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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> MacIver

MacIver Clan Tattoos - Traditional genealogies place the origin of this clan among the ancient Britons of Strathclyde, but the first Campbell in written records is Gillespie, in early 1263. Early grants of land to him and his relations were almost all in east-central Scotland, although the families first connection with Argyll appears to have come about some generations before,

With the marriage of a Campbell to the dynastic heiress of the O'Duines, who brought with her the Lordship of Loch Awe. Through this connection the clan took its early name of Clan O'Duine, a name which was later supplanted by the style Clan Diarmid, from a fancied connection with a great hero from early Celtic mythology, Diarmid the Boar.

However this situation was reversed in the time of his son, Sir Neil, a staunch ally and companion of Robert the Bruce, by whom he was rewarded with extensive grants of land forfeited by the Lords of Lorne and other enemies in Argyll. It was this that gave initial impetus to the rise of the power of the Campbells in the West Highlands. The king also gave his sister in marriage to Sir Neil, who appears to have disposed of his existing wife for this better offer, a common practice at a time when noble marriages were primarily a means of forging alliances. This royal marriage resulted in a son, John, who was created Earl of Atholl.

Clan MacIver Motto: Nunquam Obliviscar
From Latin: I will never forget

See also: Claddagh, Thistle Tattoos, Scottish Lion Tattoo Designs, Welsh Dragon Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Designs, Celtic Tattoo Designs, Family Crests