Clan Lamont

Welcome back to A Clan A Day Podcast, brought to you by bagtownclans.com. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today we’re diving deep into the ancient history of Clan Lamont, one of the oldest and most enduring clans of the Scottish Highlands. Their story, like so many of the clans from the West Highlands, is one of perseverance, tragedy, and legacy. So, sit back as we unravel the intricate past of this proud clan whose history dates back to the early Celtic traditions of Scotland and Ireland.

The Lamonts trace their origins to an ancient Gaelic lineage that likely descends from the royal house of O’Neill, the kings of Ulster. The hand on their crest is believed to be the "Red Hand of Ulster," symbolizing this deep connection to their Irish roots. It is said that the clan's founder, Laumanus, gave the clan its name around the 13th century. However, prior to that, they were known as Clan Mhic Earachar, which referred to their ancestor, Fearchar, who lived around 1200.

At their height, the Lamonts ruled over large portions of the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll, a vast area filled with castles, forests, and strategic coastlines. Their power was immense, and their influence was felt across the western Highlands. They even had connections with other notable families, such as the MacLachlans, MacNeils, and the Campbells—though, as we will see, their relationship with the latter would prove to be one of the most tragic aspects of their history.

Let’s take a moment to talk about the clan’s name. The name “Lamont” comes from Laumanus, who, in 1235, granted lands to Paisley Abbey. This act solidified the family’s name and their identity, marking the shift from the older name MacKerracher to the more recognizable MacLaomainn or Lamont. By the 13th century, the Lamonts were considered the dominant clan in Cowal, and their genealogy is one of the few Highland family lines to be recorded and verified by ancient charters—quite the rarity for Highland clans.

Despite their power, the Lamonts, like many Highland clans, faced centuries of struggle, particularly against the rising influence of the Campbells. The Campbells, who had been granted lands in Cowal by the Stewart kings in the 14th century, began encroaching on Lamont territory. This sparked a feud that would last for centuries, culminating in one of the most brutal massacres in Scottish history.

In 1646, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the Lamonts found themselves on the losing side of a brutal conflict. Sir James Lamont, the clan chief at the time, had initially sided with the Royalists under King Charles I. However, after a series of defeats, he surrendered to the Campbells, who promised him and his clansmen safe passage. But instead of honoring their word, the Campbells massacred around 200 Lamonts at Dunoon, hanging 36 men from trees and burying others alive. This horrific event became known as the Dunoon Massacre and was one of the charges brought against Archibald Campbell, the Marquis of Argyll, in his trial for treason in 1661.

Despite this devastating loss, the Lamonts survived. Sir James Lamont, although imprisoned for several years, was eventually released, and his descendants continued to play a role in Scottish society, though their power in Cowal was greatly diminished. The massacre led many Lamonts to scatter across Scotland, with some adopting new surnames like Brown, Black, and White, to avoid further persecution.

One of the most heartwarming stories in the clan’s history highlights the Highland tradition of hospitality. In the early 1600s, a young Lamont accidentally killed the son of the MacGregor chief in a hunting accident. Fleeing in fear, the young Lamont sought refuge at the very house of the MacGregor chief, unaware that he had slain his host’s son. The MacGregor chief, bound by the sacred Highland code of hospitality, sheltered the young man, even after learning of his son’s death. Years later, when the tables were turned, and the MacGregor chief was on the run, Sir James Lamont welcomed him into his home, repaying the debt of kindness with loyalty and protection. This tale stands as a testament to the honor and compassion that existed among Highland chiefs, even in times of bloodshed.

Another significant moment in the history of Clan Lamont was their involvement in the wars of Scottish independence. While many clans supported Robert the Bruce, the Lamonts, along with the MacDougalls, initially sided with the English-backed Baliol faction. As a result, they suffered under Bruce’s rule once he emerged victorious. Their lands were gradually taken over by the Campbells, who further cemented their dominance in Cowal.

Even though the Lamonts never regained the same level of power, they continued to contribute to Scotland’s history. In 1563, the Lamont chief, Sir John Lamont, welcomed Mary, Queen of Scots, to Toward Castle, where she dined during one of her royal tours. Additionally, in the 17th century, members of the clan fought in the British army, with one commanding the Gordon Highlanders during the Peninsular War.

In more recent times, the Clan Lamont Society was established to preserve the history and heritage of the clan. One of the society's most important achievements was the erection of a memorial at Dunoon in 1906 to honor the Lamonts who perished in the 1646 massacre. The Lamont Shield is awarded annually at the Cowal Highland Gathering to the best juvenile solo piper, ensuring that the clan’s legacy continues to live on through Scottish culture and music.

Today, the clan’s chief is Rev. Fr. Peter Noel Lamont, a Roman Catholic priest living in Australia, symbolizing the global diaspora of this once-dominant Highland clan. The Lamont name, though now scattered across the globe, remains a proud reminder of a people whose resilience, honor, and history are deeply woven into the fabric of Scotland.

Thank you for joining us today as we explored the history of Clan Lamont. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another episode of A Clan A Day Podcast, where we continue our journey through Scotland’s rich clan heritage. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and until next time, slàinte mhath!