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Campbell of Breadalbane

This clan of Campbells branched from the Campbells of Lochow, who gave the lands of Glenorchy to Sir Colin, son of Sir Duncan Campbell, and after marriage to the daughter of Lord Lorn, received a chunk of the lands of Lorn. As a valiant crusader in Palestine, Colin, was awaded the title of Knight of Rhodes, and built Kilchurn Castle in 1440. Further additions to the possessions of the family were the lands of Glenlyon, Finlairg, and areas throughout Argyll and Perthshire.

The folklore states that Sir John Campbell, 11th Earl of Glenorchy, described by many as 'cunning as a fox, as wise as a serpent, and as slippery as an eel', was made Earl of Breadalbane in 1681. He had firm Jacobite leanings and was a champion of Charles II. However, despite his political leanings he was enrolled to bribe Highland clans to defer to William III. This resulted in the massacre of Glencoe, for which he was blamed. He died in 1716.

Honours bestowed upon the clan included John, 14th of Breadalbane, being given the appellation of Baron of the United Kingdon in 1806, which was lifted to a marquessate in 1831.

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