Angus was the second son of Angus 鈥楳or鈥� Macdonald (d ca 1296). His mother鈥檚 name is unknown but she was a Campbell. His older brother was Alexander Macdonald (d about 1308). Angus was also known by his titles of King of the Hebrides or Lord of the Isles.
Little is known about Angus Macdonald, most public records are about his brother Alexander or his son, John. However, we do know that he was good friends with Robert de Bruce. After Bruce鈥檚 defeat at Methven he fled and received the protection of Angus Macdonald. Angus ferried Bruce between his lands, staying firstly at the Castle of Saddel, then to the Castle of Dunaverty and finally to the island of Rathlin on the Irish coast. In early 1307 Bruce left Rathlin. This service by the Donald clan to Bruce cemented the relationship and trust that Bruce had for Angus Macdonald.
Angus already owned vast lands in northern Scotland but he was rewarded for his loyalty to Bruce with further grants of land, including, the islands of Mull, Jura, Coll & Tiree and the districts of Glencoe, Morvern & Lochaber.
Angus fought in the Battle of Bannockburn, where he led the attack of the Highlanders (estimated between 5-10,000 men). This attack is believed to have decided the battle in the Scots favour.
He married Agnes O鈥機athan, daughter of the Irish Chief, Guy O鈥機athan. They had 3 children 鈥� Mary Macdonald, John Macdonald and Finvola Macdonald.
He is thought to have been buried in Iona.
