The Campbell’s
originated from Argyle
(northwest of Glasgow)
where their original seat
was either Innischonnel
Castle on Loch Awe or
Caisteal na Nigheann
Ruaidhe on Loch Avich. They
acquired lands through time
at Craignich, Avaslotnisk,
Melfort and Strachur.
The Campbell’s
were dominated for many
years by the Macdougal
Lords of Lorne. One
confrontation with the
Macdougal’s in 1296
ended with the killing of
the Campbell chief Sir
Cailen Mor Campbell.
The Campbell backing of
Robert the Bruce in his
battles to become king of
Scotland in the early 1300s
gained them wealth and
land. Bruce awarded the
Campbell’s much of
the land in Argyle from
those who opposed him
including the Macdougal
Lords of Lorne. Bruce also
arranged the marriage of
his sister to Sir Neil
Campbell.
The Campbell’s
also held the Earldom of
Loudoun in Ayrshire, which
spawned a host of
lairdships there.
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