The following is a chapter from Tales of the Clan Chiefs, a very good book by Dane Love.  I have corresponded with Mr. Love and obtained his permission to reprint this chapter for our clansfolk.  It tells a story which I had planned on writing up at some point, but Mr. Love has saved me the trouble!  I have included a few of my own notes in brackets throughout and follow it up with some of the background of this conflict within the bigger picture of the history of the clans.

MacAlister of Loup—The Midnight Burning
Chapter 14 of Tales of the Clan Chiefs by Dane Love
The MacAlisters of the Loup claim descent from the great Clan Donald.  Alasdair Mor was a son of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, who was himself the grandson of Somerled, the half-Viking, half-Scots King of the Hebrides and Argyll.  The lineage grew in number, until in 1493 it was regarded as a separate clan. Alasdair Mor’s family had settled at a place known as The Loup (or Lowb) in Kintyre, on the south side of West Loch Tarbert, and in 1481 Charles MacAlister was appointed Steward of Knapdale and constable of the royal castle of Tarbert (with this he received a grant of lands nearby). [note: other sources indicate that the Stewardship was of all Kintyre].  Not all the MacAlister chiefs were so loyal to the crown; in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries a number of them were involved in clan feuds, and one of the them was denounced as a rebel.

Godfrey MacAlister became the fifth Chief of his clan while still a youth, when his father Alasdair (or Alexander) died in 1587.  Thereafter he was brought up with a relative who also acted as his “Tutor”, as was the custom at the time.  “Gorrie” as he was better known, became acquainted with the young daughter of a neighboring laird of considerable wealth and possessions, and they were often seen together, exchanging gifts and romancing.  Godfrey’s tutor was displeased at this love match and did all in his power to try to separate the pair (it was reckoned that he wanted the young woman as a bride for one of his own sons).  It seems that the tutor succeeded in causing a rift between the young lovers, and they fell out.  However, Godfrey later discovered that this had been set up by his guardian and, not unnaturally, was angered.  Having reached adulthood, he was a fit man, very able to seek his revenge, and when the tutor became aware that Gorrie had discovered his ploy he feared for his life, leaving Kintyre and living for a time in a distant part of the country.  Gorrie meanwhile bided his time and awaited his return.

The tutor came back to Kintyre in 1598, and Gorrie was not long in searching him out.  The two met, and a struggle ensued in which the young MacAlister killed the tutor.  The tutor’s sons, who had been involved in their father’s plot against the chief, took fright and fled for protection to Askomill, on the north shore of Campbelltown Loch, the town-house of Angus Mac Donald of Dunyveg.

The rest of the article, as well as the Clan Historian’s commentary,  are found in the print Fortiter Newsletter.

Just a reminder about the great Clan MacAlister Society tour to Scotland starting May 26th, 2005 and information packet that you should have received in the mail from Mona Dunlop. We hope will be joining us for this historic, once in a life time, presentation of the Blazon of Arms to Master Ranald MacAlister. And the following Spring tour of the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. 

We wish that every one of you could share this momentous occasion in the history of Clan MacAlister with Chief William and Master Ranald. If you have decided to take the trip and have not sent in your deposit it is due to Mona Dunlop no later than Feb 13th, 2005.  

As we mentioned before, if you have ever wanted to go to Scotland and have been putting it off for, no good reason, this is time to go. You will be present at Master Ranalds special ceremony, and attend his congratulatory Dinner and Ceilidh in Edinburgh, followed by the tour of the heather covered Highlands of Scotland. The tour will include visit at the MacAlister Clan Center at your very own Glenbarr Abbey. What could be more exciting.

I know that the exchange rate between the Pound and Dollar is not as good as we would like but it will not get better any time soon so don’t put off going thinking it will get better. Don’t pass up this chance to go to Scotland with us now.  

Space is limited to only 25 for the tour, so move quickly to secure your reservation. Call Mona today at 925-829-3505 or eMail her trulytvl at pacbell.net.

I am looking forward to having you join us in Edinburgh for this historic event in Clan HistoryCall to day, don’t delay!

Slainte,
Dennis I. McAllister
Chairman

 Now that you have all voted and the new Clan MacAlister Dress Tartan shown below was selected, we want to be able to fill all of your orders for as soon as it is woven.  The initial weaving of 100 yards will be available in April. However, most of it is already spoken for.  We need to you to tell us how much fabric you want so that it can be included in the initial order. This high quality Moreno Wool tartan is an exceptional buy at only $35.00 a yard.  However the weaver has told us that prices will be higher by the time we order another weaving so its important to put your order in now to get the lower price.

You should have received a Dress Tartan order form in the mailing with the Clan’s Scotland Tour information.  If you have lost or misplaced the form, contact Clan MacAlister Society Secretary, June Miyaji (june.m at bcglobal.net) today and she will email you another copy of the order form. 

She needs your order now so that we can continue the first weaving until we have enough fabric to fill all your orders some time in April.  We know you will be as excited as we are about having a kilt, plaid, dress or sash made of the new Dress Tartan. 

Order today so you don’t miss out on the first weaving and have to wait for the next weaving and pay the higher price.

DON’T DELAY ORDER YOUR TARTAN TODAY!!!