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Clan MacNeil

Vincere vel mori (To conquer or die)

Clan MacNeil is centred on the island of Barra in the Western Isles, where Kisimul Castle, on a rocky islet in Castlebay, is the seat of the chief. By clan tradition it descends from Niall, twentieth in line from Niall of the Nine Hostages. General Roderick MacNeil sold Barra in 1838; in 1937 Robert L. MacNeill bought back most of the island and Kisimul Castle.

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MacNeil of Barra tartan
MacNeil of Barra tartan
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Personalized Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration GI63

Personalized Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration GI63

Personalized Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special...
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$25.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
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Bagpiper Ornament

MacNeil · l of Barra Ancient

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration ED70

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special...
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Bagpiper Ornament

MacNeil · of Barra Modern

Clan MacNeil of Barra Family Tartan 2D T-ShirtES53 MacNeil of Barra Tartan 2D T-Shirt Tartan T-Shirt Black S MacNeil of Barra Tartan 2D T-ShirtClan MacNeil of Barra Family Tartan 2D T-ShirtES53 MacNeil of Barra Tartan 2D T-Shirt Tartan T-Shirt

Clan MacNeil of Barra Family Tartan 2D T-ShirtES53 - Black

MacNeil of Barra Family Tartan Clan 2D T-ShirtES53 Product detail: This new 2D t-shirt features a relaxed fit for Men and Women, durable, breathable and soft Made from 100% cotton The High-resolution graphic artwork is printed on the entire shirt. Machine wash cold. The...
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  • Black
  • White
  • Storm Grey
  • Navy

Clan MacNeil of Barra Family Tartan 2D T-ShirtES53

MacNeil · of Barra

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern "Merry Christmas" Tartan Acrylic Ornament UJ65 MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Tartan Christmas Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern "Merry Christmas" Tartan Acrylic Ornament UJ65 MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Tartan Christmas

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern "Merry Christmas" Tartan Acrylic Ornament - MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern 'Merry Christmas' Tartan Acrylic Ornament “Decorating the house” may be one of the most exciting tasks jotted down on your to-do list when the holiday season approaches. Yet, since shabby, dull-looking pieces of decor infest the marketplace, finding real...
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  • MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

Tartan Ornament

MacNeil · of Barra Modern

MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration PV39

Personalized Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special...
From $19.99 USD
$25.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
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Bagpiper Ornament

MacNeil · l of Barra Ancient

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt FE58 MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Tartan Hawaii Shirt Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt FE58 MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Tartan Hawaii Shirt

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt - MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Clan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt These Hawaiian shirts and shorts are suitable for hot summer days or beach trips with your friends, family, and loved ones. This is an excellent gift, vacation outfit, or simply revamp your summer wardrobe.-...
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  • MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt

MacNeil · of Barra Modern

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special...
From $19.99 USD
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Drummer Ornament

MacNeil · of Barra Modern

MacNeil of Barra (MacNeil MacNeill) Modern Clan Badge Tartan Wood Acrylic Ornament Santa PersonalizedMacNeil of Barra (MacNeil MacNeill) Modern Clan Badge Tartan Wood Acrylic Ornament Santa Personalized

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra (MacNeil MacNeill) Modern Clan Crest Tartan Santa Ornament – Custom Acrylic Christmas Decoration - MacNeil

Personalized Clan MacNeil of Barra (MacNeil MacNeill) Modern Clan Badge Tartan Ornament – Custom Acrylic Christmas DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special...
From $19.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
  • MacNeil

Tartan Ornament

MacNeil · of Barra ( l) Modern

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Flat CapClan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Flat Cap, view 2

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Flat Cap - Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Flat CapElevate Your Heritage: The Authentic Tartan Jeff Cap Step into a legacy of timeless style and comfort with our Authentic Tartan Flat Cap. Crafted for the discerning American who cherishes their Scottish roots and appreciates classic elegance, this...
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  • Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan

Tartan Cap

MacNeil · l of Barra Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeill Of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Christmas Gift Bag IH30 MacNeill Of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Tartan Gift Bag

Clan MacNeill Of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Christmas Gift Bag - MacNeill Of Colonsay Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeill Of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Christmas Gift Bag Christmas bags are perfect decorations for Christmas, indoors, outdoors, gardens, courtyards, etc. It is the perfect gift for family and friends. Product Details: Material: Brushed Fabric. Reusable-made of high-quality soft fabric, comfortable to the press,...
$19.45 USD
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  • MacNeill Of Colonsay Ancient Tartan

Tartan Bag

MacNeil · l Of Colonsay Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat NI54 MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Tartan Santa Hat Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat NI54 MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Tartan Santa Hat

