He was a son of
Colin Campbell of Glenorchy and Katherine Ruthven, who was a daughter of
William Ruthven, 2nd Lord Ruthven and Janet Haliburton, heiress of the
Haliburtons of
Dirleton Castle. He was born at Balloch, now called
Taymouth Castle. Duncan became the 7th Laird of
Glenorchy, and his shrewd, ruthless dealings as "Black Duncan" capped a spectacular rise in the family fortunes to national prominence in Scotland. He was knighted at the
coronation of Anne of Denmark on 17 May 1590.
James VI invited him to the
baptism of Prince Henry in 1594, asking him to bring venison and wild fowls. In September 1590
John Murray of
Tullibardine and his brother-in-law Robert Murray of Abercairnie were guests of Black Duncan at Balloch, now
Taymouth Castle. On 1 August 1598 Glenorchy wrote to the English politician
Sir Robert Cecil with thanks to
Queen Elizabeth after his audience with the diplomat
George Nicholson. Glenorchy sent his secretary John Archibald to London. It was hoped Glenorchy would help the English in Ireland. He was also known as "Black Duncan of the Seven Castle". He built part of
Kilchurn Castle, began the construction of
Finlarig Castle at the west end of
Loch Tay, and improved farmland around Finlarig, Kilchurn and Balloch. In 1607
Anne of Denmark sent him a round gold jewel set with 29 diamonds and 4 rubies to wear in his hat, and a ring with 4 diamonds and a large heart-shaped diamond. A similar round jewel is
listed in her 1606 inventory. The factor of her Dunfermline estates,
Sir Henry Wardlaw of
Pitreavie, lent him 7,000
merks. He maintained contact with Anne of Denmark through his cousin
Jean Drummond, one of her ladies in waiting. In 1609 he sent eagles to
Prince Henry in London, and the Prince sent him a stallion in return. He acquired a
Nova Scotia baronetcy in 1625, becoming the first
Campbell baronet of Glenorchy. Duncan Campbell died in 1631 and was buried at
Finlarig. ==Marriages and children==