[5][6] The same year, he was elected Lord of the Isles, making MacDonald and Campbell significant figures in Scotland.
[3][4] In 1560, James MacDonald and the Earl of Argyll made a bond to resist any French incursions in Ireland, but MacDonald changed his position after Mary, Queen of Scots returned from France to rule Scotland in person, and his wife was received at court.
[8] During the Battle of Glentasie on 2 May 1565, MacDonald and Sorley Boy were captured by Shane O'Neill and imprisoned.
MacDonald succumbed to his wounds shortly after being captured, while being imprisoned at Castle Crocke, near Strathbane.
[9][10] By his wife, Agnes, daughter of Colin Campbell, 3rd Earl of Argyll and Lady Jean Gordon, he was the father of: