Scottish Clans: History of Campbell Clan

Campbell, one of the most eminent and influential highland clans in the history of Scotland, draws its origins in the mists of antiquity, being prominent even in the earliest Scottish kingdom, Dalriada. The Clan is also known as Clan Diarmid, after the Ossianic hero from whom the Clan is descended. According to tradition, Diarmid died from an injury received after slaying a fierce wild boar. The Campbell Clan crest is a boar's head, the motto is Ne Oblivicaris - "Forget Not" and the warcry or rallying cry in battle is "Cruachan", from a prominent mountain and landmark on their lands beside Loch Awe. The name Campbell arose in the thirteenth century when Duncan MacDuibhne the Clan Chief at the original stronghold in Lochawe, Argyll, held the Gaelic nickname of Cam Beul, meaning "crooked mouth", and his descendants maintained this from then on as their Clan name.

Scotland's highlanders have long been renowned for their fierce fighting spirit and the Campbells have well proven their highland blood. Clan Campbell's loyalty to the Crown of Scotland, from their staunch support of the great Robert the Bruce in the Wars of Scotland, and their service against the Jacobite rebels of the 1745 uprising, assured them of a privileged position in the hierarchy of highland clans. The strength of the Campbells increased throughout the ages & they expanded their lands and influence through the power of the sword, shrewd political management and careful marriages.

In 1457 Lord Colin Campbell obtained the Earldom of Argyll for the Campbell Chiefs, and was also appointed Master of the Royal Household (which later became a hereditary title), and Lord Chancellor in 1483. By the turn of the seventeenth century, the Campbells were the supreme clan of Scotland, their power so great they virtually ruled their lands as a separate kingdom, their Chiefs holding the highest offices of Scotland as a matter of right. In 1701, the 10th Earl received a Dukedom, thus creating the Dukedom of Argyll for the Campbell Chiefs.

Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll and the 25th Chief of the Campbells, resides as his ancestors have done for many centuries, at the seat of Campbell power, Inveraray Castle. Situated in beautiful countryside beside Loch Fyne in the heartland of the Clan territory, this magnificent Castle is testament to the power, success, and durability of the Campbells.