The Deerstalker’s Heirloom: Ronald MacColl's Winchester Cannon on the Isle of Mull

On the rugged shores of the Isle of Mull, amid the breathtaking wilderness of Scotland's Hebrides, a remarkable piece of history intertwines with the life of a legendary deerstalker—Ronald MacColl—and his Winchester Model 98 Cannon.

Early Life and Heritage
Born into the Art of Stalking

Born at Blackmount, east of Oban, Ronald MacColl carried the rich heritage of Scottish stalking in his veins. His family had been stalkers for generations, steeped deeply in the tradition of guiding hunts during the celebrated Victorian era, when deer stalking rose to prominence among aristocrats and adventurers alike.

Journey to the Isle of Mull
Establishing Laggan Deer Forest

In the 1880s, MacColl left Blackmount to settle on the Isle of Mull, drawn there by Hector Maclaine of Lochbuie to establish the Laggan deer forest. This forest soon flourished, attracting illustrious visitors such as Princess Louise, Queen Victoria's daughter, and the famed African big game hunter and naturalist, Frederick Courteney Selous. Selous, who visited Mull in August 1894, grew particularly fond of MacColl, commemorating their friendship with personal photographs still treasured by MacColl's descendants today.

The Winchester Cannon Arrives
A Companion for Celebration and Practicality

Around 1905 to 1910, Ronald MacColl acquired an exceptional companion for his adventures—a Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon. This small but powerful piece of saluting artillery, an early thin-walled "pencil" barrel model, became an integral part of life on Mull. Beyond entertainment and celebration, the cannon played practical roles, dispersing wildlife and aiding in the hunting of seals and sea otters along Mull's rocky shores. Photographs of MacColl and his family posed proudly with the cannon, preserved from before the First World War, highlight the significance and enduring value placed upon it by the MacColl lineage.

Adventures and Anecdotes
Humor Amid the Hunt

Ronald MacColl's exploits reached legendary proportions not just for his skills as a stalker, but also for his boundless humor and resilience. A well-remembered incident captured vividly in local lore recounts MacColl's hunt disrupted by the unexpected ringing of his wife's American alarm clock—a humorous mishap that echoed through Mull's forests long after the deer had fled.

Beyond his legendary hunts, MacColl's skills extended to wildlife management and conservation, as he maintained a delicate balance between the island's wildlife and its human inhabitants. His intimate knowledge of the terrain and wildlife behavior earned him profound respect from peers and visiting dignitaries alike.

Artistic Connections
Inspiration for Edwin Landseer’s “Stag at Bay”

MacColl's legacy stretched beyond the hunt; he was reputedly connected through his father, Duncan, to the renowned artist Edwin Landseer, whose iconic painting "Stag at Bay" is said to have drawn inspiration from Duncan MacColl's own stalking experiences. Ronald himself is immortalized in vivid narratives shared by contemporaries like Mrs. Olive Guthrie, who cherished days spent stalking by his side. She vividly described MacColl's athletic prowess and remarkable speed, recounting the precision and courage he displayed in swiftly dispatching wounded stags—an art form that captivated all who witnessed it.

Community and Reputation
A Life Cherished and Remembered

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, MacColl's home on Mull became a storied place of hospitality and camaraderie, a gathering spot for hunters, naturalists, and artists alike. Tales of his hunting adventures became popular anecdotes, recounted with affection and admiration around firesides throughout the Hebrides.

Ronald MacColl passed away peacefully in 1944 at the age of 94, deeply revered and fondly remembered by the community. His Winchester Model 98 Cannon endures as a powerful symbol of a bygone era, echoing a vibrant past filled with royal visits, famous naturalists, and humorous adventures amid the heather-clad hills and wild shores of Mull.

Legacy Passed Down
Restoration by the Next Generation

Today, this treasured cannon is in the care of MacColl's great-grandson, John Maughan, lovingly passed down through generations. Currently, John is dedicated to the careful restoration of the cannon, with the intention of preserving it as a cherished mantelpiece; ensuring this cherished heirloom will be admired and treasured by future generations, serving as a tangible link to the colorful history of Ronald MacColl and his enduring legacy on the Isle of Mull.

*Photography used by permission from Mr. John Maughan, Isle Mull - Scotland. All rights reserved.