CLAN MACLEAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22584, 24 November 1936, Page 9

CLAN MACLEAN

DEATH OF CHIEF SCOTTISH CENTENARIAN BOYHOOD VOW FULFILLED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 23, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 22 The death has occurred of Sir Fitzroy Maclean, chief of the Clan Maclean, aged 101, As a boy, he was shown Duart Castle, which had been the home of the Macleans for 1000 years, but had fallen into decay. He vowed he would restore the castle as a residence. This vow was fulfilled in 1012. Hundreds of clansmen from all parts of the world visited Sir Fitzroy on his 100 th birthday in May, 1935. It is probable that deceased will be buried on the sacred isle of lona. Ho will be mourned by more than 20,000 members of the Clan Maclean.

Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, 10th baronet, who .succeeded his father. Colonel Sir Charles Maclean, in 18815, was born on May 18, JB.'is. He received his commission in the 13th Hussars, a regiment lie commanded later, from the Duke of Wellington in 1852. During the Crimean War he served with the 13th Light Dragoons, and was present at the battle of Alma and the siege of Sebastopol, and at the cavalry affair at Bui-' janak. In 1865 lie was selected to report on the French manoeuvres, and was frequently in conversation with the French Emperor. After the American Civil War he was stationed with his regiment in Canada, and in 1880 ho was appointed colonel in the West Kent Yeomanry Cavalry.

The Macleans were noted throughout centuries of Scottish history for their devotion to the House of Stuart. The baronetcy was treated in 1631. The second baronet fell in the Royal cause at Invcrkeithing in 1651, the fourth was with his clan at Killiecrankie and Sheriffmuir, and the fifth was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1745, but was released later. Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull, which had passed out of the hands of the family, was reacquired bv Sir Fitzroy in 1911 and restored in 1912, when there was a great gathering of clansmen to mark the event. There are said to be more than 15,000 Macleans —members of the clan —in ■Scotland, and more than 20,000 in Canada and the United States. There was a large gathering of members of the clan at Duart Castle on May 18 last year, to celebrate the 100 th birthday of their chief. At the same time, a history of the clan was broadcast, and Macleans in all parts of the world listened to an account of the celebrations. The heir to the baronetcy is Mr. Charles Hector Fitzroy Maclean, grandson of Sir Fitzroy, who was born on May 5, 1916.