Clan Cameron

Clan Cameron is a West Highland Scottish clan, with one main branch Lochiel, and numerous cadet branches. The Clan Cameron lands are in Lochaber[7] and within their lands lies Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain in the British Isles.[8] The Chief of the clan is customarily referred to as simply "Lochiel".[9]

Clan Cameron
Clann Camshron, Na Camshronaich[1]
Crest: (old): A dexter arm embowed in armour, the hand grasping a sword, all proper, encircled by a belt and buckle.[2]
(current): A sheaf of five arrows, proper, tied with a band, gules, encircled by a belt and buckle.[2]
Motto(old): Mo Righ 's Mo Dhuchaich (For King and Country).[2]
(current): Aonaibh Ri Chéile (Let Us Unite).[2]
War cryChlanna nan con thigibh a so's gheibh sibh feòil (Sons of the Hounds, Come Hither And Get Flesh)[3]
Profile
RegionHighlands
DistrictLochaber
Plant badgecrowberry, or oak
Chief
Donald Angus Cameron of Lochiel
The 27th Chief of Clan Cameron (Mac Dhòmhnaill Dubh[1] [maxkˈɣõː.əl̪ˠtuh])
SeatAchnacarry Castle[4]
Historic seatTor Castle[4]

History

Origins

The origins of Clan Cameron are uncertain and there are several theories:

1. A manuscript of the clan says that it is old tradition that the Camerons were originally descended from the son of the royal family of Denmark who assisted the restoration of King Fergus II of Scotland, and that their progenitor was called Cameron from his crooked nose (Scottish Gaelic: cam-shròn, [ˈkʰamaɾɔːn]) – such nicknames were and are common in Gaelic culture, and that his dependants then adopted the name.[9][10]

2. Another possible origin is that Donal Dubh, the first chief of Clan Cameron was descended either from the Macgillonies or, the mediaeval family of Cameron of Ballegarno in Fife.[11]

3. According to John Mair, the Clan Cameron and Clan Chattan shared a common origin and together followed one chief, but Mair's statement had no foundation or evidence to support it. However, more recent research does appear to suggest and even confirm that the Camerons and their later septs such as the MacGillonies, the MacPhails, along with the MacMillans were part of the older, original Clan Chattan.[12] Allen surnamed MacOrchtry the son of Uchtred is mentioned by tradition as the chief of Camerons during the reign of King Robert II of Scotland and, according to the same source, the Camerons and Clan Chattan were two rival, hostile tribes.[9][10]

4.Sometime around the beginning of the 15th century (or possibly earlier) the Camerons established themselves as a Highland clan in the western end of the Great Glen in Lochaber.[13] It is likely they did so through the marriage of a local heiress of the Mael-anfhaidh kindred (Clan Mael-anfaidh, which Moncreiffe translates as "children of He who was Dedicated to the Storm").[13] The Collins Scottish Clan Encyclopedia states that the heiress was from the MacMartin of Letterfinlay family.[11] By the 15th century, after the Mael-anfhaidh chiefship had passed into the Cameron family, the local families of MacMartin of Letterfinlay, MacGillonie of Strone and MacSorley of Glen Nevis were absorbed within the incoming Clan Cameron.[13] In consequence, the early chiefs of the Highland Camerons were sometimes styled "MacGillonay".[13] Studies of Manuscript 1467 have thrown closer light on the relationships between the Camerons, MacGillonies, MacMartins and others.[14][15][16] Since the 15th century though, Clan Cameron chiefs have been more commonly styled Mac Dhomnuill Dubh, in reference to the first Cameron chief whom succession can be traced.[13] Donald Dubh was the first "authentic" chief or captain of this confederation of tribes which gradually became known as the Clan Cameron,[11] taking the name of their captain as the generic name of the whole, until the clan was first officially recognized by that name in a charter of 1472.[8][9]

Wars of Scottish Independence

According to tradition, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Clan Cameron fought for King Robert the Bruce, led by Chief VII John de Cameron against the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and later led by Chief VIII John de Cameron at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333.[9]

14th century and clan conflicts

It was in the time of chief Alan Macdonald Dubh Cameron, 12th chief of Clan Cameron that a feud began with the Clan Mackintosh and Clan Chattan that continued sporadically for about 300 years.[11]

The first recorded battle was the Battle of Drumlui in 1337 in which a dispute arose between the Clan Mackintosh and Clan Cameron over land at Glenlui and Loch Arkaig.[17]

This was followed by the Battle of Invernahoven in 1370, also against the Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan.[9][18]

The Battle of the North Inch was fought in 1396 as a trial by combat, between thirty selected warriors on each side from the Clan Cameron and Chattan Confederation of Clan Mackintosh.[9][19]

15th century and clan conflicts
A Victorian era, romanticised depiction of a member of the clan by R. R. McIan, from The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, published in 1845.

