| Clan Cameron | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Na Camshronaich | |||
 Crest: A sheaf of five arrows, proper, tied with a band, gules, encircled by a belt and buckle. | |||
| Motto | Aonaibh Ri Chèile (Let Us Unite). | ||
| War cry | Chlanna nan con thigibh a' so 's gheibh sibh feòil (Sons of the Hounds, Come Hither And Get Flesh) | ||
| Profile | |||
| Region | Highlands | ||
| District | Lochaber | ||
| Plant badge | Crowberry, or Oak | ||
| Chief | |||
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| The Rt Hon. Donald Andrew Cameron of Lochiel, Baron Cameron of Lochiel | |||
| The 28th Chief of Clan Cameron (Mac Dhòmhnaill Dubh [maxkˈɣõː.əl̪ˠtuh]) | |||
| Seat | Achnacarry Castle | ||
| Historic seat | Tor Castle | ||
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Clan Cameron is a West Highland Scottish clan, with one main branch Lochiel, and numerous cadet branches. The Clan Cameron lands are in Lochaber, and within their lands lies Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. The Chief of the clan is customarily referred to as simply "Lochiel".
History
Origins
Like with many clans, the origins of Clan Cameron's chiefly family are uncertain and there are several theories, as well as fanciful origin legends. One such legend claims that Lochiel, like the Royal House of Stuart, was descended from Banquo, Thane of Lochaber (specifically the progeny of "his sister Marion who married one Angus"). The first chief may have been called Cameron from his crooked nose (Scottish Gaelic: cam-shròn, cf. Camshron); such nicknames were common in Highland Gaelic culture, and his descendants would have then adopted the name.
It has also been suggested that Donald Dubh Cameron (fl. 1410), the first authentic chief, was descended from the medieval family of Cameron/Cambrun of Ballegarno (whose name derived from Cameron, Fife; cam-brun "crooked hill"), who in turn descended from the ancient Scoto-Pictish Mormaers of Fife. Moncreiffe of that Ilk corroborated this theory.
Uniting the Mael-anfhaidh kindred
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. The aforementioned Donald Dubh likely 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"). The Collins Scottish Clan Encyclopedia states that the heiress was from the MacMartin of Letterfinlay family.
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. In consequence, the early chiefs of the Highland Camerons were sometimes styled "MacGillonay". Studies of Manuscript 1467 have thrown closer light on the relationships between the Camerons, MacGillonies, MacMartins and others. The MacMartins and MacMillians are also sometimes described as being related to the Old Clan Chattan
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. Donald Dubh was the first "authentic" chief or captain of this confederation of tribes which gradually became known as the Clan Cameron, 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.
Wars of Scottish Independence
According to tradition, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Clan Cameron fought for King Robert the Bruce, led by John de Cameron, VII Chief against the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and later led by the VIII Chief John de Cameron at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333.
14th century and clan conflicts
It was in the time of chief Allan MacDonald Dubh Cameron, XII Chief of Clan Cameron that a feud began with the Clan Mackintosh and the larger Clan Chattan Confederation over disputed lands. The sept Macphail is found in both clans and relates to some members of this family migrating with Clan Chattan to the east whilst others remained and became part of Clan Cameron. This feud would continue sporadically for about 300 years.
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.
This was followed by the Battle of Invernahoven in 1370, also against the Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan.
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.
15th century and clan conflicts
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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.
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. 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.
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. In 1439 the Clan Cameron fought against the Clan Maclean at the Battle of Corpach.
In 1441, another battle with the Mackintoshes, the Battle of Craig Cailloc, was fought.
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.
In 1491 the Clan Cameron took part in the Raid on Ross.
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. 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.
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.
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.
In 1594 Allan 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.
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. The clan continued to oppose Oliver Cromwell, and played a leading role in Glencairn's rising of 1651 to 1654.
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.
In 1668, Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, XVII Chief 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 contribution to the MacDonald victory over the Mackintoshes and Mackenzies at the Battle of Mulroy, east of Spean Bridge.
The Clan Cameron fought as Jacobites at the Battle of Killiecrankie in July, 1689, the Battle of Dunkeld in August, 1689, and the Battle of Cromdale in May, 1690.
18th century and Jacobite risings
During the Jacobite rising of 1715 the Clan Cameron supported the Jacobite cause fighting at the Battle of Sheriffmuir. 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. General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men.
