Research by genealogist Flo Straker, indicating that there is NO family connection between Alastair MacLean, author of wartime novels, and Donald MacLean the Cambridge spy, both of whom had Tiree roots. Alistair Stuart MacLean (b. 1922 at Daviot Manse) was descended from Donald MacLean (b. 1729) and Mary Lamont of Heylipol. Donald Duart MacLean (b. 1913 in London) was descended from Alexander MacLean, Cornaigbeg (b. 1732) and Mary MacNaughton (Reid), Kirkapol (b. 1736).
Hardback book ‘High Country’ by Rev. Alistair MacLean, 1928. The Rev. MacLean had Tiree roots and was a writer as well as being the minister for the parish of Daviot and Dunlichity. The book is a collection of his own essays about the role of Christianity in life. His son was the famous author Alistair MacLean who wrote ‘The Guns of Navarone’ and ‘When Eight Bells Toll’.
Information and photos about the ancestry and family of author Alistair MacLean
Two documents and seven photographs detailing the ancestry and family of the author Alistair MacLean (“When eight bells toll” etc) whose paternal grandfather, Lachlan MacLean b.1852, was from Tiree, and whose maternal great-grandfather, Archibald Lamont b.1805, was from Tiree: (1) Mary Margaret MacEachern Lamont, Alastair`s mother, and (2) Gilleasbuig MacLean, Alastair`s brother. Includes family trees. Donated by Ian MacLean, London, Alastair`s nephew. Photographs accessioned separately Q139-Q145.
Photograph of the author Alistair MacLean in the 1960s
Black and white portrait photograph of Alistair MacLean (1922-1987) in the 1960s. Alistair was the grandson of Lachlan MacLean of Tiree and wrote several famous novels, some of which were made into films e.g. `Where Eagles Dare`. (Original photo stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2)
Photograph of novellist Alistair MacLean in the 1940s
Black and white portrait photograph of the novellist Alistair MacLean in Royal Navy uniform in the 1940s. Alistair was the grandson of Lachlan MacLean of Tiree and wrote several famous novels, some of which were made into films e.g. `Where Eagles Dare`. (Original photo stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2)
Photograph of the novellist Alistair MacLean as a baby with his family ca. 1925.
Black & white photograph of the Rev. Alistair MacLean and his wife Mary Lamont with their sons L-R Lachlan, Ian and Alistair, outside the manse in Daviot. Mary is carrying the fourth brother Gillespie. Rev. Alistair MacLean was the son of Lachlan MacLean, Tiree. Alistair junior wrote several famous novels, some of which were made into films e.g. `Where Eagles Dare`. (Original photo stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2)
Photograph of the novellist Alistair MacLean as a child, ca. 1930
Black & white photograph of the novelist Alistair MacLean as a child sitting on the lap of the manse housekeeper, Janet McNiel, in his father`s car outside the manse in Daviot around 1930. The other children are Alastair’s “little friends from school”, who may include his brothers. Alistair was the grandson of Lachlan MacLean of Tiree and wrote several famous novels, some of which were made into films e.g. `Where Eagles Dare`. (Original photo stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2)
Photograph of the manse at Daviot where novellist Alistair MacLean was brought up.
Black & white photograph of the manse at Daviot, near Inverness, where the novellist Alistair MacLean was brought up. Alistair was the grandson of Lachlan MacLean of Tiree and wrote several famous novels, some of which were made into films e.g. `Where Eagles Dare`. (Original photo stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2)
Black & white photograph of Daviot Church, near Inverness, in the snow in March 1937. Daviot was the parish church of the Rev. Alistair MacLean whose father Lachlan was from Tiree. Alistair`s son Alistair MacLean wrote several famous novels, some of which were made into films e.g. `Where Eagles Dare`. (Original photo stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2)
Photograph of novellist Alistair MacLean ca. 1965.
Colour photograph of novellist Alistair MacLean aboard a converted MFV boat which he bought to research his novel `When Eight Bells Toll`. He is pictured with his brother Ian`s family. L-R: Alistair, Bunty, Margaret, and Ian (on Alistair`s knee). Alistair was the grandson of Lachlan MacLean of Tiree and wrote several famous novels, some of which were made into films e.g. `Where Eagles Dare`. His brother Ian was a master mariner and was credited in the introduction to novel `HMS Ulysses` for his technical input. (Original photo stored in filing cabinet 9 drawer 2)
