Ewen Mor Cameron of Lochiel facts for kids

Ewen Mór Cameron of Lochiel (born around 1480, died 1547) was an important Scottish clan chief. He was the 13th leader of Clan Cameron, a powerful family from a place called Lochaber in Scotland. People also knew him as Ewen MacAllan.

Ewen Mór Cameron's Life

Early Life and Family

Ewen MacAllan Cameron was the son of Allan MacIldny Cameron. Allan was the 12th Chief of Clan Cameron. Ewen's mother was Marion MacDonald. She was the daughter of the Chief of Clan MacDonald of Keppoch.

Serving the King

In 1494, Ewen Mór Cameron showed his loyalty to King James IV. The King liked him very much. The next year, in 1495, Ewen got official papers from the King. These papers confirmed that the Cameron lands in Lochaber and Ross belonged to his clan.

Leading in Battle

Ewen Mór Cameron led his clan in a big battle called the Battle of Flodden in 1513. It was a tough fight. After the Scottish forces were defeated, Ewen managed to escape. He returned to Lochaber with only a few of his brave warriors. During this time, there were many fights between Clan Cameron and Clan Mackintosh.

The Witch's Advice

There was a disagreement about land between the Cameron territories in Lochaber and the Earl of Atholl's lands. Ewen Mór Cameron was on his way to meet the Earl of Atholl to settle things. On his journey, he met a famous witch named Gormshuil Mhòr na Maighe. She was known for her special powers and beauty.

Gormshuil gave Ewen some advice. She told him to go back and gather his best warriors. She also told him to hide them nearby and to turn his coat inside out if needed. Ewen followed her advice. It turned out the Earl of Atholl also had men waiting to ambush Ewen. But because Ewen was prepared, he was able to defeat them. This event led to the Clan Cameron war cry: Chlanna nan con thigibh a' so 's gheibh sibh feòil (which means "sons of the hounds, come hither and get flesh!").

Family Life

Ewen Mór Cameron married twice. His first wife was the daughter of Celestine MacDonald of Lochalsh. With her, he had a son named Donald. Donald passed away before his father, but Donald had two sons himself: Ewen Beag (who became the 14th Chief) and Donald Dubh (who became the 15th Chief).

Ewen's second wife was Marjory Mackintosh. They married as part of a peace agreement between their clans. Ewen also had other children.

Later Life and Death

In 1547, Ewen Mór Cameron was involved in some conflicts. These included the Battle of the Shirts and a revolt led by Lennox in 1546. Because of his involvement, he was captured and died. His grandson then became the new chief of Clan Cameron.

See also

• Chiefs of Clan Cameron
• Gormshuil Mhòr na Maighe