August 14 in Scottish History

On August 14, 1863 Colin Campbell, Field Marshal Lord Clyde, the noted Scottish soldier, died. Campbell was born Colin MacIver in Glasgow, but was partly adopted by his uncle, Col John Campbell, and when recieving his commission in the army his name was registered as Campbell. It seems even that the young officer was advised to assume the name of Campbell as a means of advancement in his army career. Campbell fought in every major campaign the British army was involved in from the Napoleonic War to the Crimea, and rose quickly through the ranks. His crowning moment was as Commander-in-Chief of the British forces during the Indian Mutiny, 1857. He was fondly regarded by his troops, particularly by the Highlanders under his command and it was these soldiers who held the famous 'Thin Red Line' during the Battle of Balaclava.

On this day in 1337 King Robert III was born at Scone Palace. Robert was actually baptised as John, but in Scotland this was considered as an unlucky name for a monarch. However, the name does not seem to have helped him any, after his coronation on August 14, 1390, he was described as 'feeble', 'timid' and 'unfit to rule.' By the time he actually acceded to the throne, Robert was fifty-three and severely disabled thanks to injuries received from a horse's kick. Real power during his reign was held by his younger brother, the Duke of Albany and his son, the Duke of Rothesay.

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