Clan MacKellar: Ancient Keepers of Argyll, Heirs of the Great Cellarer, and Steadfast Servants of Clan Campbell
Clan MacKellar (Gaelic: Clann Mhic Ealair or MacEalair) is one of the oldest and most respected surnames associated with the ancient province of Argyll. Though never a large clan with its own chief, the MacKellars were a powerful and influential hereditary family closely tied to the mighty Clan Campbell, serving for centuries as administrators, foresters, warriors, and trusted retainers.
Their name, rooted in the medieval role of “the Cellarer,” speaks to an honourable heritage of stewardship, hospitality, and responsibility—a fitting identity for a Highland family known for loyalty, diligence, and quiet strength.
Origins: Sons of the Cellarer (Mac Ealair)
1. Meaning of the Name
MacKellar is believed to derive from the Gaelic Mac Ealair or Mac Cille-Ealaire, meaning:
“Son of the Cellarer / Steward / Keeper of the Stores.”
The Cellarer was:
A key official in early monastic and noble households
Responsible for provisions, hospitality, and household management
A position requiring immense trust and status
Thus, the MacKellars may descend from an early religious or noble officer within Argyll’s medieval institutions.
2. Rooted in Argyll
Historical evidence places the MacKellars primarily in:
Glassary
Knapdale
Loch Fyne region
Cowal
These areas formed the administrative and military heart of Campbell-controlled Argyll, where MacKellars flourished in service roles.
The MacKellars and Clan Campbell
1. Trusted Officers and Household Stewards
For centuries, MacKellars served the powerful Clan Campbell as:
Stewards
Factors
Cellarers
Foresters
Military retainers
Their association with the Campbells was so strong that MacKellars are officially recognised as a sept of Clan Campbell.
2. The MacKellar of Arisaig
Some branches also appear connected to Western Clan territories, especially where Campbell authority extended during later periods.
3. Military Service
MacKellars often fought in Campbell-led campaigns, including:
Feuds with MacDonalds
Conflicts with MacDougalls
The Civil War era
Jacobite suppression efforts
Their reliability made them vital to Campbell governance.
Territories & Places of Note
1. Glassary
The ancestral homeland of many early MacKellars, especially around Kilmichael Glassary near Lochgilphead.
2. Loch Fyne
A major settlement region, reflecting the clan’s long-standing ties to maritime trade and Campbell estates.
3. Knapdale and Cowal
Home to several cadet lines, crofting families, and Campbell-affiliated MacKellar branches.
4. Argyll Heartland
The clan’s identity is woven tightly into the landscape of Argyllshire—its lochs, forests, castles, and glens.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
As a sept of the Campbells, MacKellars traditionally use Campbell heraldry for clan purposes.
Crest:
A boar’s head (erased)—a symbol of courage and ferocity.
Motto:
“Ne Obliviscaris”
“Forget Not.” (Campbell motto)
Some MacKellar arms also feature:
A lyre (symbol of culture)
A book (symbol of stewardship or clerical roles)
Badge:
The bog myrtle, used by Campbell septs.
Clan Warfare & History
1. Medieval Argyll Politics
MacKellars supported the Campbells in their rise from regional lords to one of Scotland’s most powerful families.
They participated in conflicts with:
MacDougalls
MacDonalds of the Isles
MacLean of Duart
2. Wars of the Three Kingdoms
Campbell-led Covenanter forces included MacKellars, especially those serving in household or garrison roles.
3. Jacobite Risings
Generally, MacKellars sided with Clan Campbell and the Hanoverian Government.
Some Argyllshire MacKellars served in:
The Argyll Militia
Government regiments during 1715 and 1745
4. Post-Jacobite Era
MacKellars became:
Farmers
Factors
Schoolmasters
Ministers
Soldiers in British Highland regiments
Culture & Professions
1. Stewards and Administrators
Their ancestral title suggests a strong clerical and organisational tradition.
2. Musicians and Poets
Some MacKellar lines produced church musicians and Gaelic poets.
3. Military Service
In modern times, many MacKellars served in:
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
The Royal Navy
The British Army overseas
4. Education and Ministry
MacKellars became well-regarded schoolmasters and clergy in Argyll communities.
The MacKellar Diaspora
Like many Highland families, the MacKellars emigrated widely during the 18th–19th centuries.
Major settlement regions include:
Nova Scotia (especially Cape Breton and Pictou)
Ontario
New Zealand
Australia
The Carolinas
Today, the MacKellar name is especially strong in Canada and Australia.
Tartans
MacKellars traditionally wear Campbell tartans, including:
1. Campbell of Argyll
Dark, muted greens and blues (the “Black Watch” sett).
2. Campbell of Cawdor
Bright blue and green sett.
3. Campbell Dress
White-based, for formal occasions.
There are also a few modern MacKellar variants created for family and sentimental use.
Surname Variants
MacKellar
McKellar
MacKeller
McKeller
Keller (rare Anglicisation)
Modern Clan Status
Clan Affiliation
MacKellars are an official sept of Clan Campbell, meaning:
They share the Campbell chief
They may wear Campbell tartan
They stand under the Campbell banner at gatherings
Clan Societies
MacKellars often join Campbell societies in:
Scotland
USA
Canada
Australia
Clan MacKellar Facts at a Glance
Name: MacKellar / McKellar
Gaelic: Mac Ealair / Mac Cille-Ealaire
Meaning: “Son of the Cellarer / Steward”
Region: Argyll (Glassary, Loch Fyne, Knapdale)
Crest: Boar’s head (via Campbell)
Motto: Ne Obliviscaris — “Forget Not”
Badge: Bog myrtle
Status: Sept of Clan Campbell
Conclusion
Clan MacKellar represents the heritage of Argyll at its most loyal and resilient. As hereditary stewards, foresters, and trusted servants of Clan Campbell, the MacKellars played a vital role in the administration, defence, and cultural stewardship of western Scotland.
Their name—rooted in the honoured position of the Cellarer—symbolises trust, responsibility, and constancy.
Though not a clan with its own chief, the MacKellars remain proud heirs to a noble Highland tradition and an essential thread in the tapestry of Argyll’s history.