108712: Ranald, King of the Isles

Ranald, Raghnall mac Shomhairle (died 1207), was the son of Somerled. He styled himself King of the Isles and developed a strong Christian faith, founding several religious buildings. According to the Books of Clanranald Ranald founded the new Benedictine monastery at Iona in 1203, built on the foundations of the earlier Columban monastery. He also founded the Augustinian nunnery close by, where his sister Bethag became first prioress.

Ranald’s sons Donald and Ruairi were progenitors of the Clan MacDonald and Clan MacRuairi respectively.