Godfrey James Macdonald, 8th Baron Macdonald (born 28 November 1947), is a Scottish nobleman, landowner and head of Clan Donald.
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Early life
He is the second child and oldest son of Alexander Macdonald, 7th Baron Macdonald, and his wife Anne Whitaker. He was educated at Eton College.
Career
Lord Macdonald succeeded to the title Baron Macdonald in 1970 on the death of his father, becoming Chief of the Clan Donald. Being a title in the Peerage of Ireland he wasn't entitled to a seat in the House of Lords even before the House of Lords Act 1999.
He was an elected member of Invernessshire County Council 1970–1975 and of Skye and Lochalsh District Council 1975–1983.
Personal life
On 14 June 1969, Macdonald married Claire Catlow OBE. Together, the couple have three daughters and a son:
Hon. Alexandra Louise Macdonald (b. 1973), who married the German-Austrian nobleman and landowner Baron Philipp zu Guttenberg, brother of German politician Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.
Hon. Isabella Claire Macdonald, (b. 2 Oct 1975)
Hon. Meriel Iona Macdonald (b. 1978)
Hon. Godfrey Evan Hugo Thomas Macdonald (b. 1982).
Lady Macdonald is a noted cook and food writer.