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As a Highland clan, the MacDougalls are one of the three oldest in existence dating from 1164 when Dougall, Somerled's oldest son and the clan's patronymic forebear, inherited the central portion of his father's kingdom. Dougall's heritage from the Gael and the Norse is shown in the present arms of the MacDougall Chiefs which quarter the lion of the ancient Scottish Kingdom of Dalriada and the black royal galley of the Norse. From their principal seats of Dunstaffnage and Dunollie Castles, The MacDougall Lords of Lorn and chiefs of the clan exerted a major influence in what is now Argyll and in the islands to the west. This era of widespread power ended during the first years of the 14th century when the MacDougalls chose the losing side in the struggle for the Scottish throne.