It has been theorized that Cailean of Carrick was Colin's great-great grandfather, which would also make Robert the Bruce his second cousin once removed.
In 1316, shortly after his father's death, Colin was granted the entirety of Lochawe and Ardscotnish (lands along the shore of Loch Awe) as a free barony by Robert the Bruce.
The Brus relates a tale from this campaign in which Colin disobeyed Robert's orders and charged a pair of English archers.
Amidst the struggle, Dunoon Castle was captured by a force led by members of the Campbell clan, possibly Colin,[2] and has remained held by the family ever since (though mostly in ruins today).
[2] A History of Clan Campbell identifies her as daughter of John de Menteith, who briefly held the Earldom of Lennox title.