The Clan MacArthur is of ancient origin. Highlanders in the west when speaking of olden times used a proverb which said, “ There is nothing older, unless the hill, MacArthur, and the devil.” The clan is claimed to be the older branch of the Clan Campbell, and held the chiefship until the fifteenth century.

The MacArthurs supported King Robert the Bruce in the struggle for the independence of Scotland, and were rewarded with grants of extensive lands in Argyll inculding those of the MacDougalls who opposed the King. The chief was appointed Captain of the Castle of Dunstaffnage. The clan remained powerful until the year 1427, when John, the chief, was executed by order of James I. And thereafter the Campbells or Argyll rose to power.

The MacArthurs of Strachur remained as the principal family of the clan and it was a member of this family, John MacArthur, born in 1767, who became “ the Father of New South Wales.” He accompained the 102nd Regiment ( N.S.W. Corps) to Sydney in 1790. He was Commandant at Parramatta from 1793 till 1804. He was interested in the development of the colony and introduced sheep and imported thier breed ; in 1817 he planted the first vineyard, and so he was the founder of the two great Australian industries of wool and wine.

In Skye a family of MacArthurs held land as the hereditary pipers to the MacDonalds of the Isles.

Crest: Two laurel branches in orle, proper, Badge: Bog myrtle, Fir club moss. War Cry: Eisd O’ Eisd ( Listen, O! Listen).