[ [205] Sliabh Ghaidheael, a range of hills in Kintyre.
[ [206] In Innes’ Orig. Par. vol. ii. pt. i. p. 41, we find that Hector M’Torquil Mac Neil was constable of Castle Sween in 1472. In 1481 the office and lands were conferred on Colin Earl of Argyle. Between these two periods M’Neil would appear to have died, leaving no heir in the direct line.
[ [207] Castle Sween is an ancient stronghold at the mouth of Loch Sween in Knapdale, said to take its name from Sween of Argyle, who flourished in the thirteenth century; but the Irish annalists make mention of it at a much earlier period. It was probably a stronghold of the Dalriadic monarchs.
[ [208] This poet was probably a M’Gregor.
[ [209] In the Dean’s Obits, as already quoted, we find that, in 1519, died John Dow M’Patrick M’Gregor of Glenstray, at Stronmelochan. He was apparently the subject of this laudatory ode. He is called grandson of Malcolm. Accordingly, we find among the Dean’s Obits, that Malcolm M’Gregor, son and heir to John M’Gregor of Glenstray, died in 1498.
[ [210] The original is “sliochd an row,” or “an rudha.” It is translated as if the word were “rìghe,” kings; but the Editor is in doubt if this be the word meant.
[ [211] The M’Gregor’s glens were Glenurchay, Glendochart, and Glenlyon.
[ [212] “Brainean,” the word here translated prince, is the ancient Gaelic form of the Welsh “Brenhin,” a king. The word is now obsolete in the Highlands.
[ [213] “Cu ceaird,” The artificer’s dog, is an old name for Cuchullin. It is said in Ireland to have originated in Cuchullin having killed the watch-dog of Cullin, artificer to King Cormac; whereupon he undertook to watch himself, and hence obtained the name of Cullin’s dog, or Cuchullin, also “Cu ceaird.”
[ [214] This is a curious fragment, and is of interest from the references in it to the Highland clans. The writer, who towards the close gives his name as Maoldomhnaich, Servus Domini, was apparently the illegitimate son of some man of note, and was in all likelihood a Maclean.