Skip to main content

Argyll (pron. ar-GILE - it rhymes with mile) is the southwestern area of the Highlands. It is the place where Irish people, known as the Dalriadic Scots,  first went to Scotland. The name comes from the Gaelic, Oir Gael, which means Edge, or Borderland, of the Gael. Gaels are Celtic people, which includes the Irish, Welsh, Manx and Scots. Argyll, which used to be spelled Argyle, is the original home of Clan Campbell. Many other Highland clans lived in Argyll, too.

Argyll-Scotland-Blue-Map-261x287.jpg

Look carefully at the map, and you will see places important to members of Clan Campbell, other Highlanders and all of Scotland. The Island of Iona, just west of Mull, was where where the Book of Kells was created, and is the burial place of early Kings of Scots. The hill fort of Dunadd, between Mid Argyll and Knapdale, was the first capital of the Dalriadic Scots.

Argyll-Scotland-Place-Names-Map-452x450.jpg

Many places in Argyll are part of Clan Campbell history. On Loch Awe, in Mid Argyll, are both Innis Chonnel, the first castle of the Campbells, and Kilchurn Castle, the first Castle of the Breadalbane Campbells. Southeast of Loch Awe is Loch Fyne, a salt water loch. Toward the northern end of Loch Fyne is the town of Inveraray, where the Clan Campbell Chief lives in Inveraray Castle.

Towering over all of Argyll is Cruachan Ben. Ben means "mountain" in the Gaelic, and Cruachan means, "the big stack.".  Cruachan is the war cry, or slogan, of Clan Campbell.

Can you find these places on the map?

 

 

Join Us!

Clan Campbell Society (N.A.)

Membership benefits include:

– A subscription to our award winning 60 page quarterly magazine, "The Journal"

– Research access to our 250,000 member genealogical database via our Genealogist

– You will receive a vote in the annual elections for members of the Clan Campbell Society (NA) Executive Council

– Special Member pricing on Clan Campbell merchandise

– Discount Member pricing on Clan Campbell Merchandise at St. Kilda USA Shop

– News of Scottish events and Scottish Highland Games Calendar

– Periodic opportunities for Group Travel to Scotland

A subscription to a monthly eNewsletter with color pictures and events information

– Free entry to Cawdor Castle, ancestral home of the Earl Cawdor, during regular open times (with valid membership card)

– Free entry to Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll Chief of Clan Campbell, during regular open times (with valid membership card)

Membership is open to all Campbells, Campbell septs, those married to a Campbell or Campbell Sept, those descended from Clan Campbell, and to those interested in learning about the Clan Campbell, Scottish history and culture, and who acknowledge Mac Cailein Mòr as their Clan Chief, as he is the Chief of Clan Campbell, the greatest family in all of Scotland! (We're a "wee bit" biased.)

Remember, those who get the most out of being a member of the Clan Campbell Society... are those who participate. We welcome you as our kinsmen to join us in our many activities.

To become a member, simply complete the online Membership Application.