History of Clan MacArthur
The Legendary History of Clan MacArthur
Clan MacArthur is reputed to be one of the oldest clans in Scotland. Their antiquity is captured in the ancient Argyll proverb: "There is none older, save the hills, the Devil, and MacArthur."
Legend traces the clan’s descent directly from King Arthur of the Round Table. The Red Book of Argyll identifies the ancestor as Smervie Mhor, a son of King Arthur who remained a "wild man of the woods." The MacArthurs established themselves early on the shores of Loch Awe, Loch Lomond, and Loch Tay.
Rise to Power with The Bruce The clan enters recorded history as staunch supporters of Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence. They fought alongside the King at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. As a reward for their loyalty, they were granted extensive lands belonging to the defeated MacDougalls on Loch Awe.
By the 15th century, the MacArthurs were a powerhouse. Iain MacArthur of Strachur was described as a "leader of a thousand men," holding a princely state that rivaled any in the Highlands.
Rivalry and Betrayal Clan MacArthur and Clan Campbell share a common ancestry, often described as "brother clans." However, history dealt the MacArthurs a harsh hand. In 1427, King James I, threatened by the clan's power, summoned the Highland Chiefs to Inverness. It was a trap. Iain MacArthur was seized and beheaded, and his lands were forfeited. This allowed the Campbells to rise to dominance.
Later, in 1567, tragedy struck again during "The Drowning of Loch Awe." Duncan MacArthur and his son were murdered—drowned in the loch by envious neighbours during a property dispute, resulting in the loss of the clan's ancient genealogical papers.
Culloden and a Modern Revival Like many Highland families, the MacArthurs suffered greatly after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Many were forced to emigrate to America, Canada, and Australia, and the Chiefship lay dormant for over two centuries after the last Chief died in Jamaica in 1771.
However, the story has a triumphant new chapter. In 2002, after extensive research, James Edward Moir MacArthur was recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as the rightful Chief. Today, the clan is revitalized, welcoming descendants from all over the world.