Glen Innes Gathering – 2007

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The Clan Lamont Society of Australia was founded in 1983, and is fortunate in having our current Chief, Father Peter Noel Lamont of that Ilk, living in Australia. This site is dedicated to celebrating the Clan Lamont Scottish culture and heritage, and whether you are of Scottish ancestry or simply interested, you will find information about the Clan Lamont of Australia of and our activities of the society and how you can join in. The Lamont family is one of the oldest in Scotland and its members are found around the world.

Society President

James Burden

jjburden@tpg.com.au

Vice-President

John Nash

naswar@hotmail.com

Secretary/Treasurer

Jean Burden

jjburden@tpg.com.au

Membership

Jean Burden

jjburden@tpg.com.au

Webmaster

Sue-Ellen Nash

sue_ellennash@yahoo.com.au

The Chief of Clan Lamont

Father Peter Noel Lamont of that Ilk

29th Chief of Clan Lamont

The current Chief of Clan Lamont is the 29th, Father Peter Noel Lamont of that Ilk. Father Lamont is Parish Priest of Holy Name Mary Roman Catholic Church, Rydalmere a suburb of Sydney, Australia. He was born on November 21, 1955, and became Chief upon the death of his father, Noel Brian Lamont, on July 16, 1972. His branch of the family came to Australia in 1855, led by his Great Great Grandfather, Edward Buller Lamont.  Peter is also heredity Baron of Inveryne.

The Chiefship moved to Australia in 1929, when Peter’s Great Uncle, Edward Luis Lamont, became the 22nd Chief. Peter has a younger brother, Gregory, who is married, and has sons, so the Chief’s line will continue in Australia. He also has a sister, Roxanne. Father Lamont was ordained at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in Parramatta on November 22, 1986.

History:  The Red Hand of Ulster symbolises both the Irish province of Ulster and a descent from the U N ill. The Lamonts claim descent from Anrothan O Neill, an Irish prince. The hand within the crest badge very likely alludes to this descent.

Origins:  The first record of the Lamonts is found in the mid 13th century, when Laumanus filius Malcolmi, nepos Duncani, filius Fearchar appears in a feudal charter conveying Kilmur and Loch Gilp and the lands of quas nos et antecessores nostri apud Kilmun habuerunt to Paisley Abbey. Lauman s name appears in another charter, dated 1295, Malcolmus filius er haeres domini quondam Laumani . The fact this Lauman is the ancestor of the clan is proved in an instrument in 1466 between the monastery of Paisley and John Lamont of that Ilk, regarding the lands of Kilfinan, which are specifically said to have been held by John Lamont s ancestors. From Lauman the Lamonts take their name and are styled as Mac Laomainn. It is said that before the time of Lauman, the family was known as Mac erachar (son of Fearchar), the grandfather of Lauman, who lived around 1200. The early chiefs of the clan were described as The Great MacLamont of all Cowal (Scottish Gaelic: Mac Laomain mor Chomhail uile). In 1456 a John Lamont was baillie of Cowal. Later in around 1463 the lands belonging to Lamont of that Ilk fell to the Crown by reason of non-entry, and for almost a century were held by a branch of the family known as the Lamonts of Inveria.  

Tradition of Highland hospitality:  There is a tradition of Highland hospitality and chivalry that concerns Clan Lamont and Clan Gregor. The story is supposed to take place around the year 1600. The son of the chief of Clan Lamont and the only son of MacGregor of Glenstrae, chief of Clan Gregor, went hunting together on the shores of Loch Awe. After the two men had made camp at nightfall they eventually became embroiled in a quarrel at the end of which Lamont grabbed his dirk and MacGregor was mortally wounded. The son of The Lamont then fled, hotly pursued by MacGregor s furious retainers, until losing his way he eventually made it to the house of the The MacGregor himself. On hearing that Lamont was fleeing for his life promised Lamont protection. Soon though, the old MacGregor guessed it was his own son who had been slain, but considered himself bound to the Highland laws of hospitality, saying Here this night you shall be safe . With the arrival of the furious MacGregor clansman who pursued the young Lamont the MacGregor chief was true to his word and protected Lamont from his clansmen s vengeance. Later, while it was still dark, the chief had Lamont personally conducted to Dunderave on Loch Fyne and provided him with a boat and oars. Flee for your life; in your own country we shall pursue you. Save yourself if you can! Years later a ragged man appeared at Toward Castle desperately seeking shelter. The man was MacGregor of Glenstrae who had been stripped of lands and possessions and was fleeing for his life. The Lamont chief remembered the honourable deed of MacGrgor and took him and protected MacGregor. The old MacGregor lived with Lamont for years until his death, and was buried in honour in the little graveyard at the chapel of St Mary on the farm of Toward-an-Uilt, where MacGregor s grave could be pointed out.

