Lamont

Lamont

Clan Lamont of that Ilk, Argyllshire, Scotland. once described as ‘Mac Laomain Mor Chomhail Uile’-’The Great MacLamont of All Cowal’. Descended from a Norse family of Ulster in Ireland, their original name being Logmaor, Norse for law giver, which then changed to the Gaelic Ladhman, and were descended from one of the O’Neill princes of Tyrone. The first record of the chiefs was from a grant of lands to the monks of Paisley by Laumanus, son of Malcolm in 1270 and again by his son Malcolm in 1295. John Lamond of theat Ilk fought at the Battle of Cowal in 1466. In the late 15th century, the leadership of the clan passed to Lamont of Lamont from Inveryne, with their seats at Castle Toward and Ascog Castle. During the 17th century, a Lamont killed Macgregor, the Younger of Glenstrae in a brawl and then fled being pursued by the Macgregors. Lamont sought shelter and protection from Macgregor of Glenstrae, whose son he had just killed, and under the honour of hospitality, refused to allow any harm to Lamont. Sir James Lamont of Lamont, chief in 1643, declared for the King during the Civil War, and in 1646 were attacked by the Campbells. Sir James surrendered Toward and Ascog in exchange for the lives of the clan, but he was imprisoned in terrible conditions and over 200 men, women and children of the Lamont Clan were murdered by the Campbells. After the Restoration, the Marquess of Argyll, Chief of the Campbells was tried for treason and executed in 1661.

Arms: Azure, a lion rampant argent, armed and langued gules.

Crest: A dexter hand couped at the wrist proper.

Motto: Ne parcas nec spernas (Neither spare nor dispose).

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