The Campbells (of Strachur) are the oldest branch of the Campbell family and senior by primo geniture in Clan Campbell being direct descendants of Sir Dugald Campbell (of Lochow) and established at Strachur. Sir Dugald Campbell (of Lochow) had two sons, the oldest being Arthur Campbell, who became Arthur Campbell (of Strachur) and the younger brother Great Colin (Cailein Mor) Campbell. It is from Cailein Mor that the present Clan Chief, the Duke of Argyll, is descendant from. Through the centuries the Campbells of Strachur have often disputed the cheifship with the Argyll family. Cambells of Strachur also go by the Gaelic title of Mac-Artairr Campbell - ‘Son of Arthur’ Campbell.
Chiefs of Clan Campbell
The historian William Forbes Skene, who maintains the Strachur family of the Campbell as chiefs of the clan Campbell, writes: "... the Macarthur Campbells, of Strachur, the acknowledged descendants of the older house, they have at all times disputed the chiefship with the Argyll family. Judging from analogy, we are compelled to admit that the Campbells of Strachur must formerly have been chiefs of the clan, and that the usual causes in such cases have operated to reduce the Strachur family, and to place that of Argyll in that situation, and this is confirmed by the early history of the clan."
(See also John Campbell (of Strachur))
Strachur House
