Clan Campbell was the most powerful clan in the southern Highlands of Scotland. Tradition has it that the clan is descended from Diarmid -- a Celtic mythological hero -- hence the reason why they are known as the “Race of Diarmid”. Historically, their ancestors were almost certainly of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada (or Dál Riata) and were probably a family of high rank. Their name in Gaelic is Caimbuel -- which translates as “wry or crooked mouth”.
In common with many of the Scottish clans, the Campbells were keen to extend their territories and their power. The degree to which they achieved this aim was due, in part, to their willingness to cooperate with the Lowland Scotland power base.
At the height of their power they held extensive lands throughout Argyll, in Perthshire, Ayrshire, Inverness-shire and on the islands of Mull and Islay. With the Lords of the Isles disempowered and dispossessed by James IV, the authority of the Campbell chief in the southern Highlands became almost regal. The powerful clan chiefs inspired both loyalty and courage in their kinsmen and in the mid-18th century it was estimated that the Campbell strength stood at 5,000 men.
The principal branch of the clan is that of Argyll, which was created a dukedom in 1701. Other important branches are those of Cawdor, Breadalbane and Loudoun which have their own tartans. The Campbell Ancient tartan has the same sett as the Black Watch -- raised by the Duke of Argyll in 1739 and served by members of the clan -- but it uses lighter shades of blue and green.
In common with many of the Scottish clans, the Campbells were keen to extend their territories and their power. The degree to which they achieved this aim was due, in part, to their willingness to cooperate with the Lowland Scotland power base.
At the height of their power they held extensive lands throughout Argyll, in Perthshire, Ayrshire, Inverness-shire and on the islands of Mull and Islay. With the Lords of the Isles disempowered and dispossessed by James IV, the authority of the Campbell chief in the southern Highlands became almost regal. The powerful clan chiefs inspired both loyalty and courage in their kinsmen and in the mid-18th century it was estimated that the Campbell strength stood at 5,000 men.
The principal branch of the clan is that of Argyll, which was created a dukedom in 1701. Other important branches are those of Cawdor, Breadalbane and Loudoun which have their own tartans. The Campbell Ancient tartan has the same sett as the Black Watch -- raised by the Duke of Argyll in 1739 and served by members of the clan -- but it uses lighter shades of blue and green.