| has gloss | eng: The McGhee family is an ancient lowland family of Scotland, established as Lords of Balmaghie in Galloway since the 10th century. Both the Clan Donald and the Clan Mackay claim it as a sept. Historically, however, the Mackays are in fact an offshoot of this family rather than vice versa. Its ancient origins are uncertain: some claim it was founded by an Irish chieftain of the 10th century, others that it is an offshoot of the royal MacEths, descended from Malcolm III. Its extensive property in the Borders was acquired during the reign of the Stuarts. The family has always been self-consciously lowland and, almost uniquely among prominent Scottish families, remained entirely indifferent to the Clan system, as historians have noted: |
