Mary Cameron MacKellar

[Elizabeth]

Does anyone have any further information on the sloinntearachd of Sliochd Iain Duibh Cameron, ancestor of Mary Cameron (MacMaKellar, Bardess to Clan Cameron). Iain Dubh left Druim Saille to go to Kentra, (or Ceann Traigh), Sunart when the Camerons becaame too crowded for comfort.

[ChrisDoak]

Hi Eizabeth,

There isn't a great deal of information available on John Dubh Cameron,ancestor of Mary Mackellar,and founder of the Slioch Iain Duibh family of Kinlocheil/Drimnasallie.He lived during a period of murky and extremely violent times,and it is only through this aspect that we do know something about him.

John was the second son of Ewan McAllan Cameron,13th Chief of Clan Cameron,by his second marriage to Marjory MacIntosh,sister of William,13th Chief of Clan MacIntosh.

Ewan McAllan was executed in 1546 by the Earl of Huntly ,and the Chief of the MacIntoshes,for a raid on Grant and Fraser lands in Urquhart.

John Dubh,himself,was murdered in 1550 by Ewan McDonald McEwan Cameron,14th Chief of Clan Cameron (and John's step-nephew),probobly because he disputed his nephew's right to the Chiefship.Ewan,in turn,was murdered in 1553 by the McDougals.(Ewan's only child - a natural son - was the infamous Donald "Tailleur Dubh" of popular lore).

John Dubh had an elder brother,Ewan McEwan,who was the founder of the Erracht tribe of Camerons - Sliochd Eoghain mhic Eoghain.John was succeeded as head of the Kinlochiel branch by a son - John McIainduy,and hence down to the family tree to Mary Mackellar.I haven't,unfortunately,come across any reference to the family being in Kentra.

Hope this has been of interest.

Regards,Chris.