Matheson Collection > Clan Donald > Volume 1

THE CLAN DONALD UNDER JAMES IV. 299
come to the conclusion that the only cure for these
disaffected Islanders was expulsion from their
possessions. This proved, however, a difficult task,
but James was determined to give effect to his new
scheme. To strengthen his government in the
Highlands, he began to parcel out the lands of the
Lordship of the Isles among his own favourites.
To John Maclan of Ardnamurchan, presumably
" for his good and faithful service done and to be
done" to the King, and " for the taking, trans-
porting, and handing over to him of the rebels, John
of the Isles and Glens, John Cathanach, his son,
and their accomplices," a charter was granted of
many lands in Isla and Jura.^ To Stewart of Appin
the King granted a charter of the lands of Glencoe
and Duror;^ while Lord Gordon, the eldest son of
Huntly. received a charter of many lands in
Lochaber.^ The first step taken in the process of
expelling the vassals of the Isles was to summon
them before the Lords of Council for not having
charters for their lands, but, as might have
been expected, none appeared in response to the
summons, and decree accordingly was pronounced
against them.* This was the signal for rebellion.
Donald Dubh, who had been kept in custody ever
since he was a child, was looked upon by the
Islanders as the heir to the Lordship of the Isles.
It was also well known to the Government, though
for political reasons it was not acknowledged, that
Donald was the lawful son of Angus Og, who, by
an Act of Parliament in 1476, was declared heir
to his father, John, Lord of the Isles.
1 " The Book of Islay," pp. 28-30.
- Register of the Privy Seal, Book I., foL 99.
'^ Register of tlie Ureat Seal, vol. II., No. 2259.
•• Acta Dom. Con. XI., folio 13.