The Campbells of Breadalbane trace their family back to Sir Colin, son of Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochow. From his father he received the lands of Glenurchy, and through his marriage with a daughter of Lord Lorn he received a third part in the lands of Lorn. He built Kilchurn castle in 1440, and for his valour in Palestine he was made a Knight of Rhodes.

The descendants of Sir Duncan were successful in adding to the possessions of the family, and in the course of time these included the lands of Glenlyon, Finlarig, and territory throughout Argyll and Perthshire. Sir John Campbell, 11th of Glenurchy, was created Earl of Breadalbane in 1681, and was a strong supporter of King Charles II. He was described as cunning as a fox, wise as a serpent and slippery as an eel. In 1689 he was employed to bribe the Highland clans to submit to King William III. (See our section on the massacre of Glencoe for more details on this.) He died in 1716.

In 1806 John, 14th of Breadalbane, was created a Baron of the United Kingdom, and in 1831 he was raised to a Marquessate. In 1862, by the death of John, 5th Earl, without issue the United Kingdom titles became extinct, but the Marquessate was restored to Gavin, 7th Earl, in 1885, but again became extinct in 1922.

Crest: A boars head, erased, proper. Badge: Fir club moss, Bog myrtle.
War Cry: Cruachan. Pipe music: Bodaich nam Brigisean (The Carles with the breeks)