Small MacDonald Wool Scarf

MacDonald is one of the greatest names of the Hebrides. Clann Dòmhnaill takes its name from Dòmhnall mac Raghnaill, who died around 1250 and descended from Somerled, styled King of the Hebrides. The chiefs held the title of Lord of the Isles until 1493, ruling from the island castle at Finlaggan on Loch Finlaggan, Islay. The clan’s motto, “Per mare per terras”, means “by sea and by land”, and its war cry, “Fraoch eilean”, means “the heathery isle”. The MacDonald Dress sett was among those delivered to the Highland Society of London between 1815 and 1822, signed and sealed by the chief, and it is a brighter, more celebratory version of the clan’s tartan.

This scarf is crafted from 100% pure extra fine lambswool in a Scottish mill with 250 years of heritage. Vivid red and green lead the check, with lines of blue, white and black giving the pattern its sparkle and depth, and the overall effect is lively yet well ordered. It adds easy character to a cream tee, dark denim or a stone jacket.

Twenty-nine patient stages bring each scarf to completion, and the last is the most traditional: the lambswool is brushed by hand with teasels, which lift the fibres into a soft, airy finish. The result is a scarf of understated luxury, light in the hand and gentle in warmth, its fringed ends adding a graceful finish, made to be worn on any occasion and treasured for years to come.