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat - MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat Product Detail: Material: Polyester Design Area: Single side full width printing Sizes:'S (26 x 38 cm); L (32.5 x 45 cm) Shop the full Clan MacNeil tartan collection.
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  • MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

Tartan Cap

MacNeil · of Barra Modern Tartan

Clan MacNeil Of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Oven Mitt And Pot Holder (2 Oven Mitts + 1 Pot Holder)Clan MacNeil Of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Oven Mitt And Pot Holder (2 Oven Mitts + 1 Pot Holder), view 2

Clan MacNeil Of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Oven Mitt And Pot Holder (2 Oven Mitts + 1 Pot Holder) - MacNeil Of Barra Modern Tartan Clan

MacNeil Of Barra Modern Tartan Clan Crest Oven Mitt And Pot Holder (2 Oven Mitts + 1 Pot Holder) Product detail: A must-have item for your modern home cooking. The oven mitt & pot holder providesmaximum protection for your hands as well as brighten...
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  • MacNeil Of Barra Modern Tartan Clan

Clan MacNeil Of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Oven Mitt And Pot Holder (2 Oven Mitts + 1 Pot Holder)

MacNeil · / l

Clan MacNeil of Colonsay Tartan Unisex Baseball JerseyClan MacNeil of Colonsay Tartan Unisex Baseball Jersey, view 2

Clan MacNeil of Colonsay Tartan Unisex Baseball Jersey - MacNeil of Colonsay Tartan

MacNeil of Colonsay Tartan Clan Unisex Baseball Jersey Product Detail: Each of our baseball jerseys is custom-made-to-order and handcrafted to the highest quality standards. It is not only extremely soft to the touch but breathable as well. Our jersey is printed on sustainable fabrics...
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  • MacNeil of Colonsay Tartan

Clan MacNeil of Colonsay Tartan Unisex Baseball Jersey

MacNeil · / l

Clan MacNeil Of Barra Tartan Crest Garden FlagClan MacNeil Of Barra Tartan Crest Garden Flag, view 2

Clan MacNeil Of Barra Tartan Crest Garden Flag - MacNeil Of Barra Tartan Clan

MacNeil Of Barra Tartan Clan Crest Garden Flag Product Detail: Welcome guests to your home with this seasonal flag. Available in 2 sizes: Small size 12'x18' and Large size 28'x40' Material: 100% polyester, PU and carbon black. Weatherproof and fade resistant fabric will not...
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  • MacNeil Of Barra Tartan Clan

Tartan Flag

MacNeil · / l

Clan MacNeil of Barra Ancient Tartan Crest Black Garden FlagClan MacNeil of Barra Ancient Tartan Crest Black Garden Flag, view 2

Clan MacNeil of Barra Ancient Tartan Crest Black Garden Flag - Gold Thistle - MacNeil of Barra Ancient Tartan Clan

MacNeil of Barra Ancient Tartan Clan Crest Black Garden Flag - Gold Thistle Product Detail: Welcome guests to your home with this seasonal flag. Available in 2 sizes: Small size 12'x18' and Large size 28'x40' Material: 100% polyester, PU and carbon black. Weatherproof and...
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  • MacNeil of Barra Ancient Tartan Clan

Tartan Flag

MacNeil · / l

MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan canvas table runner with the Clan MacNeill crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan MacNeill crest

Clan MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan with the crest badge of Clan MacNeill printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and...
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From $29.95 USD
  • MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

MacNeil · l of Colonsay Ancient Tartan

MacNeill of Barra Ancient tartan canvas table runner with the Clan MacNeill crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the MacNeill of Barra Ancient tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan MacNeill crest

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the MacNeill of Barra Ancient tartan with the crest badge of Clan MacNeill printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and...
From $29.95 USD
From $29.95 USD
  • MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

MacNeil · l of Barra Ancient Tartan

MacNeil of Barra Modern tartan canvas table runner with the Clan MacNeil crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the MacNeil of Barra Modern tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan MacNeil crest

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the MacNeil of Barra Modern tartan with the crest badge of Clan MacNeil printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and...
From $29.95 USD
From $29.95 USD
  • MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

MacNeil · of Barra Modern Tartan

MacNeil (of Colonsay) tartan canvas table runner with the Clan MacNeil crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the MacNeil (of Colonsay) tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan MacNeil crest

Clan MacNeil (of Colonsay) Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - MacNeil (of Colonsay) Tartan

Clan MacNeil (of Colonsay) Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the MacNeil (of Colonsay) tartan with the crest badge of Clan MacNeil printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in...
From $29.95 USD
From $29.95 USD
  • MacNeil (of Colonsay) Tartan

