Clan Colquhoun

Clan Colquhoun is a Scottish clan.

History

Origins of the clan

The lands of the Clan Colquhoun were on the shores of Loch Lomond. During the reign of Alexander II of Scotland, Umphredus de Kilpatrick received from Malduin, Earl of Lennox, the estates of Colquhoun, Auchentorily and Dumbuck. The Clan Colquhoun chief's early stronghold was at Dunglass Castle, which is perched on a rocky promontory by the River Clyde. Dunglass was also close to the royal Dumbarton Castle, of which later chiefs of Clan Colquhoun were appointed governors and keepers.

The chief's title was that of the Barony of Luss which came to the Colquhouns when Sir Robert of Colquhoun married the heiress of the Lord of Luss in about 1368.

15th and 16th centuries

During the minority of James II of Scotland, Sir John Colquhoun was appointed governor of the royal Dumbarton Castle. However he was murdered during a raid at Inchmurrin in 1439. He was succeeded by his son, another Sir John, who rose to be Comptroller of the Royal Household. He received a charter incorporating all of his lands into the free barony of Luss in 1457. A year later he also received the forests of Rossdhu and Glenmachome together with the lands of Kilmardinny.