David Macdonald of Castle Camus 

CDUSA, High Commissioner 

Resolution of Clan Donald USA Opposing the Sale of Armadale Castle, 

Gardens, and Museum of the Isles by the Clan Donald Lands Trust 

WHEREAS, Armadale Castle, Gardens, and the Museum of the Isles, located on the Sleat peninsula of the Isle of Skye, represent the spiritual and historical heart of Clan Donald, embodying over 800 years of heritage and serving as a global focal point for Clan members and the Scottish diaspora; 

WHEREAS, the Clan Donald Lands Trust (CDLT), established in 1971 through the collective efforts of Clan Donald members worldwide, including significant contributions from Clan Donald USA, was created to preserve and promote the history, heritage, and culture of Clan Donald and the Lordship of the Isles for the benefit of Clansmen and the local community; 

WHEREAS, Clan Donald USA members and Clan members worldwide are the rightful beneficiaries of the Clan Donald Lands Trust, entitled to the 

preservation of its assets, including Armadale, to fulfill the Trust’s charitable purpose of promoting Clan Donald heritage; 

WHEREAS, the proposed sale of Armadale Castle, Gardens, and the Museum of the Isles, announced on March 24, 2025, as part of the broader South Sleat estate sale, was made without meaningful consultation with Clan Donald USA or the wider Clan, resulting in widespread feelings of hurt and concern among

members; 

WHEREAS, the Clan Donald Lands Trust has cited financial challenges, including increased operational costs and reduced grant funding, as the basis for the sale, yet has not provided transparent financial disclosures, such as audited accounts, or adequately explored viable alternatives, such as community partnerships or management reforms, that could preserve Armadale’s cultural and economic significance; 

WHEREAS, the Clan Donald Lands Trust’s proposed digital platform to replace Armadale’s physical presence is insufficient, as it cannot replicate the emotional, cultural, and economic significance of the Clan’s historic heart, lacks detailed plans for feasibility or engagement, and fails to support the Sleat community’s local economy; 

WHEREAS, Armadale is integral to the identity and economy of the Sleat community, supporting local employment, crofting, and tourism, and its sale without broad stakeholder input undermines principles of fairness and community engagement, particularly in light of the Scottish Parliament’s ongoing debate on the Land Reform Bill, which emphasizes consultation for significant land transactions; 

WHEREAS, Clan Donald USA, representing over 2,000 members, has historically provided substantial financial and moral support to the Clan Donald Lands Trust, including through the efforts of past High Commissioner Ellice McDonald, Jr., and other benefactors, and views Armadale as a shared legacy that must not be treated as a mere real estate transaction; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Clan Donald USA : 

1. Strongly opposes the proposed sale of Armadale Castle, Gardens, and the Museum of the Isles by the Clan Donald Lands Trust, as it undermines the Trust’s founding purpose and the interests of its Clan beneficiaries worldwide. 

2. Urges the Clan Donald Lands Trust to immediately pause the sale process to allow for meaningful consultation with Clan Donald USA, the wider Clan, the Sleat community, and other stakeholders to explore alternatives that preserve Armadale’s heritage and community benefits. 

3. Demands greater transparency from the Clan Donald Lands Trust regarding its financial situation and decision-making process, including detailed evidence of the claimed financial necessity (e.g., audited financial statements) and documentation of efforts to explore all possible options to retain Armadale. 

4. Supports efforts by the Sleat community and Clan Donald members worldwide to pursue legal and strategic initiatives to halt the sale and secure a

sustainable future for Armadale under new management that includes Clan and community representation and honors the Trust’s charitable purposes. 

5. Commits to mobilizing Clan Donald USA members to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of Armadale as the Clan’s spiritual home, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be communicated to the Clan Donald Lands Trust, its Board of Trustees, and CEO Alex Stoddart, as well as to the Sleat Community Council and relevant Scottish authorities, including those overseeing the Land Reform Bill. 

Adopted this 1st day of July 2025 by the board members of Clan Donald USA by unanimous decision from all those attending. Two were unable to be present. 

Clan Donald USA, Inc., 3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE, 19807, United States, https://clandonaldusa.org MANAGE NOTIFICATIONS