Finding the lost grave of ‘Ulysses of the Highlands’
‘A canny, sharp-toothed gentleman’ is how his descendants see Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel as they bid to solve the riddle of his remains
Asearch is under way for the final resting place of a revered chief of Clan Cameron nicknamed “the Ulysses of the Highlands” for his brute strength and fighting prowess. Clan Cameron members have embarked on finding the burial spot of Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, 17th clan chief, with hopes of creating a fitting memorial to a “true legendary leader” of his people.
Lochiel, who supported the Stuart Kings and played a role in the first Jacobite uprising in 1689, is remembered for biting out the throat of an adversary and killing the last wild wolf in Scotland.
He died from a high fever in February 1719 aged 90. No grave marker for Lochiel exists, with it likely destroyed after the Battle of Culloden by Hanoverian forces who ripped their way through Lochaber following their victory over the Jacobites in April 1746.
Chicago-based Thomas Cameron, commissioner of the Clan Cameron Association of North America, is leading the project to mount a lasting memorial to the Highlander.
He said: “Sir Ewen was a canny, sharp-toothed 17th-century gentleman. His many descendants and modern-day clansfolk would love to provide a fitting resting place for him. Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel’s final resting place remains a slight mystery, but the tale of how his grave, then more than 25 years old, was probably lost in the aftermath of Culloden may be the true tragedy.”
With a reputation for fierce fighting, legend has it that Lochiel never lost a drop of blood or received a wound in conflict.
He fought with distinction in the Glencairn uprising, a military rebellion by Highlanders against Oliver Cromwell’s English troops, and was knighted in 1681 by Charles II, who paid personal tribute to the Highlander’s courage. Later, Lochiel became a key Jacobite operator and played a big role in the victory over Wiliam of Orange’s forces at Killiecrankie Pass in 1689.
While most believe the leader of the “warlike and firmly united tribe” was buried in the now ruined old church at Kilmallie in Lochaber, there is only faint documentary evidence to confirm this.
Old Achnacarry, a traditional home of the Cameron chiefs, was razed following Culloden, along with a huge ash tree at Kilmallie which was revered by Lochiel and his men for many generations.
The tracing of his grave has been hampered by the lack of records on this period of Clan Cameron history.
Lady Lochiel, the wife of Sir Ewen’s grandson, is said to have taken batches of important family papers in wooden boxes from Old Achnacarry to a hiding place in the hills to save them from postculloden raids. However, they were destroyed after taking on rainwater, with cattle breaking the boxes open, Mr Cameron said. The search is now on for any further papers which relate to Lochiel’s burial.
Archaeological survey work may also be carried out at the churchyard at Kilmallie to help determine his final resting place.
Lochiel is also remembered for leading an onslaught at Inverlochy in the early 1650s on dozens of Cromwell’s men sent to build a new garrison in the Highlands.
He is also recalled for his powers of conciliation over a clan feud that had raged for more that 360 years.
Mr Cameron added: “I also tend to appreciate how he ended the legendary 360 year long bloody feud with Clan Mackintosh, mostly via strategic acts near the River Arkaig.
“He was a true leader, a legend to many that we great take pride in.”
Lochiel’s grandson was “Gentle Lochiel”, the 19th chief of Clan Cameron, and a the key figure in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s 1745 uprising. He gathered around 800 men at Glenfinnan in the largest show of support of the Jacobite army, and took his Gentle nickname after the Battle of Prestonpans when he ordered that all injured Government men should receive medical care.