Viscount Duncan of Camperdown

There is a common misconception among many people that there is a “Clan Duncan.” While it is true that Donnachaidh means Duncan in Gaelic, the Clan Name is indeed Donnachaidh. Below is a crest, incorrectly worn by many Duncans in the belief that it represents Clan Duncan.

This crest represents the personal crest of Viscount Duncan of Camperdown and due to a manufacturing mistake is produced falsely as Clan Duncan (when in fact there is no Clan Duncan). A distinguished British Admiral - and Donnachadh as well - Admiral Duncan, in 1797 at Kampen gained one of Great Britian’s greatest naval victories over the Dutch and as such was created Viscount Duncan of Camperdown and Baron of Lundie by His Majesty King George IV.

Admiral Duncan (Born Adam Duncan in 1731) was commander of the North Sea Fleet blockading Holland and was cruising off the tiny village of Kampen when the Dutch fleet appeared. The Dutch were commanded by Admiral de Winter and Duncan is said to have told his officers, "Gentlemen, you see a severe winter approaching. I advise you to keep up a good fire."

Amid the noise, flames and smoke of battle many died. Duncan's own ship, HMS Venerable, took many direct hits. When his admiral's flag was shot down, he retrieved it himself and handed it to Ordinary Seaman Jack Crawford who famously volunteered to climb the mast to re-attach it. Duncan had previously observed that he intended to fight on until his flagship sank. "I have taken the depth of the water, " he told one of his captains, "and when the Venerable goes down my flag will still fly."

With the Dutch surrender, Admiral Duncan was able to claim 11 ships as prizes, a remarkable achievement from a fleet of just 18 ships. Duncan's victory relieved the threat of invasion. He arrived back at Yarmouth on October 18, 1797 to a hero's welcome.

He was awarded the Large Naval Gold Medal and a pension of £3000 per year, nowadays around £300,000. It was the biggest pension ever awarded by the Government. He was given the freedom of several cities, including Dundee and London. He was created 1st Viscount Duncan of Camperdown and awarded the lands which are now Camperdown country park and mansion. He was also made Baron Duncan of Lundie, his family home on the Perthshire-Angus border.

He died on August 4, 1804, aged 73, and is buried in the little churchyard at Lundie.