In 1411 the Clan Cameron fought at the Battle of Harlaw near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire in support of Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles, chief of Clan Donald who claimed the title of Earl of Ross. Their enemy was Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany.[9][20] The Camerons also fought at the Battle of Lochaber in 1429, between forces led by Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross, 3rd Lord of the Isles and the royalist army of King James I of Scotland.[9][21] Shortly after this the Camerons again fought against the Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan at the Battle of Palm Sunday in 1429, at the instigation of the Lord of the Isles.[9][22]

In 1431 the Clan Cameron fought at the Battle of Inverlochy (1431) against the Clan Donald whose chief Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross had been imprisoned by the king. The MacDonalds were then led by Alexander's nephew, Donald Balloch MacDonald who defeated the royalist army led by the Earl of Mar.[9][23] In 1439 the Clan Cameron fought against the Clan Maclean at the Battle of Corpach.[9][24]

In 1441 another battle with the Mackintoshes, the Battle of Craig Cailloc, was fought.[9][22] In 1472 Alan MacDonald Dubh, 12th Chief of the Clan Cameron was made constable of Strome Castle on behalf of the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh. He was later killed in battle in 1480 fighting the Mackintoshes and MacDonalds of Keppoch.[9] In 1491 the Clan Cameron took part in the Raid on Ross.[9][25]

16th century and clan conflicts

In 1505, during Dubh's Rebellion, the Battle of Achnashellach is said to have taken place between the Camerons against the Clan Munro and the Clan Mackay.[9][26] During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Cameron chief, Ewen Cameron and a portion of his men survived fighting against the English army at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.[9][27]

In 1544, a feud took place over the disputed chiefship of the Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald and this resulted in the Battle of the Shirts where the Camerons provided archers in support of the MacDonalds against the Clan Fraser of Lovat who were defeated. Legend has it that only five Frasers and eight MacDonalds survived. The Camerons subsequently carried out successful raids upon the Clan Grant and Clan Fraser lands, which were incredibly rich and fertile to the Lochaber men. Owing to his role in this conflict Ewen Cameron fell into disfavour with the Earl of Huntly, Chief of Clan Gordon and Lieutenant of the North. Chief Ewen Cameron would be executed as a result of this battle and other actions at Elgin in 1547.[9][28]

The Battle of Bun Garbhain was fought in 1570 when Donald Dubh Cameron, XV Chief of Clan Cameron, had died, leaving an infant son, Allan, at the head of the clan. During the battle the Chief of MacKintosh is believed to have been killed by Donald 'Taillear Dubh na Tuaighe' Cameron, (son of the XIV Chief of Clan Cameron), with a fearsome Lochaber axe.[9][29]

In 1594 Allen Cameron, XVI Chief of Clan Cameron led the clan at the Battle of Glenlivet in support of George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly, Chief of Clan Gordon who defeated the forces of Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell.[9][30]

17th century and Civil War

During the Civil War at the Battle of Inverlochy 1645, Clan Cameron fought on the side of the Royalist Scots and Irish who defeated the Scottish Covenanters of Clan Campbell.[9] The clan continued to oppose Oliver Cromwell, and played a leading role in Glencairn's rising of 1651 to 1654.[9]

The Stand-off at the Fords of Arkaig 1665 – a standoff without bloodshed that saw the Camerons finally end their 328-year feud with the Chattan Confederation, led by the Clan Mackintosh.[31]

In 1668, Sir Ewen Cameron, XVII Chief of Clan Cameron was responsible for keeping the peace between his men and Clan Mackintosh. However, when he was away in London a feud broke out between Clan MacDonald and the Mackintoshes. As Sir Ewen was away he was not able to hold back his clan, and they made a minor contribution to the MacDonald victory over the Mackintoshes and Mackenzies at the Battle of Mulroy, east of Spean Bridge.[9][32]

The Clan Cameron fought as Jacobites at the Battle of Killiecrankie in July, 1689,[11][33] the Battle of Dunkeld in August, 1689,[34] and the Battle of Cromdale in May, 1690.[35]

18th century and Jacobite risings

During the Jacobite rising of 1715 the Clan Cameron supported the Jacobite cause fighting at the Battle of Sheriffmuir.[36] They later fought at the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719, after which the 18th Chief John Cameron of Lochiel, after hiding for a time in the Scottish Highlands, made his way back to exile in France.[9] General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men.[37]

