Alasdair Crotach Project Development Committee

St Clement's Rodel

The church at Rodel, Harris, where Alasdair Crotach is buried. Image courtesy of Tex McCloud

Alasdair Crotach

Alasdair “Crotach” (1455 to 1547) was the 8th Chief of the Clan MacLeod of MacLeod.   Chief Alasdair (known as “Lord Alexander” to the English speaking world) was a fierce warrior, but he was also able to accomplish many peaceful projects at home, at a time when resources were extremely scarce.  He commissioned work on Dunvegan Castle, including the construction of the famous Fairy Tower, as well as the restoration or construction of a number of religious buildings on the Isle of Harris.  As Chief, he was responsible for a vast geographical area and the people and farms that were part of it.  He was also a man of culture, and employed a number of musicians, singers, and story tellers.  He established a college for pipers on the Isle of Skye.  The Crotach’s breadth of accomplishments makes him a fitting inspiration for the project work of the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies.

About the Committee

There are many local projects undertaken by our Clan MacLeod National and Regional Societies.  We encourage you to contact those societies to learn more about projects in your local geographical areas that may need your support.  The Alasdair Crotach Committee exists to help support those other projects with an international significance, or projects that may require international exposure to be successful.  Guided by ACMS’s objectives, the Committee may also develop proposals for projects that can attract new funding for various clan activities.  This Committee will also champion issues of interest to our Young MacLeods, worldwide.

Projects completed in recent years

  • The Emigration Wall at the Orbost Farm
  • Restoring and upgrading the Amenity Woodland path at Dunvegan Church
  • Rebuilding the pier at Dunvegan Castle

Ongoing projects

  • Support to the Lewis and Harris Piping Society annual competition
  • Support to the restoration of Ui Church at Stornoway
  • Digitising all Clan MacLeod Magazines
  • Repairs to the MacLeods of the Lewes and Raasay chiefly grave sites in South Australia