The Dunoon massacre:   A Victorian era print of the Lamont tartan from The Clans of the Scottish Highlands by R. R. McIan, published in 1845. The darkest era of Clan Lamont was undoubtedly during the mid 17th century which ended in what is known as the Dunoon massacre. The chief of the clan during this time was Sir James Lamont of that Ilk. In 1634 Sir James represented the Barons of Argyll in Parliament, though two years later he was plotting for the Royalist cause with other clan chiefs such as, Macdonald of Sleat, Macleod of Dunvegan, Maclean of Duart, Stuart of Bute, and Stewart of Ardgowan. Though once the Earl of Argyll (the chief of Clan Campbell) found out Lamont was forced to recant his position. With the start of the following Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Lamont was sent a charter by Charles I of Scotland to crush the rebels – the Campbells. Even though the Lamont chief was a Royalist sympathiser he had no choice but to join forces with the superior forces of the Earl of Argyll. After the Covenanter loss at the Battle of Inverlochy Sir James was released by the Royalist victors and then sided with the Marquess of Montrose and actively supported the Royalist cause. Sir James Lamont of that Ilk then joined forces with Alasdair MacColla and together they invaded the lands of the Campbells. Sir James brother, Archibald, led a force of Lamonts across Loch Long and together with MacColla s Irish contingent they landed at the Point of Strone. Their force then laid waste to large areas under Campbell control. The Lamonts were particularly brutal in North Cowal, and singled out Dunoon – the scene of an earlier massacre of Lamonts by Campbells. During the destruction their forces wrought on the Campbells, MacColla s men committed many atrocities and even the Lamonts themselves when they attacked the Tower of Kilmun. Once the tower had surrendered under promise of their lives being spared, the prisoners were then taken thrie myles from the place and most cruelly put to Death, except one who was in the hot fever . Sir James Lamont ravaged the lands of Strachur, killing thirty-three men, women and children. His force destroyed much grain and drove off 340 cattle and horses. Several months later in May 1646 while the Lamonts were home at castles of Toward and Ascog they were besieged by Campbell forces seeking revenge. By June 1, 1646 the Campbells had cannon brought to shell the Lamont strongholds. Two days later Sir James Lamont, in a written agreement of quarter and liberty for himself and his followers surrendered and persuaded the other garrison at Ascog Castle to likewise laydown arms and surrender to the Campbells. Although the Campbells had agreed to the Lamonts terms of surrender, they immediately took the surrendered garrisons to Dunoon by boat. The Lamont strongholds were then looted and burnt to the ground. Sir James and his closest kin were shipped to Inverary and he was held in the dungeons of Dunstaffnage Castle for the next five years. In the churchyard at Dunoon about a hundred Lamonts were sentenced to death and executed. Thirty-six of the clan s high-ranking gentlemen were hanged from a tree in the churchyard, cut down and then buried either dead or alive in a common grave. After languishing in captivity for years Sir James Lamont was brought to Stirling Castle in 1651 to answer for his actions with Alasdair MacColla for their devastations in Argyll. Lamont was eventually spared trial though, when Charles II of Scotland led his ill-fated Scots forces into England to be later defeated at the Battle of Worcester. Lamont was finally released when the forces of Oliver Cromwell took Stirling. It has been reputed that the total damage inflicted by the Campbells upon the Lamont estates was in excess of 600,000 Scots ( 50,000 sterling). Argyll himself was able to recover 2,900 Scots (almost 245 sterling) for the entertainment and lodging of the Lamont chief while in captivity. In 1662, the ringleader of the massacre, Sir Colin Campbell, was brought to justice. He stood trial, was found guilty and beheaded.

Modern clan:   The chiefs of Clan Lamont lived at Ardlamont until the last of their lands were sold in 1893 by the 21st chief, John Henry Lamont of Lamont, who emigrated to Australia. The present chief of the clan is Peter Noel Lamont of that Ilk, Chief of the Name and Arms of Lamont., who is a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. The current chief is a parish priest in Marayong (a suburb of Sydney), New South Wales, Australia.