Blair Collection > Gaelic bards

Sir John Maclean of Uuart was born in 1670.
His father, Sir Allan, died in 1674. Lachlan
INIaclean of Brolas and Lachlan Maclean of
Torloisk were appointed his guardians or tutors.
When about seven years of age he was sent to
Brahan Castle, where he lived until he was old
enough to be sent to college. Lachlan, eldest son
of Allan Maclean of Grulin, was with him as a
companion. He took the management of the
affairs of his estates into his own hands in 1687.
He fought at Killiecrankie in 1689. He had five
hundred of his followers with him. Lachlan
Maclean of Lochbuie was Lieutenant-Colonel
under him. He retired to the garrison of Cairn-
burg in 1690, where he remained until March
31st, 1692. He lived in France from 1692 until
1703. Queen Anne bestowed a pension of £500
a year on him. During her reign he lived chiefly
in London. He lost his estates, the Earl of
Arg}dl having obtained possession of them. He
joined the Earl of Mar with eight hundred fol-
lowers, in 171 5. He took a distinguished part in
the battle of Sheriffmuir, November 13th, 17 15.
He became ill at Perth. He was unable to follow
the Chevalier to P'rance, although he was offered
accomodation on board his ship. He parted with
his men at Keith, and went to Gordon Castle,
where he died March 12th, 1 7 16. He was buried
in the Church of Raffin in Banffshire, in the
family vault of the Gordons of Buckie. He was
well educated, and spoke Gaelic, English, and
French fluently. He was a brave, honest, and
generous man ; but blindly attached to the unwise
Stewarts.