As is so often the case in my books, I’ve started with historical fact and built fiction in and around what is known to be true. In the case of the 14th century MacRuaris, there is a lot of opportunity to play. Ruari MacRuari, presented here as Niall and Ceara’s grandfather, did have a daughter, by his wife, as well as a son, probably by his mistress. The daughter was named Áine (sometimes written as Amy) and married John of Islay (Eòin Macdonald), Lord of the Isles, around 1337. Ruari’s son by his mistress was Raghnall. When Ruari died, the chieftainship passed to his oldest son, Raghnall, and when Raghnall subsequently died (assassinated by William III, Earl of Ross) the family holdings passed to Áine and through her to her husband. There also is a suggestion that Ruari may have had a se
