Domhnall mac Pharlain
Sable, in pall a plate between three bull’s heads cabossed Or
Thegn Domhnall mac Pharlain was born in the feudal barony of Arrochar, in the Scottish Highlands, in the late 13th century. He grew up on these same ancestral lands, located at the heads of Loch Long and Loch Lomond, with his clansmen, considered by many to be quite a turbulent lot. They are so competent at raiding the neighbor’s cattle herds at night, that the full moon is often referred to as “Macfarlane’s Lantern”. Domhnall proudly displays this aspect of his history on his Arms.
Like many of his neighbors, Domhnall made a rare trip out of the Highlands to fight along side Robert the Bruce, in the Wars for Scottish Independence from the English king Edward Plantagenet. Following a victory at Bannock Burn in 1314, Domhnall, still a young man, returned briefly to his beloved homeland. It was at this time that he met and married Beathog nic Dhonnchaidh, daughter of the Donnachaidh clan chief, himself also a Bruce supporter. Soon after, Domhnall was called into service again, and the couple eventually accompanied King Robert I to Lochleven Castle, in 1323. A then Scottish stronghold, the castle had been strategically situated in the middle of Loch Leven by the English, between the royal burghs of Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh, but was captured by the Scots in the latter part of the 13th century, by the forces of William Wallace.
They remained in residence on the island for several years and then traveled rather extensively in later years. Their travels eventually led them to the lands of the Kingdom of Caid, where they continue to reside among friends. They are both well known within the kingdom for their bardic and performance arts. They visit their homeland and the lands surrounding Loch Lomond, whenever possible.
In addition to his musical interests, Domhnall is a skilled archer and woodworker. He enjoys metalworking, calligraphy and period cookery.