Branches of Clan Campbell
Campbells of Argyll (Chiefly Line)
The Campbells of Argyll are the chief line of Clan Campbell, descending from Cailean Mór in the 13th century. Through strategic marriage and royal favor, they rose to control vast lands in Argyll and beyond. Sir Duncan Campbell was created Lord Campbell in 1445, and his grandson became the 1st Earl of Argyll in 1457. In 1701, the chief was elevated to Duke of Argyll—a title still held today. The seat of the family is Inveraray Castle, and the current Duke of Argyll serves as the clan chief.
Campbells of Breadalbane
This branch descends from Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy, known as “Black Colin,” a younger son of the Argyll line. The Glenorchy Campbells acquired central Highland lands and built Kilchurn Castle. In 1681, Sir John Campbell was created 1st Earl of Breadalbane. They played a prominent role in Scottish politics, particularly during the Glencoe Massacre negotiations. The male line became extinct in the 20th century, and the title is dormant.
Campbells of Cawdor
Established when a younger son of the Argyll line married Muriel Calder, heiress of the Thanes of Cawdor, in 1510. They took control of Cawdor Castle and expanded into Islay and the Hebrides. The family was elevated to the peerage as Earls of Cawdor in the 19th century. The Cawdor line remains active today, with the family still residing at Cawdor Castle.
Campbells of Loudoun
Originating in the 14th century, this line gained prominence through marriage with the heiress of the Loudoun estate in Ayrshire. John Campbell became the 1st Earl of Loudoun in 1633 and served as Lord Chancellor of Scotland. The line passed into the Hastings family in the 19th century, and the Campbells of Loudoun became extinct in the male line.
Campbells of Strachur (MacArthur Campbells)
Claimed by some to predate the Argyll line, the Campbells of Strachur descend from Sir Arthur Campbell. Known in Gaelic as MacArtair, they were local lairds of Cowal. Though never as powerful as the Argyll chiefs, they played a respected regional role. Today, this branch is not actively represented, but their historical claim to early leadership remains noted in clan tradition.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
Campbells of Craignish
This ancient branch descended from a younger son of Sir Archibald Campbell in the 12th century and held the Craignish peninsula for centuries. Once powerful, the family lost its estates in the 17th century due to financial decline. The line is now extinct in the male line, though Craignish remains an important site in Campbell history.
Campbells of Auchinbreck
Founded in the 15th century, this martial branch served as hereditary lieutenants to the Earls of Argyll. Sir Dugald Campbell was created a Baronet in 1628. They were one of the few Campbell branches to support the Jacobites, which led to their ruin. The baronetcy became extinct in the 18th century, and the estate was lost.
Campbells of Duntroon
Established during the time of Robert the Bruce, this branch built and held Duntroon Castle on Loch Crinan. They served as local defenders in Argyll but lost their estate to the Malcolm family in 1792. The line became extinct shortly thereafter.
Campbells of Ardkinglas
Dating to the 14th century, this family served in high government roles and were granted a baronetcy in 1679. The estate eventually passed through marriage out of the Campbell line. Today, Ardkinglas House is no longer in Campbell hands.
Campbells of Lochnell
This cadet of the Argyll line held estates in northern Argyll and were once considered potential successors to the chiefship. Known for military service, the estate was sold in the early 20th century. The line is now inactive.
Campbells of Barcaldine
A cadet of Breadalbane, this branch built Barcaldine Castle in the early 1600s. Though small, they played a local leadership role. The castle was abandoned and fell into ruin before being restored by later descendants. The branch is no longer active.
Campbells of Glenlyon
This Breadalbane cadet is infamous for the role of Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon in the Glencoe Massacre. The estate was absorbed by Breadalbane after the event, and the family fell from power. The branch is now extinct.
Campbells of Inverawe (MacConnochie Campbells)
Granted lands in Lorne in 1470, this branch served as deputies for the Earls of Argyll. Known for their role in clan feuds and for the legend of the ghostly “Piper of Inverawe.” The line ended in the 18th century and is now extinct.
Carter-Campbells of Possil
A modern branch descended from a 19th-century marriage between the Campbell of Possil and the Carter family. While the family holds armorial recognition, they have no chief and are considered armigerous. The estate was sold, and the branch is not active in clan affairs.
References (APA Format)
Campbell, A. (2000). A History of Clan Campbell, Volume 1. Edinburgh University Press.
Clan Campbell Society (North America). (n.d.). Cadet Branches of Clan Campbell. Retrieved from https://www.ccsna.org
ScotClans. (2015). Campbell of Breadalbane History. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com
Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Clan Campbell. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Campbell
Skene, W. F. (1876). The Highlanders of Scotland. Edinburgh: John Murray.
Way, G., & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins.