 As Dòmhnall Gormeson was only a child at the time of his father's death, the leadership of the clan went to his granduncle, Gilleasbaig Clèireach, son of Dòmhnall Gallach.According to the Sleat shenachie, the Privy Council made a strong attempt to apprehend the young chief during his minority.The traditional history has it that he was sent to the safety of Ruairidh Macleod of Lewis.