS INFORMATION IS FOUND?? I wrote an article about it for the Ontario Genealogical Society Newsletter (as his descendants live in Ontario too).
Low and behold, it was read by someone who is very interested in setting things right. It’s been 4 years now and so many people have been contacted. Letters and emails have been sent, articles written, blog,twitter and Facebook posts….and yet, nothing has really happened – yet. It’s just now catching on that this is important stuff and needs to be addressed. I’m so grateful for the people who have helped me so far. I want the truth out there.
Has anyone else ever discovered something BIG? Something that would change the record books or make for a great story (a movie even?) I’m wondering how others have handled the information they had found. Did they contact certain people or societies? Was there anything done with the information they found?
Please comment and let me know!
Ties That Bind 
Whew!! That’s an amazing discovery because to the Scots the clan chieftain’s position is VERY important and carries many responsibilities. I wonder if there’s been an instance like this before and how it was resolved?
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Yes, this has happened before and been challenged and resolved. It’s a long process put if you have all the data to back up the claim, it can work!
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Good luck!
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I can’t help, but wow, what a discovery! I’ve found some cool stuff in my family tree, but nothing history changing. Hope you get it sorted!!
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Could I please contact you privately re: Charles.
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Please contact me at smoffatt2009@hotmail.com
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You can contact me directly via my email smoffatt2009@hotmail.com
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