However he only used the nickname Ciotach late in his life in 1629 when it appeared in a Latin translation of a Gaelic letter where Coll refers to himself as "Ego Collatius Kiotach Macdonnell".
[2] Coll died aged 77 at Dunyvaig Castle, being executed after he was captured by Clan Campbell opponents.
[4] He was born in Ireland; his birthplace is given as Loughlynch, which is in the parish of Billy, County Antrim, and his mother's name as a local O'Quinn or O'Cahan (O'Kane).
[5] The Colonsay branch of the family, although based in the Hebrides, were particularly closely involved with their kinsmen's interests in Antrim.
His son, Alasdair Mac Colla, was heavily involved in the wars, fighting both in Ireland and in Scotland.