A clan associated with the Inner Hebrides and Argyll, they were dispersed when King Alexander II subdued Argyll in 1222. Some members remained on Mull, while others settled in Morvern and Lochaber. Tradition suggests that Gillebride or Gillivray came to Strath Nairn from the west and placed the clan under the protection of Clan MacIntosh c.1263, and thus Clann Mhic Gillebhrath became part of the Clan Chattan confederation. The MacGillivrays were first accurately recorded in 1549 at Dunmaglass. They were Episcopalians and, having been persecuted by their Presbyterian neighbours, became Jacobites. They suffered heavy losses after Culloden, where their chief was killed, and many emigrated to Canada.
Notable members of the clan were the naturalist William MacGillivray (1796 - 1852) and sculptor James Pittendrigh MacGillivray (1856 - 1938).
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