Bagtown Clans

All About Scottish Clans!

Cameron Clan Crest

Clan Cameron Crest
Clan Cameron Crest
CREST: A sheaf of five arrows points upwards Proper tied with a band
Gules
MOTTO: Aonaibh ri cheile
TRANSLATION: Unite
VARIATIONS: N/A
The Clan Cameron is a Scottish highland clan with a rich and fascinating history. While there are several theories about the origin of their name, the most likely explanation is that the first authentic chief of the clan, Donald Dubh, was descended either from the Macgillonies or from the medieval family of Cameron of Ballegarno in Fife. He united the confederation tribes, which became known as the Clan Cameron.
Purchase @ Redbubble
Purchase @ Amazon.com
Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk
Donald Dubh was a formidable leader who was born around 1400. He married an heiress of the Macmartains of Letterfinlay and by his prowess and leadership, united the confederation tribes which became know as the Clan Cameron. He and his successors were known as captains of Clan Cameron until the time of Ewan Macallan, in the early sixteenth century, when the lands of Lochiel were united by charter into the Barony of Lochiel.

Ewan Macallan was one of the great Cameron chiefs, who was well-favored at court and very successful in all he undertook. However, the untimely death of his eldest son, Donald, was a great blow to him, and resolved to give up the world, he went on pilgrimage to Rome. He later supported the heir to the Lordship of the Isles in an unsuccessful revolt, was apprehended by Huntly, and executed at Elgin.

Another renowned clansman known as Taillear Duby na Tuaige (Black Tailor of the Axe) was a natural leader of the clan during the sixteenth chief’s minority. He later left Lochaber and settled near Dunoon, where there are many descendants of his, bearing the name of Taylor, who are loyal adherents to the Clan Cameron.

The next great chief was Sir Ewen, who was born in 1629 and died in 1719. As a young man, his education was overseen by the Marquis of Argyll, but his allegiances were altered after a trip to Edinburgh, where he witnessed the execution of Montrose and heard of his exploits. He became an implacable enemy of the Parliamentarian forces and fought many battles to preserve the independence of his clan. In 1682, he was knighted by the Duke of York in Edinburgh, and he took part with Dundee in the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 in support of James VII.

Sir Ewen’s grandson, known as the “gentle Lochiel,” was an enlightened chief who tried to improve the lot of his clansmen. When Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in Scotland in August 1745, the chief, as a staunch Jacobite, felt duty bound to meet him, and was eventually won over by the prince to support his cause with all his clan. The history of the Forty-five is well known, but if Lochiel had not come out with his clan, the rising might never have taken place, and the chief always felt guilty that he had allowed his better judgment to be thwarted by the prince’s natural charm.

After the disaster at Culloden, the Cameron clan lands were forfeited, their houses burned, and their cattle removed or shot. The Cameron Highlanders, who have always had a very close association with the clan, were raised by an outstanding soldier leader, Alan Cameron of Erracht, in 1793. The estate of Achnacarry, which was the home of the Cameron chiefs for over 400 years, was destroyed, but it was later returned to the Clan Cameron subject to a large fine.

Today, the Clan Cameron is represented by the present chief, who succeeded his father in 1951, and who was also created Lord Lieutenant in 1971 and a Knight of the Thistle in 1973. The estate of Achnacarry is now owned by the Clan Cameron Trust, which works to preserve the rich history and heritage of the clan. The trust also manages the Clan Cameron Museum, which is located on the estate and is open to the public.

The Cameron clan has a strong connection with the Scottish military. The Cameron Highlanders were raised by Alan Cameron of Erracht in 1793 and served with distinction in many campaigns. The regiment was amalgamated into the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in 1961 and later into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006. The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) were another regiment that was raised in the 17th century and served with distinction in many campaigns.

The Cameron clan is also known for its tartan, which features a red base with black and yellow stripes. The tartan is often worn by members of the clan and is a popular choice for kilts and other traditional Scottish dress.

In conclusion, the history of the Clan Cameron is a fascinating and important part of Scottish history. From its origins in the 14th century to the present day, the clan has played an important role in Scottish society and culture. The Cameron Highlanders and the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) are just two examples of the clan’s strong connection with the military, while the Cameron tartan is a symbol of the clan’s proud heritage. The Clan Cameron Trust is working to preserve this heritage for future generations, and visitors to the Clan Cameron Museum can learn more about the rich history and traditions of this remarkable Scottish highland clan.

Clan Cameron Scottish History Poster