Clan McPhedran (alternative spelling of MacPhedran) is a sept of the Clan Campbell.
The name derives from the Gaelic form of Paterson - MacPheaderain - or "Son of little Peter". The original of the name is said to have been a MacAulay, according to Buchanan of Auchmar.
The family long held the lands of Sonachan on Loch Awe together with the lucrative office of ferrymen over Loch Awe from Portsonachan on the east side to Taychreggan on the west, the portership extending "between Teatle Water and the rivulet called Beochlych on the east bank and the rivulet called Ganevan and the Water of Aw on the west side".
The reason for this grant is given in two legends; in one, it was for MacPhederan's service in ferrying Robert the Bruce back to Scotland from his refuge on Rathlin Island; the other says it was for rescuing the son of the Campbell Chief whose galley capsized on Loch Awe when he nearly drowned.