Donald was the son of Allan MacLeod and Catherine MacAskill of 14 Ruisgarry (Trealigarry). Born in 1911, he and his twin Roderick were pupils at Berneray School between 1917 and 1925.

Donald married Chirsty Margaret MacKillop and they made their home at Trealigarry. The croft was passed to Donald following the death of his mother in 1943. He had no children, and following his death the croft passed to his wife.