Clan Cameron
by Glen Angus MacIntyre
Lochaber in the 14th century was a vast land covered in towering peaks, blue water lochs, fertile straiths and narrow glens, but fire and sword often marred the beauty of the land. The Cameron's war cry --"Sons of the dogs, come here and get flesh!"-- has echoed throughout the Great Glen since Donald Dubh Cameron, a member of the MacSorlies of Ben Nevis, married MacMartin of Letterfinlay's daughter. To protect themselves from their powerful neighbors, the MacDonalds and Clan Chattan, the MacSorlies of Ben Nevis united with the MacMartins of Letterfinlay and the MacGillonies of Strone to form a confederation. Donald Dubh became the first captain of the clan, and over time, the members of the clan assumed his surname, Cameron.
In 1396 the rivalry between Clan Cameron and Clan MacIntosh developed into a feud, with one clan constantly raiding the other. King Robert III decided the best way to settle the matter was to have both clans select twelve men and have them fight to the death in a contest reminiscent of the gladiators of ancient Rome. The king ordered a special arena built, surrounded by seats for spectators. There, before the flower of Scottish nobility, the Camerons and MacIntoshes were instructed to settle their differences with sword and dirk.
"Black Jock," The Infamous Armstrong
by Chris Grice
The Armstrongs' clan territory lies in Liddesdale and Eskdale, adjacent to the border with England. There are several stories to explain the origin of the Armstrongs. One claims that they descended from no less a person than Siward, 11th-century Earl of Northumbria, who appears in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Legend has it that an early ancestor, named Fairbairn, was armor-bearer to an unnamed King of Scots. When the king was unhorsed in battle, Fairbairn lifted him, armor and all, back into the saddle, thus earning himself the sobriquet "Arm Strong."
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