When Charles Edward Stuart landed in Scotland in August 1745 he was met by the Lochiel, 19th Clan Chief, who pledged his Clan's full support.[11] The Jacobite rising of 1745 might never had happened if Lochiel had not come out with his clan.[11] The Clan Cameron fought as Jacobites at the Battle of Prestonpans (1745), Battle of Falkirk (1746), and on the frontline at the Battle of Culloden (16 April 1746). After the Battle of Culloden, Donald Cameron of Lochiel, also known as Gentle Lochiel, took refuge in France, where he died in October 1748.[9]

The MacMartins, a sept of Clan Cameron, are said to have been amongst the most loyal and valuable followers of Lochiel. In the 1745 Jacobite rising, the MacMartins were "out with" Lochiel's regiment.[38]

A Cameron clansman, John Du Cameron who was known as Sergeant Mor, who had fought as a Jacobite and then continued to steal cattle and blackmail people, was eventually captured in 1753 and executed.[39] Archibald Cameron of Lochiel who was the chief's brother and a leading Jacobite was also captured and executed in 1753.[40]

The 79th (The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders) Regiment of Foot was raised from among the members of the clan in 1793 by Sir Alan Cameron of Erracht (1753–1828).[9]

Colonel John Cameron was another distinguished military commander, whose family became baronets.

Highland Clearances

After Culloden Clan Cameron's land was forfeited and reverted to the government. In 1784 it was returned to Donald Cameron 22nd of Lochiel, grandson of the "Gentle Lochiel", who was only 15 at the time.[41] The land was managed by a trust until 1819, when Donald Cameron succeeded to his inheritance. The first clearance took place in 1801 at Clunes. Major emigrations, notably to Canada, began in 1802. The clearances continued under the name of Donald Cameron 22nd of Lochiel when he took over from the Trust in 1819.[42]

The Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry has a display of Cameron history including an account of the Cameron clearances.[43] The library also has copies of the books referenced in this section.

Some traditional Cameron land, on the eastern side of Loch Lochy, was not returned in 1784. In 1770 control had passed to the Duke of Gordon who proceeded to raise rents and clear the land with the aid of his Factor, the Revd John Anderson. The Duke's clearances from the Lochaber Estate through his reverend factotum went on until 1806.[44]

Many Camerons around the world trace their origins to people removed from their lands during the Highland Clearances.[45]

Napoleonic Wars

During the Revolutionary War and Napoleonic Wars John Cameron of Fassiefern fought with distinction in widespread theatres from 1793 onwards, before being killed at the head of the 92nd Regiment at Quatre Bras, two days before Waterloo. Donald Cameron the XXIII Chief fought with distinction at the Battle of Waterloo with the Grenadier Guards. He retired in 1832. Later that same year he married Lady Vere, daughter of Hon George Vere Hobart and sister of the 6th Earl of Buckinghamshire. Lady Vere Hobart was descended from the Camerons of Glenderrary.[9]

World War I

During World War I the XXV Chief of Clan Cameron raised four additional battalions of the Cameron Highlanders and in 1934 he was appointed a Knight of the Thistle.[9]

World War II

Notably, the Cameron Highlanders were the last battalions that wore the kilt in battle, due to the purposeful delaying of orders by commanding officers in the battalions (no one wanted to give up the kilt) and a surprise attack by the Germans (successfully repelled). For this they earned the nickname of 'Ladies from Hell'.[9]

Sir Donald Cameron 26th of Lochiel, who served with the regiment later becoming Honorary Colonel, was appointed KT in 1973.

Chiefs
Main article: Chiefs of Clan Cameron

Castles
Achnacarry Castle
  • Tor Castle: Ewen Cameron, XIII Chief of Camerons, built "Tor Castle" in the early 15th century. It was abandoned (but not torn down) by his great-great-great-grandson Sir Ewen "Dubh" Cameron of Lochiel, XVII Chief of Camerons. Tor Castle was used by the Camerons as a refuge from attacks by the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch.[4]
  • Achnacarry Castle: Chief Sir Ewen wanted a more "convenient house" and built Achnacarry Castle circa 1655, which was burned to the ground by Hanoverian forces following the Battle of Culloden in 1746.[4] In 1802, Donald Cameron, XXII Chief, built a new mansion house at Achnacarry,[4] after repaying a huge fine to the British Government to regain the estates of his ancestors. The house remains, near the line of trees that Lochiel (the Gentle) planted on the day that he heard of the landing of Bonnie Prince Charlie. There is a museum in a cottage nearby, founded by Sir Donald Cameron of Lochiel in 1989.[4]
  • The Camerons of Lochiel also had a castle on Eilean nan Craobh (Tree Island) in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.[4][46]

Tartans
  • Basic Clan Cameron[2]
  • Cameron of Lochiel[2]
  • Cameron of Erracht[2]
  • Hunting Cameron (of Lochiel)[2]
Tartan image Notes
Clan Cameron tartan, as published in the Vestiarium Scoticum in 1845.

