 The clan chief of the Macdonalds of Clanranald is traditionally designated as "The Captain of Clanranald" () and today both the chief and clan are recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the heraldic judge in Scotland.The Macdonalds of Clanranald are one of the branch clans of Clan Donald—one of the largest Scottish clans.The eponymous ancestor of Clan Donald is Donald, son of Reginald, son of Somerled.