Career
Hector made greater progress in letters than any other man in the country in which he lived during that period. He understood Latin well, and devoted much of his time to the writing of poetry, in both Latin and Gaelic, fragments of which are still preserved. These compositions testify that he was devout.
On account of his literary character he was called Cleireach beag, or little clerk.
That he was well adapted for an emergency is illustrated in the art he exhibited in appeasing the wrath of Ailean nan Sop. The official records show a "gift to Hector McClane, brother and heir of the deceased John McClane of College of the non-entry of College, 24 April 1558." June 28, 1559, is recorded a precept for charter to Hector, son and heir apparent of Hector MacLean of College, of the lands of College, on resignation by the father.
In 1561 a feud broke out between the families of Duart and College on account of the former insisting on the latter following him in all his private quarrels, like the other gentlemen of the clan. College declined on account that he held his lands direct from the crown.
The College family was brought to the very brink of ruin.
