There are two septs of the powerful clan of M'Donaid, who are called Mac-Ian, that is John's-son; and as Highlanders often translate their names when they go to the Lowlands,as Gregor-son for Mac-Gregor, Farquhar-son for Mac-Farquhar,Lochbuy supposed that Dr. Johnson might be one of the Mac-Ians of Ardnamurchan, or of Glencro.

It is also interesting, as showing the manner in which the English government in Dublin proceeded in the subjugation of Ireland, by embroiling its septs with one another.