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Scottish history has often been simplified, with the implications that undying enmity between clans, particularly the Campbells
and MacDonalds, was the norm. Here is a story that belies such a simplistic view.
In 1647, during the Scottish civil war, Campbell of Kilberry was called to arms by Argyll. Apparently tired of having
to march his tenants off for another foray, he none-the-less prepared to do so. Arriving in Tarbert, he found his brother-in-law,
MacDonald of Largie, who, along with his followers, was making ready to march off to support the other side in the conflict.
The two gentlemen retired to an evening of a few drams and exchanges of information about their respective families.
In the morning the two awoke to find, much to their embarassment, that their troops had
left without them. Largie immediately decided to take action, and "kidnapped" Kilberry, taking him off to Kintyre.
The Lady of Largie, nee Campbell of Kilberry, was less than enthused, as she was in the middle of cleaning her home. The two
stayed there for a while until she made it too uncomfortable to remain. Kilberry single-handedly "kidnapped" Largie
and set off for home in a small boat.
When they arrived, Mrs. Campbell, nee MacDonald, was less than welcoming. It seemed that during Kilberry's abscence his
home had been besieged by Islemen for three days. The siege ended only when she had lowered a barrel of ale over the wall.
The Islemen drank up, and wandered off to cause mischief elsewhere. Mrs. Campbell was rather upset that, while her home was
under siege, these two were sitting around comfortably eating, drinking and exchanging stories.
So, back to Largie they went, only to return once again to Kilberry. Evidently, these sojourns might have continued without
interuption. However, they were seized by MacNeill of Gigha, who ardently threatened to denounce the two slackards to their
respective sides in the then current conflict. Kilberry and Largie need not have feared, though. Returning to Kilberry with
the two gentlemen, MacNeill fell in love with one of Kilberry's daughters, and joined the two in their boycott of the conflict.
This story can be found in Argyll, The Enduring Heartland , by Marion Campbell of Kilberry
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