 In 1431, Roderick fought under Donald Balloch against the king's troops at Lochaber.In 1455, he was part of a Macdonald failed raid on Sutherland, in which the "History of Clanranald" states that while the Macdonalds were ultimately defeated in the engagement, Roderick succeeded in saving most of his men and returned to Castle Tioram.In 1469, the John II, Lord of the Isles granted to his half-brother Hugh of Sleat, much of the lands that were originally held by Ranald.