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. The Jacobite rising of 1745 might never had happened if Lochiel had not come out with his clan. 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, a wounded Donald Cameron of Lochiel, known as Gentle Lochiel, was assisted by a Clan Chattan MacBain to escape and he eventually took refuge in France, where he died in October 1748.
Jean Cameron of Glendessary, known as 'Bonnie Jean Cameron', was a popular Jacobite heroine, cousin of Lochiel and said to have been a mistress of Prince Charles. Indeed, led by her the Camerons of Glendessary provided 300 men for Lochiel at Glenfinnan. The MacMartins sept of the clan are also 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.
Another Cameron clansman and French Royal Army noncommissioned officer named John Du Cameron, who was known as an Sergeant Mòr, fought as a Jacobite, but remained on the run and continued fighting after Culloden and even after the Act of Indemnity. While being hunted down as an outlaw, Sgt. du Cameron engaged in both cattle raiding and selling protection against theft. He was eventually captured in 1753 and executed, but remains a popular local folk hero. Dr Archibald Cameron of Lochiel who was the chief's brother and a leading Jacobite was also captured and executed in 1753.
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).
Colonel John Cameron (1771–1815), son of Ewen Cameron, 1st Baronet and grandson of John Cameron of Fassiefern – a brother of the Gentle Lochiel, was another distinguished military commander, whose family became baronets as a result of his martial success.
Charles Cameron (1745–1812) was a noted architect in Imperial Russia, and a favourite of Catherine the Great. His works include Tsarskoye Selo and Pavlovsk Palace. He claimed that he was of the family of Cameron of Lochiel, but was probably of another junior Cameron branch.
19th and 20th centuries
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. 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.
The Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry has a display of Cameron history including an account of the Cameron clearances. 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.
Many Camerons around the world trace their origins to people removed from their lands during the Highland Clearances.
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 of Lochiel, 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 Hobart, daughter of Hon. George Vere Hobart and sister of the 6th Earl of Buckinghamshire. Vere Hobart was descended from the Camerons of Glendessary through her mother Janet Maclean (Hobart's second wife), daughter of Alexander Maclean of Coll and Catherine Cameron, daughter of Allan Cameron, 5th of Glendessary (sister of famed Jean Cameron of Glendessary).
A commemorative obelisk is to be found at Fort William honoring the bravery of Col John Cameron, who died at Quatre Bras, part of the Battle of Waterloo.
World War I
During World War I Sir Donald Walter Cameron of Lochiel, KT XXV Chief raised four additional battalions of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. In 1934, he was appointed a Knight of the Thistle.
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'.
Sir Donald Hamish Cameron of Lochiel, KT XXVI Chief served with Cameron Highlanders, later becoming Honorary Colonel, and was appointed a Knight of the Thistle in 1973.
Chiefs
Main article: Chiefs of Clan CameronCastles
- Tor Castle: Ewen Cameron, XIII Chief of Camerons, rebuilt "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.
- 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. In 1802, Donald Cameron, XXII Chief, built a new mansion house at Achnacarry, 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.
- The Camerons of Lochiel also had a castle on Eilean nan Craobh (Tree Island) in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Tartans
There are several tartans of Clan Cameron.
| Tartan image | Notes |
|---|---|
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Clan Cameron, as published in the Vestiarium Scoticum in 1845. |
_and_Cameron_of_Erracht_tartan,_centred,_zoomed_out.png) |
Cameron of Erracht; originated as the regimental tartan of the 79th Regiment (Cameronian Volunteers, later Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders). |
Others include:
- Basic Clan Cameron
- Cameron of Lochiel
- Hunting Cameron (of Lochiel)
Crests
There are two crests that can be worn, the original Dexter Arm crest and the Five Arrows crest representing the five united branches of the clan with a band under the overall leadership of the Camerons of Lochiel. The five branches are:
- The MacMartins or Camerons of Letterfinlay;
- The Camerons of Glen Nevis;
- The Camerons of Callart and Lundavra;
- The Camerons of Erracht and
- The Camerons of Clunes.
See also
- Cameron (disambiguation)
- Battle of Culloden
- Jacobite risings
- Eilean Munde
- Lochaber axe
- Cateran
- Raids of Urquhart
- Rannoch Moor and the Loch of the Lost Sword.
References
- ^ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta". Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Archived from the original (docx) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
- ^ "Cameron Reference File". Retrieved 7 December 2007.
