The current chief of Clan MacDonald, often referred to as the High Chief of Clan Donald, is Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald, the 8th Lord Macdonald.
The Current High Chief
Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald assumed the chieftainship following the death of his predecessor in 1970. As the 8th Lord Macdonald, he leads Clan Donald, the ancient and historically significant Scottish clan from which many branches bearing the MacDonald name derive.
Understanding Clan Donald and Clan MacDonald
While the question specifically asks about "Clan MacDonald," the chieftaincy is often referred to as the "High Chief of Clan Donald." It's important to understand the relationship between these names:
- Clan Donald is the historic and ancestral clan, one of the oldest and largest of all Scottish clans. Its lineage traces back to Donald, son of Ranald, son of Somerled.
- Clan MacDonald is a prominent and widespread name that emerged from Clan Donald. Many distinct branches, such as MacDonald of Sleat, MacDonald of Keppoch, MacDonald of Clanranald, and others, carry the MacDonald surname and descend from the broader Clan Donald.
Therefore, the High Chief of Clan Donald is universally recognized as the principal chief for all these various MacDonald branches and is the ultimate hereditary leader of the clan family.
Chieftaincy Details
| Title | Name | Succession Year |
|---|---|---|
| High Chief | Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald | 1970 |
| Hereditary Title | 8th Lord Macdonald | N/A |
His leadership continues a long and distinguished line of chiefs who have guided one of Scotland's most famous and influential clans through centuries of history.
