In 1533 his Scottish galleys captured a large English ship, the Mary Willoughby, which then joined the navy of James V of Scotland.

[2] He is described by the seanachaidhs as being good, kind, affectionate, and brave, an accomplished politician and an approved warrior; and that in him the clan realized all it desired in a noble chieftain.

He made many improvements on the demesne of Duard; and was the founder of that noble addition, the Great Tower, to Duart Castle.

His alliance was courted by many of the powerful lords; and the king thought it of importance to secure his loyalty by calling him into his council.

[3] Hector Mor Maclean married Mary MacDonald of Islay and the Glens, daughter of Alexander MacDonald, 5th of Dunnyveg, by whom he had two sons and seven daughters:[3] This article incorporates text from A history of the clan Mac Lean from its first settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the present period: including a genealogical account of some of the principal families together with their heraldry, legends, superstitions, etc, by John Patterson MacLean, a publication from 1889, now in the public domain in the United States.