Sir Colin Og Campbell of Lochawe facts for kids

Sir Colin Og Campbell was an important Scottish leader who lived in the 1300s. He was a key member of the famous Clan Campbell. Colin was also an ancestor of the powerful Earls of Argyll. He was the lord of lands called Lochawe and Ardscotnish. He held these lands from 1316 until he passed away around 1340.

Colin's Early Life

Colin was the oldest son of Sir Neil Campbell. His mother was likely Alyse Crawford. His stepmother was Mary Bruce, who was the sister of King Robert the Bruce. This made Robert the Bruce Colin's uncle by marriage. Some people believe that Colin was also a distant cousin of Robert the Bruce. It is also thought that William Wallace might have been a cousin of Colin.

Serving the King

In 1316, after his father died, King Robert the Bruce gave Colin a large area of land. This included Lochawe and Ardscotnish, which are along the shores of Loch Awe. In return, Colin promised to provide soldiers for the King's army. He also agreed to provide a special ship with 40 oars when needed.

Colin served in King Robert's army during a campaign in Ireland. This was between 1315 and 1318. A famous old story, called The Brus, tells about Colin during this time. It says that Colin once disobeyed King Robert's orders. He charged at two English archers. Colin killed the first archer, but the second archer killed Colin's horse. King Robert himself rode over to Colin. He hit Colin with a stick as a punishment for not following orders.

Later, when Edward Balliol tried to become king, Colin supported David II. During this time, Dunoon Castle was captured. It was taken by members of the Campbell clan, possibly led by Colin. The Campbell family has held this castle ever since, though it is mostly ruins today.

Colin's Family

Colin married a woman named Helena. Some records say she was the daughter of John More. Others say she was the daughter of John de Menteith. Colin and Helena had several children:

• Archibald (who died before 1394)
• Dougal (who died before 1342)
• John
• Alicia, who married Alan Lauder of Haltoun

Colin also had another son named Neil. Neil's mother was from the McIldowie family. The Campbells of Kenmore and Melfort are descended from Neil. The powerful Earls of Argyll are descended from Colin's son, Archibald.