 Ranald, 18th of Clanranald was educated in France where he became acquainted with Charles Edward Stuart.While his father was still chief of the clan, Ranald was, along with Macdonald of Kinlochmoidart and his brother Macdonald of Glenaladale, the first to join Charles Edward Stuart in 1745.After deciding to join, Ranald raised 250 clansmen and after the raising of the standard at Glenfinnan, Ranald led 500 men to Dundee arriving there on 8 September and proclaimed James Francis Edward Stuart as king.