Clan MacNeil (of Colonsay) Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

MacNeil · (of Colonsay) Tartan

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "MacNeill" on the Santa hat

Clan MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan. The white fur band of...
From $19.99 USD
From $19.99 USD

Tartan Ornament

MacNeil · l of Colonsay Ancient

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a MacNeill of Barra Ancient tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "MacNeill" on the Santa hat

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan MacNeill of Barra Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the MacNeill of Barra Ancient tartan. The white fur band of...
From $19.99 USD
From $19.99 USD

Tartan Ornament

MacNeil · l of Barra Ancient

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a MacNeil of Barra Modern tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "MacNeil" on the Santa hat

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan MacNeil of Barra Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the MacNeil of Barra Modern tartan. The white fur band of...
From $19.99 USD
From $19.99 USD

Tartan Ornament

MacNeil · of Barra Modern

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a MacNeil (of Colonsay) tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "MacNeil" on the Santa hat

Clan MacNeil (of Colonsay) Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan MacNeil (of Colonsay) Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the MacNeil (of Colonsay) tartan. The white fur band of the hat...
From $19.99 USD
From $19.99 USD

Tartan Ornament

MacNeil · (of Colonsay)

Christmas piper ornament in the MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the MacNeill of Colonsay Ancient tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on...
From $24.99 USD
$32.49 USD
From $24.99 USD
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Tartan Ornament

MacNeil · l of Colonsay Ancient

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Tartan Identity

Clan MacNeil’s Tartans

MacNeil of Barra tartan swatch

MacNeil of Barra

Shop MacNeil of Barra →
MacNeil of Colonsay tartan swatch

MacNeil of Colonsay

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The MacNeil Story

  1. 1252

    Neil Macneil, fifth chief, recognised as a prince at the Council of the Isles (clan account)[2]

  2. 1427

    A second branch settles on Gigha under Torquil MacNeil (clan account)[2]

  3. 1838

    The chief sells Barra[2]

  4. 1937

    Robert L. MacNeill buys back most of Barra and Kisimul Castle[2]

Visit the MacNeil Homeland

Map of Scotland with MacNeil places marked

Kisimul Castle, Castlebay, Barra

Seat of the chief, on a rocky islet in Castlebay; the only significant medieval castle to survive in all of the Western Isles.[1][6]

Colonsay

COSCA lists Colonsay, with Barra, as the clan's lands.[4]

Gigha

A second branch settled on Gigha in 1427 under Torquil MacNeil, according to the clan association.[2]

Map outline: Natural Earth (public domain). Pins use official Historic Environment Scotland grid references.

Clan MacNeil Today

ChiefRoderick Macneil of Barra (Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs list)
Clan societyClan Macneil Association of America

Surnames linked to Clan MacNeil

These family names are connected with Clan MacNeil. Each list says who records the link.

Listed by the clan society or COSCA

  • MacNeil
  • MacNeill
  • MacNeal
  • MacNeall
  • MacNeely
  • MacNiall
  • Neil
  • Neill
  • Neal
  • Neale
  • Neilson
  • Neilsen
  • Nelson
  • O'Neil
  • O'Neill

Not your surname? Find your clan by surname →

Questions about Clan MacNeil

Where is Clan MacNeil from?

The island of Barra in the Western Isles, where Kisimul Castle is the chief's seat. COSCA lists Barra and Colonsay as the clan's lands, and the clan association records a second branch on Gigha.

What is the MacNeil motto?

Vincere vel mori, Latin for 'To conquer or die'. COSCA prints the Gaelic form as 'Buaidhi no bas'.

What is Kisimul Castle?

The seat of the chief of Clan MacNeil, on a rocky islet in Castlebay. Historic Environment Scotland calls it the only significant medieval castle to survive in all of the Western Isles.

Who is the MacNeil chief?

The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists Roderick Macneil of Barra. Sources number the chiefs differently, so no number is given.

Are MacNeil and MacNeill the same clan?

Both spellings are used. COSCA lists the clan as MacNeill, with Roderick Macneil of Barra as chief, and includes MacNeil, MacNeill and many other spellings among its surnames.

Sources

  1. Kisimul Castle, Historic Environment Scotland
  2. A Brief History of the Clan Macneil, Clan MacNeil Association of America
  3. Clan MacNeil, Electric Scotland
  4. Find a clan: MacNeill, Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA)
  5. Chiefs (list of chiefs), Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
  6. Scheduled Monument: Kisimul Castle, Castlebay, Barra (SM90347), Historic Environment Scotland portal