Chiefs of Clan Cameron facts for kids

Coat of arms of the Lochiel, Chief of Clan Cameron, encircled with the ornament of a Knight of the Thistle

The Clan Cameron is an old and famous Scottish clan. Its leader is called the Lochiel, a special name that means "Loch Iall" in Scottish Gaelic. The Lochiel lives at Achnacarry Castle. This article tells you about the important people who have been the Chiefs of Clan Cameron throughout history.

The Chiefs of Clan Cameron

The Chiefs of Clan Cameron have led their clan for many centuries, often playing big roles in Scottish history.

Early Chiefs and Battles

The early chiefs were brave warriors who led their clan in many important battles.

• Sir John Cameron (7th Chief) is said to have led the clan at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. This was a huge victory for Scotland.
• John Ochtery Cameron (8th Chief) also led the clan in battle, at Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333.
• Donald Dubh Cameron (11th Chief) fought at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. After him, all the chiefs were known as Mac Dhomhnaill Dubh, which means "Son of Black Donald."
• Allan MacIldny Cameron (12th Chief) was killed in battle in 1480 while fighting against the Mackintoshes.
• Ewen Mor Cameron of Lochiel (13th Chief) faced challenges during his time. He was known for stories involving a witch named Gormla of Moy. He was removed from his position in 1547.
• Donald Dubh MacDonald Cameron of Lochiel (15th Chief) supported Mary, Queen of Scots. He fought at the Battle of Corrichie in 1562.

Famous Chiefs and Jacobite Times

Some chiefs became very famous for their actions, especially during the Jacobite uprisings.

• Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel (17th Chief) is perhaps the most well-known chief in the clan's history. He was called Ewen Dubh. People say he killed the last wolf in Scotland! He also led the Jacobites at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. The Jacobites were people who supported the Stuart kings of Scotland and England.
• John Cameron, Lord Lochiel (18th Chief) was Sir Ewen's son. He was given the title of Lord Lochiel by the Jacobite king. He later died in France, where he lived in exile.
• Donald Cameron of Lochiel (19th Chief) was known as the Gentle Lochiel. He led the clan at the Battle of Culloden, a very important battle in 1746. After the battle, he escaped to France with Bonnie Prince Charlie. His brother, Dr Archie Cameron, faced a sad end for his support of the Jacobite cause in 1753.

Modern Chiefs

In later years, the chiefs continued to play important roles, both in their clan and in wider society.

• Donald Cameron, 22nd Lochiel saw the Cameron family lands given back to them in 1784. This was after they had been taken away because of the Jacobite uprisings.
• Donald Cameron, 23rd Lochiel was a brave soldier who fought with great skill at the famous Battle of Waterloo. This battle happened in 1815.
• Donald Cameron, 24th Lochiel was a diplomat, which means he worked for his country in other nations. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP), helping to make laws. He even served Queen Victoria as a groom-in-waiting, a special attendant.
• Sir Donald Walter Cameron, 25th Lochiel was a high-ranking officer in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders regiment. He fought in the Second Boer War and World War I.
• Sir Donald Hamish Cameron, 26th Lochiel fought in the Italian campaign during World War II.
• Donald Angus Cameron, 27th Lochiel was the Lord Lieutenant of Inverness. This is a special role where he represented the King or Queen in the Inverness area.
• Donald Andrew John Cameron, Baron Cameron of Lochiel, 28th Lochiel is the current chief. He is a politician who was a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). He now sits in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament.