The western chiefs had thought themselves independent of the king, and were obedient only to the Lord of the Isles, who ruled in princely style.
He was summoned before parliament for treason; and that on failing to appear, the process of forfeiture against him was suspended for a time, and he was allowed to retain undisturbed possession of his estates for about fifteen years.
Commission was given to Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, to prosecute a decree of forfeiture against him; and on the appointed day, failing to appear, sentence was passed upon him.
This caused great dissatisfaction on the part of Angus, the bastard son of MacDonald, a man who was early accustomed to rebellion.
His father-in-law and his accomplices were successful in involving the Lord of the Isles in difficulties, and although he did not scruple to misrepresent his son-in-law and brand him as a recreant chief, yet Lachlan's judgment and skill warded off every blow Argyle attempted to inflict.