- The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans. Edinburgh: W. & A.K. Johnston. 1900. p. 5. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Scots Kith & Kin. HarperCollins. 2014. p. 55. ISBN 9780007551798.
- ^ 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.
- "Who owns Scotland?". The Scotsman.
- ^ "A History of Clan Cameron". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- ^ Stewart, John of Ardvorlich (1974). The Camerons, A History of Clan Cameron. Stirling: Published by the Clan Cameron Association. Printed by Jamieson & Munro Ltd.
- Philip, James; Murdoch, Alexander Drimmie (1888). The Grameid : an heroic poem descriptive of the campaign of Viscount Dundee in 1689 and other pieces. University of California Libraries. Edinburgh: Scottish History Society. p. 131.
- "Clan Cameron Archives". www.lochiel.net. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- Clan Cameron History electricscotland.com. Retrieved 4 May 2013
- ^ 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.
- ^ Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain (1967). The Highland Clans. London: Barrie & Rocklif. pp. 139–143. ISBN 0-517-54659-0.
- Ronald Black - 1467 MS: The Camerons (1), West Highland Notes & Queries, Ser. 3, no. 26, Oct 2014, pp. 3-8
- 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
- Ronald Black - 1467 MS: The MacMillans, West Highland Notes & Queries, Ser. 3, no. 28, Aug 2015, pp. 4-14
- History of the Camerons; with genealogies of the principal families of the name by Alexander Mackenzie, F.S.A., SCOT., Editor of the "Celtic Magazine” Inverness: A & W Mackenzie 1884
- History of Greater Britain (Historia majoris Britanniae, tam Angliae quam Scotiae) Paris 1521
- "Clan Cameron Septs, Founding Tribes and Surname Variations".
- "The Battle of Drumlui". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Invernahavon". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "Battle at the North Inch of Perth". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Harlaw". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Split Allegiances". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- ^ "The Battle of Palm Sunday". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Inverlochy – 1431". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- Battle of Corpach clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
- Raid on Ross clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
- "The Battle of Achnashellach". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Flodden". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Blar-nan-Leine". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Bun Garbhain". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Glenlivet". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- MacKenzie, Alexander (2008). The History of the Camerons. Vol. IX. BiblioBazaar (reprint). p. 156. ISBN 978-0-559-79382-0.
{{cite book}}:|journal=ignored (help) Modern reprint of November 1883 article with a detailed account of Cameron history from 1654 to 1665. - "The Battle of Mulroy". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Killiecrankie". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Dunkeld". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "The Battle of Cromdale". Clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- "MacKintosh Battles". A2fister2000.tripod.com. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
- 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.
- Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 206-207.
- Iain Moncreiffe, Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk, David Hicks (1982). The Highland Clans. Barrie & Jenkins. pp. 48–51. ISBN 978-0-09-144740-3.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Browne, James (1849). A History of the Highlands and of the Highland Clans. Vol. I. London, Edinburgh and Dublin: A. Fullerton. pp. 142–143.
- "A History of Clan Cameron". clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
- Cameron, Donald (1 January 2004). "Extract from a Fort William Letter, 24 August 1784 (regarding the restoration of the Lochiel Estate)". lochiel.net.
- Macmillan, Somerled (1971), Bygone Lochaber, Glasgow: K & R Davidson
- "Clan Cameron Museum". clan-cameron.org. Clan Cameron Association staff. 28 March 2008.
- Macdonald, Stuart (1994), Back to Lochaber, The Pentland Press, p. 190
- jadcpub-familytree (12 November 2012), Three Clearances and a Wedding
- "Fort William, Corpach, Colonel John Cameron Memorial Obelisk | Canmore".
- Eilean Nan Craobh rcahms.gov.uk. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
- "Clan Cameron: The Tale of Five Arrows".
- "The Loch of the Lost Sword". 21 April 2022.
- Cameron, J. The Loch of the Sword, (A tradition of Clan Cameron), the Celtic Monthly, vol 3, no 3 1894 pg 46-58
External links
- Clan Cameron Museum
- Clan Cameron Interactive Network
- Association Scotland Archived 12 February 2019 at the Wayback Machine
- Clan Cameron Online
- Clan Cameron Australia
- Clan Cameron Association of New Zealand
- Lochiel
- Achnacarry
- Clan Cameron Gathering Website
- Cameron Tartans
