THE BOOK OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE
In the "Book of the Dean of Lismore" the author of a poem of praise to Malcolm MacGregor, 4th chief of the Clan MacGregor, who died April 20, 1440, is Mac Giolla Fhionntog, the Man of Songs. This is the translation into English of this poem: "The hunting of Scotland, without leave, belongs with its spoil to Malcolm. Many in his halls are found together, men who carry well-sharpened swords, red gold glittering on their hilts. Harmonious music among harps, men with dice-boxes on their bands, men who leave the game of tables to go and lead forth the hounds. No hand like his amidst the fight, he tis that ever victory won. Liberal he ever was to bards." The bards were the poets in the early days of Scotland who recorded historical events, usually in poem and song. Each clan had its own bard. Mac Giolla Fhionntog, (McClintock in English) was apparently, a clan bard or Man of Songs, as he called himself. He may have even been the Clan Bard of the Clan MacGregor, as the MacGregors were a major clan during this time in history. They claimed land in the District of Lorne north of Loch Awe which was near the territory occupied by the McClintocks.
_________________________________________