Niall Campbell, 10th Duke of Argyll facts for kids
Niall Diarmid Campbell was an important Scottish leader who lived from 1872 to 1949. He was the 10th Duke of Argyll, which is a very old and respected title in Scotland. He was also the 25th Chief of Clan Campbell, meaning he was the head of a large and historic Scottish family. He was also a historian, someone who studies and writes about the past.
Early Life and Education
Niall Campbell was born on 16 February 1872. His father was Captain Lord Archibald Campbell. His grandfather was George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll. Niall's aunt was Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, who was a daughter of Queen Victoria!
Niall went to school at St George's School, Ascot and then Charterhouse School in Surrey. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford University, where he earned a degree in 1896.
In 1914, when his uncle John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll passed away, Niall became the 10th Duke of Argyll. This meant he took on many important family titles and duties.
Public Service and Military Roles
After becoming Duke, Niall Campbell took on several important roles. He became an Honorary Colonel of the 8th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a famous Scottish army regiment. He held this position until 1929. He was also an Honorary Colonel for a Canadian army group, the 15th (Canadian) Argyll Light Infantry.
Niall Campbell cared deeply about his family and community. He helped pay for the building of the Inveraray Bell Tower. This tower was built to remember the brave members of the Campbell Clan who lost their lives in the First World War.
In 1923, he was chosen to be the Lord Lieutenant of Argyllshire. This was a special role where he represented the King or Queen in the Argyll area of Scotland. He kept this important job until he passed away in 1949.
Life at Inveraray Castle
Niall Campbell lived at Inveraray Castle, which is the historic home of the Dukes of Argyll. He was known for being quite unique and was sometimes called "Scotland's most picturesque Duke."
He had some interesting habits. For example, he really disliked telephones and cars! He would often greet visitors to his castle by singing parts of Italian operas. He never married and did not have any children.
Niall Campbell passed away on 20 August 1949. He was buried at Kilmun Parish Church. After his death, his cousin, Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll, became the next Duke.
