Angus
It is likely that the name of Macbeth would be little known today were it not for the work of William Shakespeare. It is even less likely that the name of his one-time friend and confidante Banquo would be recognised the world over as one of the colourful characters in the tragedy. But this is where the history of the Camerons begins.
Some time before 1042, when Macbeth became king, we are told that Banquo's sister Marion married one Angus, the chief of a tribe of warlike Celts living in Banquo's homeland. The father of Banquo and Marion (third daughter) was Kenneth III, thane of Lochaber, and Banquo succeded to that title after his father's death. As a Royal Prince, Banquo was governor of one of the largest Provinces in the Kingdom, Lochaber being said to include at that time all the lands between the River Spey and the Western Sea. Angus is said to have been instrumental in saving Fleance the son of Banquo, his own lady's nephew, from the cruelty of Macbeth, and to have been rewarded and highly esteemed on that account.
Some authorities hold that Banquo is a mythical person, although his name persists in Cameron country around Fort William. There is a path going north from Torcastle which is called Sràid Bhanco (Banquo's Walk), which is said to be a place where he walked. His ghost is said to walk there also.
