Clan Ewen of Otter facts for kids

Clan Ewen of Otter (also known as Scottish Gaelic: Clann Eóghain na h-Oitrich) was a Scottish clan. A clan is like a large family group. This clan once controlled the area around Kilfinan. This place is on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll, Scotland.

Where Did Clan Ewen Come From?

The Clan Ewen of Otter believed they were related to Donnsleibhe. He was thought to be a descendant of an Irish prince named Ánrothán Ua Néill. This prince came from Ireland to Kintyre in the 11th century. He was the son of Áed, who was the son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill. Flaithbertach was a king in Ireland who died in 1036.

Several other clans in Argyll also say they came from this same prince. These include Clan Lamont, Clan Maclachlan, and the MacSweens. The MacSweens later moved from Scotland to Ireland. Because of this shared ancestor, these clans also claim a link to Niall Noigíallach. He was a legendary High King of Ireland who lived a very long time ago.

The Old Family Tree Book

The only old family tree for Clan Ewen of Otter is in a special book. It is called MS 1467. This old Gaelic book was written in 1467. It has the family histories of many Scottish clans. Sadly, the MacEwen family tree in it is hard to read in some parts.

A person named W. F. Skene found this book in the early 1800s. He copied and translated what he could. His translation for the MacEwens of Otter shows a line of names. It starts with Walter, then John, then Ewen, and so on.

Different Ideas About Their Origin

Some people had different ideas about the clan's origin. Niall Campbell, 10th Duke of Argyll, thought the MacEwens of Otter were part of the MacSweens. He believed they came from Dugald, son of Suibne. Suibne is thought to have given his name to Castle Sween, a very old stone castle.

Other writers thought the clan came from Ewen Mac Dunslebhe. He lived in the 1200s. His brother Fearchar is the ancestor of Clan Lamont.

However, most people believe the clan got its name from the Ewen listed in the old MS 1467 book. This would mean the Clan Ewen of Otter started in the early 1300s.

Clan Ewen's History

The chiefs of Clan Ewen lived at Otter, which is on Loch Fyne. Their castle was called 'MacEwen Castle'. It was built on the rocky shore of the loch, close to Kilfinan. You can still see parts of the castle ruins today.

In 1432, something important happened. Swene MacEwen, who was the chief, gave up his title to the Barony of Otter. He gave it to his feudal lord, King James. The King then gave the title back to Swene. But he also said that Gillespie Campbell would be the next heir. Gillespie was the heir to Duncan Campbell of Lochow.

When Swene MacEwen died in 1493, the Barony of Otter went to the Campbell family. After Swene's death, it became difficult to trace the next chiefs of the MacEwens of Otter.

However, there is a story that a MacEwen clan arrived in the earldom of Lennox in the 1400s. They came "under a chieftain of their own." This story also says that their chief was given a special flag or coat of arms by Mary Queen of Scots. This happened before she lost the Battle of Langside in 1568.

Clan Castles

• Castle MacEwen, also known as Castle Ewen, is about a mile north-west of Kilfinan. This was the main home of the MacEwens of Otter. The old castle was built on the site of an even older Iron Age fort. Today, a pile of stones called a cairn marks the spot. People dug up the castle site in the 1960s to learn more about it.
• Ballimore was another place held by the MacEwens of Otter. It was three miles north-east of Kilfinan. The MacEwens lost Ballimore at the same time they lost Castle MacEwen. Today, you can see a steep mound there. On top of the mound are two burial places for the Campbells of Otter from the 1800s.

See also

• Clan Ewing