See also

References
  1. Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta" (docx). Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  2. "Cameron Reference File". Retrieved 7 December 2007.
  3. The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans. Edinburgh: W. & A.K. Johnston. 1900. p. 5. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  4. Coventry, Martin (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. Musselburgh: Goblinshead. p. 75. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
  5. Scots Kith & Kin. HarperCollins. 2014. p. 55. ISBN 9780007551798.
  6. Mackenzie, Alexander (1884). History of the Camerons, with Genealogies of The Principal Families of The Name. Inverness: A. & W. Mackenzie. p. viii. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  7. "Who owns Scotland?". The Scotsman.
  8. "A History of Clan Cameron". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  9. Stewart, John of Ardvorlich (1974). The Camerons, A History of Clan Cameron. Stirling: Published by the Clan Cameron Association. Printed by Jamieson & Munro Ltd.
  10. Clan Cameron History electricscotland.com. Retrieved 4 May 2013
  11. Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 88–89. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
  12. Graeme M. Mackenzie - Gillicattan's Posteritie - MacMillans, MacPhersons, Mackintoshes & Camerons, and the great Lochaber feud. Published by Highland Roots, 2009.
  13. Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain (1967). The Highland Clans. London: Barrie & Rocklif. pp. 139–143. ISBN 0-517-54659-0.
  14. Ronald Black - 1467 MS: The Camerons (1), West Highland Notes & Queries, Ser. 3, no. 26, Oct 2014, pp. 3-8
  15. Ronald Black - 1467 MS: The Camerons (2), West Highland Notes & Queries, Ser. 3, no. 27, April 2015, pp. 3-15 and no. 28, Aug. 2015, p.39
  16. Ronald Black - 1467 MS: The MacMillans, West Highland Notes & Queries, Ser. 3, no. 28, Aug 2015, pp. 4-14
  17. "The Battle of Drumlui". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  18. "The Battle of Invernahavon". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  19. "Battle at the North Inch of Perth". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  20. "The Battle of Harlaw". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  21. "The Battle of Split Allegiances". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  22. "The Battle of Palm Sunday". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  23. "The Battle of Inverlochy – 1431". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  24. Battle of Corpach clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  25. Raid on Ross clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  26. "The Battle of Achnashellach". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  27. "The Battle of Flodden". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  28. "The Battle of Blar-nan-Leine". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  29. "The Battle of Bun Garbhain". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  30. "The Battle of Glenlivet". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  31. MacKenzie, Alexander (2008). The History of the Camerons. The Celtic Magazine. IX. BiblioBazaar (reprint). p. 156. ISBN 978-0-559-79382-0. Modern reprint of November 1883 article with a detailed account of Cameron history from 1654 to 1665.
  32. "The Battle of Mulroy". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  33. "The Battle of Killiecrankie". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  34. "The Battle of Dunkeld". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  35. "The Battle of Cromdale". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  36. "MacKintosh Battles". A2fister2000.tripod.com. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  37. Johnston, Thomas Brumby; Robertson, James Alexander; Dickson, William Kirk (1899). "General Wade's Report". Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland. Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston. p. 26. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  38. Iain Moncreiffe, Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk, David Hicks (1982). The Highland Clans. pp. 48–51. ISBN 978-0-09-144740-3.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  39. Browne, James (1849). A History of the Highlands and of the Highland Clans. Volume I. London, Edinburgh and Dublin: A. Fullerton. pp. 142–143.
  40. "A History of Clan Cameron". clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  41. Cameron, Donald (1 January 2004). "Extract from a Fort William Letter, 24 August 1784 (regarding the restoration of the Lochiel Estate)". lochiel.net.
  42. Macmillan, Somerled (1971), Bygone Lochaber, Glasgow: K & R Davidson
  43. "Clan Cameron Museum". clan-cameron.org. Clan Cameron Association staff. 28 March 2008.
  44. Macdonald, Stuart (1994), Back to Lochaber, The Pentland Press, p. 190
  45. jadcpub-familytree (12 November 2012), Three Clearances and a Wedding
  46. Eilean Nan Craobh rcahms.gov.uk. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
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