Murder Under Trust: Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean of Duart, 1558-98

This is a biography of Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean of Duart, the “Great Maclean” who dominated the Western seaboard of Highland Scotland from 1578 until his death in 1598. The scene is set against changes in European warfare and politics in the mid-16th century and in the turbulent society of the Hebrides. Then follows an account of Lachlan Mor’s role in the dramatic battle between Protestants and Roman Catholics that was fought both in the hills of North-East Scotland and in Ulster. The “Great Maclean” played a prominent part in both conflicts. It is, however, his involvement in Ulster that makes him a figure of more than merely national importance. Lachlan Mor’s story is based mainly on the reports of spies working for Queen Elizabeth I of England and Philip II of Spain. The author also draws on Sir Lachlan’s original letters in both Scots and Gaelic.