The MacFarlanes are descendants of the Earl of Lennox whose brother was to bestow the lands at Arrochar, by Loch Long, confirmed to Iain MacPharlain in 1420.

When Earl Duncan of Lennox was executed by James I the MacFarlanes had a valid claim to the title, yet it was given to the Stewarts by the crown. Initially there was some dispute but they would remain loyal to the Stewarts.

The Macfarlanes are decended from Alwyn, Celtic Earl of Lennox. whose younger son, Gilchrist received lands at Arrochar on the shores of Loch Long at the end of the 12th century.

Robert the Bruce when forced to flee the lochside and reach safety of the west Highlands was shelterd by Malduin, grandson of Gilchrist.

Duncan, the last Celtic Earl of Lennox, was executed by James I and although the Macfarlanes had a valid claim to the Earldom, the title was given to John Stewart, Lord Darnley.

When the Stewarts proved too powerful for the Macfarlanes opposition Andrew Macfarlane, the 10th Chief, married a younger daughter of Lord Darnley, cementing a new alliance.

Clansmen fell at Flodden in 1513 along with the 11th chief and at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 along with Duncan the 13th chief while opposing the invading English.

After the the murder of Lord Darnley (Mary Queen of Scots' second husband) the Macfarlanes opposed the Queen and were noted for their gallantry at the Battle of Langside in 1568.

They fought at Montrose's great victory at Inverlochy in 1645. The clan does not seem to have played any major part in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745.

The 20th chief, Walter Macfarlane who lived in Edinburgh for most of his life died in 1767 and the clan lands at Arrochar were sold off. The direct male line of the chiefs failed in 1886. Walter, the 20th Chief, (mid-18th Cent.)

Walter was a renowned scholar and antiquarian. At the site of his home now stands the Landmark Cobbler Hotel which contains an inscribed stone taken from the original house over the main doorway.