| Notes |
- Of the numerous Cameron chiefs to lead the clan throughout the years, Donald Hamish Cameron lived both the longest and also through an era of incredible change in world, Scottish and Cameron history.
Donald's early childhood memories were of World War I, and his father being off in Europe leading the 5th Battalion of the Cameron Highlanders against the Germans. His school years were spent at Harrow and later attending Balliol College, Oxford. In 1938 he was present at Achnacarry for the first-ever World Wide Gathering of the Clan Cameron, which was a memorable occasion.
At the age of 19 Donald was commissioned in the Lovat Scouts, and at the outbreak of World War II in 1939 the "newly wed" joined his regiment on mobilisation, rising to the rank of Major by 1940. He served throughout the war (earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1945) commanding during the Italian Campaign.
After the war Donald and Lady Margaret resided for a time in London, where he received his appointment. Upon the death of his father, Donald returned to Achnacarry, in 1951, to become the XXVI Chief of Clan Cameron. Portions of the estate had to be sold at this time, due to the heavy death duties from his father's passing. As a result Fassifern and Drumsallie, as well as parts of the north side of Loch Arkaig were disposed of. Regardless, the spirit of the Clan Cameron heartily survived the war era, with another grand Achnacarry Gathering held by Donald in 1956.
Upon his return to Achnacarry, Donald's experience and capabilities were such that he was soon in demand to serve on the boards of several companies, so that his business training stood him in good stead. He was the Director of the Royal Bank of Scotland from 1954-1980, county councillor for Kilmallie on the Inverness County Council and served as Lord-Lieutenant of Inverness-shire from 1971-85 (becoming the third generation of Lochiels to represent their Sovereign in the county). In November 1973 the Queen created Lochiel a Knight of the Thistle in recognition of his services to his country.
In regard to the Clan Cameron Association, Sir Donald not only continued the works of his father and grandfather in this area, but added to their efforts. He supported the establishment of two new worldwide branches, namely North America (1968) and England (1981). There were also numerous Worldwide Gatherings held at Achnacarry, a comprehensive history of Clan Cameron ("The Camerons - A History of Clan Cameron") was published in 1971 and through the works of Sir Donald and son Donald Angus Cameron, the Clan Cameron Museum was opened in 1989. These two gentlemen also were enthusiastic and key supporters of Clan Cameron's Electronic Branch, which premiered on the Internet in 1995.
During his tenure as the Chief of Clan Cameron Sir Donald led with distinction and the noble intention of preserving the "Cameron Country" lands of Lochaber, not just for the people of Scotland, but for Camerons worldwide to return to and visit.
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1910 - 2004 (93 years)