If the records of the English reaching out to Domhnall date to 1315, it would reveal that the Clann Domhnaill leadership was fractured at the onset of the Bruce campaign in Ireland.Penman, M (2014) p. 166; Penman, MA (2014) p. 70. Not only had Eóin Mac Dubhghaill been assigned to make overtures to leading Hebrideans—like Domhnall and Gofraidh—but he was placed in command of the English naval forces responsible for retaking the Isle of Man.Penman, MA (2014) p. 70; McNamee (2012b) ch. 5 ¶ 21; Rotuli Scotiæ (1814) pp. 138–139. The very same year, according to the Bruce, Robert had his fleet dragged across the Tarbert isthmus between Knapdale and the Kintyre peninsula at about the very time his brother, Edward, initiated his invasion of Ireland. The poem further claims that the Islesmen were dejected as a result of Robert's action, on account of an old prophecy foretelling that whoever could sail their ships across the peninsula would hold dominion in the Isles that no other would be able to withstand.MacGregor (2018); Penman, M (2014) p. 166; Penman, MA (2014) p. 70; Duncan (2007) pp. 564–565 bk. 15; Duffy (2002) pp. 59, 193 n. 55; Mackenzie (1909) pp. 268–270 bk. 15; Eyre-Todd (1907) pp. 259–260 bk. 15. It is probable that, whilst in the region, Robert collected submissions from competing members of Clann Domhnaill. The king's visit may have also been intended to counter advances made by Clann Dubhghaill.
