The origins of the Clan MacLeod can be traced to a man named Leod, who was born about 1200, and was the son of Olaf the Black, King of Man and the Isles. Leod married the daughter of MacRaild Armuinn about the year 1220. The seat of MacRaild Armuinn was located where Dunvegan Castle stands now. The stronghold of the MacLeods has remained in Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye for the last 800 years. Throughout the centuries MacLeods have been known for their devotion to their chief, the tenacity with which they have maintained Dunvegan Castle, their appreciation for music and Gaelic Lore, their outstanding record in the professions, and their loyalty to one another. For this devotion, perhaps, they are best known for the symbolic motto and crest Hold Fast. In 1891 Clan MacLeod Societies were founded in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The families of the MacLeod Chiefs of Dunvegan were closely associated with the clan member societies from the very beginning. Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod, the 27th Chief, and Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod, the 28th Chief, were Presidents of the Society. Beginning in 1951, Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod, the 28th Chief of the Clan MacLeod, undertook a number of tours worldwide, in particular visiting countries known to have clansfolk whose ancestors, relatives or themselves had emigrated from Great Britain. Dame Flora MacLeod visits to the United States in 1952 and 1953 stirred up a surge of interest in the clan and led to the founding of the Clan MacLeod Society, USA, Inc. in 1954. The purpose of the organization was to establish a foundation for charitable, historical and educational pursuits for Clan MacLeod members living in the United States. The objective of that meeting continues to this day, in which the society strengthens fellowship among and encourages the study of the Clan MacLeod history and genealogy. There are Clan MacLeod Society members in all 50 states, organized into regional societies by geographic area, each with a regional vice president and a national council of officers providing general administrative direction. Twice a year, the society publishes a newsletter with information and updates regarding the clan in the United States. A general meeting is held annually in various regions within the United States. Every four years a North American Gathering is held jointly by Canada and the United States, with the site alternating between the two nations. The Dunvegan Foundation, which was originally formed to help fund the repair, upkeep, and preservation of Dunvegan Castle, is today the non-profit organization part of Clan MacLeod USA. that works with the Associated Clan MacLeod societies. The Dunvegan Foundation conducts the charitable functions which include promoting the Scottish arts (music, piping and dancing), historical research, scholarships, as well as the preservation of historical places of interest in relation to Clan MacLeod. The Clan MacLeod Society, USA, Inc. is affiliated with the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies (A.C.M.S), based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Associated Clan MacLeod Societies is the international coordinating agency for the U.S. and eight other national MacLeod Societies and publishes the Clan MacLeod Magazine. The other national societies are: Australia (est. 1912; re-est. 1951), Canada (est. 1936), England (est. 1937), France (est. 1981), Germany (est. 2003), New Zealand (est. 1954), Scotland (est. 1891), and South Africa (est. 1960). Once every four years, a gathering of all national Clan MacLeod Society members, called a Parliament, occurs at Dunvegan Castle, Scotland. Present and Past Presidents of the Clan MacLeod Society of the United States, Inc.: John W. McLeod, 2019-; Weeden Nichols, 2015-2019 ; John N. MacLeod, 2011-2014; John B. MacLeod, 2007-2011; William C. MacLeod, 2003-2006; Donald B. MacLeod, 2000-2003; Don Mack McLeod, 1996-1999; William R. McLeod, 1993-1996; Purdy B. McLeod, Jr., 1990-1993; Peter M. Norman, 1987-1990; William A. MacLeod, 1984-1987; Raymond J. McCabe, 1983-1984; James S. McLeod, 1980-1983; Dr. Alexander C. McLeod, 1977-1980; Milton K. McLeod, 1972-1977; Charles Anderson McLeod, 1970-1972; Anthony M. MacLeod, 1966-1970; Dr. Norman W. MacLeod, 1964-1966; Lamar W. McLeod, 1962-1964; Richard H. McLeod, 1960-1962; Sayre MacLeod, 1958-1960; Angus McLeod, 1956-1958; John H. MacLeod, 1954-1956. Chairmen of the Dunvegan Foundation: John B. MacLeod, 2015- ; Larry R. Sears, 2013-2015; John MacLeod Tutterow, 2008-2012; John B. MacCleod, 2005-2008 Presidents of the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies: Peter MacLeod, 2019- ;  Don MacLeod, 2014-2019; John Davidson Kelly, 2011-2014; Dr. Malcolm MacLeod, OBE, 2006-2010; Dr. Alexander McLeod, 1998-2005; Major Angus MacLeod, 1990-1998; Norman MacLeod of Suardal, 1986-1990; Major Loudon MacLeod, Royal Marines, retired, 1980-1986; Alice, Mrs. MacNab of MacNab, 1977-1980; Colonel Colin MacLeod of Glendale, 1968-1977; Brigadier Torquil MacLeod, 1961-1968. MacLeod Chiefs of Harris and Dunvegan: 30th Chief, Hugh MacLeod of MacLeod, 2007- ; 29th Chief, John MacLeod of MacLeod, 1976-2007; 28th Chief, Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod, 1935-1976; 27th Chief, Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod, 1929-1935; 26th Chief, Norman Magnus MacLeod, 1895-1929; 25th Chief, Norman MacLeod, 1835-1895; 24th Chief, John Norman MacLeod, 1801-1835; 23rd Chief, Norman MacLeod (The General), 1772-1801; 22nd Chief, Norman MacLeod (The Red Man), 1706-1772; 21st Chief, John, 1706-1706; 20th Chief, Norman MacLeod, 1699-1706; 19th Chief, Roderick MacLeod (Ruairdh Og), 1693-1699; 18th Chief, Norman MacLeod (Iain Breac/Speckled John), 1664-1693; 17th Chief, Roderick MacLeod, 1649-1664; 16th Chief, John MacLeod (Iain Mor - Big John), 1626-1649; 15th Chief, Sir Roderick (Ruairdh Mor), 1595-1626; 14th Chief, John MacLeod, 1590-1595; 13th Chief, William MacLeod, 1585-1590; 12th Chief, Norman MacLeod, 1559-1585; 11th Chief, Donald MacLeod, 1556-1557; 10th Chief, Mary MacLeod (The Heiress), 1552-1556; 9th Chief, William MacLeod, 1541-1551; 8th Chief, Alexander MacLeod (Alasdair Crotach - Alexander the Humpback), 1500-1541; 7th Chief, William Dubh MacLeod, 1442-1500; 6th Chief, John MacLeod (Iain Borb - John the Turbulent), 1402-1442; 5th Chief, William Cleireach MacLeod (William the Clerk), 1392-1402; 4th Chief, John MacLeod (Iain Ciar), 1370-1392; 3rd Chief, Malcolm MacLeod (built Dunvegan Castle), 1320-1370; 2nd Chief, Norman (Tormod), 1280- c.1320; 1st Chief, Leod, c. 1266-1280.

Note written by Kathleen Smith