The rich history of Argyll

Iain Thornber’s articles are always crammed with interesting Highland lore.

He recently wrote about the Boyds and MacLean of Ardgour, remarking that “there must be very few families in the West Highlands who can claim such a lengthy association with the same laird” – close to 500 years.

I can add to that shortlist my own ancestors, the MacPhedrans of Loch Awe and Loch Fyne, and their long-standing connection with the Campbells of Loch Awe and later Inveraray.

When Robert the Bruce passed through Argyll in 1306, he was assisted by Sir Neil Campbell in his flight to Rathlin Island, off the coast of Ireland. Duncan MacPhedran owned a galley and helped his liege Campbell convey Bruce over the sea from Dunaverty Castle in Kintyre. After Bannockburn, MacPhedran’s reward was the ferry rights across Loch Awe at Port Sonachan, and the ancient charters are in Inveraray Castle Archives, one dated 1439.

After the Battle of Flodden in 1513, a MacPhedran and a MacIntyre carried the body of the slain 2nd Earl back to Argyll.

Other MacPhedrans appear in the record, piping at events or building walls on the estate.

My great grandfather Duncan MacPhedran worked for the Duke and was consulted on local history. His son Hughie, who died in 1999, was the last of the surname MacPhedran resident in Inveraray, and knew Ian the 12th Duke well.

So I think the MacPhedran-Campbell connection lasted almost 700 years – two centuries longer than the Boyds and MacLean. What rich history we have in Argyll!

Kenneth MacTaggart, Inveraray.