The Highlanders of Scotland - Clan Strachan Society

2IO THE HIGHLANDERS [part ii
support of his nobles to the settlement of the crown on his
daughter at any price, the adherence of Allan was obtained
by a grant of a great part of the ancient earldom of Garmoran,
which remained ever afterwards in this familv, and was now
known as the lordship of Garmoran. Allan left one son,
Roderic, of whose history little is known, but it would appear
that he was not considered legitimate by the feudal law, for
we find that Allan was succeeded in his lordship of Garmoran
by his daughter Christina, although the Highland law, by which
Roderic was unquestionably considered legitimate, had still
so much influence as in some measure to compel Christina
to legalise Roderic's possession of these lands by a formal
resignation and regrant. Roderic afterwards incurred the
penalty of forfeiture during the reign of Robert Bruce, probably
from some connexion with the Soulis conspiracy of 1320. But
his lands were restored to his son Ranald by David H. Roderic
had but one son, Ranald, and one daughter, Amie, married
to John, lord of the Isles. Ranald, however, did not long enjoy
his extensive territories, for holding some lands in North Argyll,
of the Earl of Ross, his proximity of situation gave rise to a
bitter feud between these powerful chiefs. David II. having
in 1346 summoned the barons of Scotland to meet him at Perth,
Ranald made his appearance there with a considerable body
of troops, and took up his quarters at the monastery of Elcho.
William, Earl of Ross, who was also with the army, took this
opportunity of revenging himself upon Ranald, and having
surprised and entered the monastery in the middle of the night,
he slew Ranald with seven of his followers. By the death
of Ranald, the descendants of Roderic became extinct, and
John of the Isles, the chief of the clan Donald, who had married
his sister Amy, became entitled to the succession, to which
he immediately laid claim.