The Macdonald Children: Ranald (1788-1873), Robert (d.1863) and Donald (d.1837) (oil on canvas)

The eldest of the Macdonald children, Reginald George (known as Ranald), is shown sitting on a rock with his brother, Robert. The youngest brother, Donald, is shown standing by their side. It has been suggested that they are enacting a ‘childish parody of Highland dance.’ All the children are wearing the fashionable ‘skeleton’ suits that had become popular in the 1780s. They were called as such because of their close fit and because the lower and upper halves connected together with buttons. Reginald (1788-1873) succeeded as 19th Chief of Clanranald and 7th of Benbecula at the age of five. Later in his life, he was forced to sell all his estates because of financial difficulties.