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| FORGET NOT Clan Crest © Art Pewter Silver Ltd, East Kilbride, Scotland |
CLAN TARTAN CAMPBELL OF ARGYLL |
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The Campbells have, over the centuries, been the dominant influence in the West Highlands of Scotland. The original Celtic clan name was claimed as being Clan Duihne, from Diarmid O’Duine. However it is also considered that in the face of competing claims for the origin of the name that it cannot be determined with any certainty. In the 13th century Archibald Campbell obtained, by marriage, the lordship of Lochow. Sir Colin Campbell, of the Campbells of Argyll, was knighted in 1280 and from him successive chiefs derive the patronym MacCailen Mhor. Colin’s son, Sir Neil, married Marjorie Campbell and, thereafter the Campbells played a leading part in Scottish national affairs, generally being supportive of the national government.The family home was originally a strong castle which covered the small, Loch Awe island of Innis Chonaill. However the 1st Earl of Argyll, moved in 1474 to Inveraray Castle on Loch Fyne, which has been the seat of the Campbell Chiefs since. The First Earl played a part in destroying the power of his long-time rivals the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles. By the time of the 8th Earl, the clan was helping the Calvinists persecute Highland Catholics. Then in 1644 Montrose arrived, and with the Catholics, MacLeans, MacDonalds and other victims of the Campbells behind him, turned the tables for a time. At Inverlochy the following year, the clan suffered its greatest single defeat in history. However William of Orange, in the 1680’s, restored the family estates and raised the 10th Earl to dukedom. |