Torquil MacNeill

Torquil MacNeill (Scottish Gaelic: Torcall MacNèill) was a mid sixteenth century clan chief.

As late as 1553, Torquil was still regarded to be chief, for he is recorded as "principalis seu primarius tribus sive familie de MacNeille".

Skene also noted that Torquil was not designated with any property, and supposed that the chiefs of his clan were the hereditary keepers of Castle Sween.

Thy death has filled me with grief, The hand round which I lived so long, That I hear not of its strength, And that I saw it not depart; That joyful mouth of softest sounds, Well was it known in every land.

Lion of Mull, with its white towers, Hawk of Isla, with its smooth plains, Shrewdest of all the men we knew, Whom guest ne'er left without a gift.

Shapely falcon of Sliabh Gael, Protection to the bards thou gav'st, Dragon of Lewis of sandy slopes, Glad as the whisper of a stream; The loss of but a single man Has left me lonely, now he's gone.

See the palace of a generous race, Vengeance is taken on clan Neil, The cause of many a boastful son, And will till they lay us in the grave; And now 'tis hard to bear, alas!