Owing to the poverty of the Highlanders, only those closely related to the chief could afford to be mounted, and when on horseback trews were always worn. It required a tailor of considerable ability to cut the tartan for the trews, which were made in the manner described in the note on the Colquhoun figure (Plate 13). It was usual with the trews to wear a sporran made of tartan cloth, although sometimes otter or badger skins were used, but in this case the sporran is made of leather.

Macneill is seen here mounted on a Highland garron or small horse. These sure-footed animals were specially suited to the difficult terrain, and were renowned for their hardiness. The harness was made of twisted willow rods, and the reins of a rope of hair. As was the case with most of the fire-arms used by the Highlanders, the long fowling-piece was of Spanish manufacture.

The war cry of the Macneills is 'Buaidh no Bas' - 'Victory or Death'. The clan territory is the Island of Barra, which although sold in 1840, once again belongs to the chief of the clan.