Sir Alexander Macdonald (c.1745-95), 9th Baronet of Sleat and 1st Baron Macdonald of Slate

Sir Alexander MacDonald was the head of Clan Uisdean, one of the branches of the extensive Clan Donald, and heir to the ancient Lordship of the Isles. He had estates on Skye and North Uist and is shown here standing on Cnoc an Eireachd, the Hill of the Assembly, the place where the Clan Chiefs had held their Courts of Justice before the imposition of a centralised state. In the background is Duntulm Castle, the former family seat. Sir Alexander has chosen to be portrayed as chief of his ancient celtic clan, in the traditional heart of their lands. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland