| Biography:
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Of
the numerous Cameron chiefs to lead the clan throughout the
years, Donald Hamish Cameron lived both the longest and
also through an era of incredible change in world,
Scottish and Cameron history.
Donald's
early childhood memories were of World War I, and his
father being off in Europe leading the 5th Battalion of
the Cameron Highlanders against the Germans. His
school years were spent at Harrow and later attending
Balliol College, Oxford. In 1938 he was present at
Achnacarry for the first-ever World Wide
Gathering of the Clan Cameron, which was
a memorable occasion.
At the age of 19 Donald was commissioned in the Lovat
Scouts, and at the outbreak of World War II in
1939 the "newly wed" joined his regiment on
mobilisation, rising to the rank of Major by 1940.
He served throughout the war (earning the rank
of Lieutenant Colonel in 1945) commanding during the
Italian Campaign.
After the
war Donald and Lady Margaret resided for a
time in London, where he received his appointment.
Upon the death of his father, Donald returned to
Achnacarry, in 1951, to become the XXVI Chief of Clan
Cameron. Portions of the estate had to be sold
at this time, due to the heavy
death duties from his father's passing. As a result
Fassifern and Drumsallie, as well as parts of the north
side of Loch Arkaig were disposed of. Regardless,
the spirit of the Clan Cameron heartily
survived the war era, with another grand Achnacarry
Gathering held by Donald in 1956.
Upon his
return to Achnacarry, Donald's experience and
capabilities were such that he was soon in demand to
serve on the boards of several companies, so that his
business training stood him in good stead. He was
the Director of the Royal Bank of Scotland from
1954-1980, county councillor for Kilmallie on the
Inverness County Council and served as Lord-Lieutenant
of Inverness-shire from 1971-85 (becoming the third
generation of Lochiels to represent their Sovereign in
the county). In November 1973 the Queen created
Lochiel a Knight of the Thistle in recognition of his
services to his country.
In
regard to the Clan Cameron Association, Sir Donald not
only continued the works of his father and grandfather
in this area, but added to their efforts. He
supported the establishment of two new worldwide
branches, namely North America (1968) and England
(1981). There were also numerous Worldwide Gatherings
held at Achnacarry, a comprehensive history
of Clan Cameron ("The Camerons - A History of Clan
Cameron") was published in 1971 and through
the works of Sir Donald and son Donald Angus
Cameron, the Clan Cameron Museum was opened in
1989. These two gentlemen also were enthusiastic
and key supporters of Clan Cameron's
Electronic Branch, which premiered on the Internet
in 1995.
During
his tenure as the Chief of Clan Cameron Sir Donald led with distinction and the noble intention of
preserving the "Cameron Country" lands of
Lochaber, not just for the people of Scotland, but for
Camerons worldwide to return to and visit. |
