The most powerful clan ?

[DreadGod]

Which was the most powerful Scottish clan ?

I have heard and read many claims as to being the most powerful Scottish clan...

During the early wars of independence during the time of Wallace, it was perhaps the Clan Comyn ?

Later the Clan MacDonald became the most powerful in the Highlands only to be out powered by the Clan Campbell ?

With the Clan Douglas being the most powerful clan in the Lowlands.

But what about the Stewarts and Murrays ? Even the Drummonds have claimed to be the most powerful clan in Scotland.

So who was the most powerful Scottish clan ?

[Duthill]

how long is a piece of string ?

[ANDY-J3]

At any given time you had different clans dominating different parts of the country and influencing monarchs but overall the clan which has played the most prominent role in shaping Scottish history would surely be the Douglas clan. I think that's why for centuries the Scottish crown and various Douglas factions were in constant conflict because often the clan was more powerful and influential than the King himself and you also often find them acting as regents etc. so for long periods they were the dominant power in Scotland.

[DreadGod]

Originally Posted by ANDY-J3

At any given time you had different clans dominating different parts of the country and influencing monarchs but overall the clan which has played the most prominent role in shaping Scottish history would surely be the Douglas clan. I think that's why for centuries the Scottish crown and various Douglas factions were in constant conflict because often the clan was more powerful and influential than the King himself and you also often find them acting as regents etc. so for long periods they were the dominant power in Scotland.

What you say is probably right, but I think it only applies for no later than the 17th century by which time the Douglases had lost most of their power.

[Lachlan09]

Originally Posted by DreadGod

What you say is probably right, but I think it only applies for no later than the 17th century by which time the Douglases had lost most of their power.

But Kirk and Michael restored some of the former glory in the second half of the 20th Century !