MacIntyres are probably the only independent clan that has close connections with both the Campbell's and the MacDonalds, who were fierce rivals and for that matter, still are at Scottish gatherings. It is Donald, the grandson of Sommerled, who is the progenitor of Clan Donald. However, it is highly likely that it was the nephew of Sommerled through his sister, who is the progenitor of Clan MacIntyre. His first name is variously called Maurice or Murdach and his surname MacArill, MacNeill or O'Neill. It is likely that the MacIntyre Chiefship predates by at least one generation and probably more that of Clan Donald, but MacIntyres lacked the power inherited by Sommerled's son and grandson.

Connection to Sommerled is as follows: Sommerled, Thane of Argyll, wanted the Western Isles possessed by Olav the Red, Norse King of Man and the Southern Isles. Sommerled hoped to accomplish this without fighting by aiding Olav in his own conquests further South in England and by marrying Olav's daughter, Ragnhild. Olav didn't take the bait but Sommerled's nephew stole aboard Olav's galley and bore holes in the side above the water line and plugged them with wax. When Olav's galley went out to sea, the waves began to wash out the wax and the galley took on water. To save himself, Olav agreed to the marriage and the nephew saved the galley using the wooden plugs he had prepared. There is reason to believe that the nephew's reward was Glen Noe and thenceforth he gained his nickname, "the wright" or carpenter. His son was the son of the carpenter, the name that was inherited by the descendent from that time hence. This connection with Sommerled explains the number of similarities with Clan Donald, such as the white heather badge, and the galley, eagle and cross crosslet fitchee on the coat of arms.