It is always good to know what has been done before starting new...
Here is documentation on paid research previously complete.

ball Edinburgh Marriage Register [1751-1800] page 493 {JPG 306 kb}   |   HD w/highlights {JPG 559 kb}
Family History Library Book #94lb4srs
  > Maclaren
    > Daniel, shoemaker in Old Kirk p., and Ann, same p., d. of
      > deceased John Campbell. Chelsea pensioner at Bo'ness   15 Feb. 1793
Could this be the right Daniel? He would of been 41 at the time of James Birth. Grandfather? Could Ann be his first or second wife?

This is interesting information for the following reasons:
  1. James first marriage certificate lists his father as Daniel, a shoemaker Marriage Certificate {JPG 434 kb}
  2. Deseret News article states; "...closely related to Sir Colon Campbell..."
  3. LDS Records of members (1856-1909) lists his mother as Ellen Oller F.H.L. Call #0026695 {JPG 8 kb}
ball 1851 England Census {JPG 183 kb}   |   HD w/highlights {JPG 770 kb}
  > Northumberland
    > Berwick upon Tweed
      > District Barracks and Garrison Hospital of Berwick upon Tweed
Name and Surname Position in Insitution Condition Age Rank/Position Where Born
ball James McLaren Soldier Inmate U 19 Private 19th Regt Scotland
ball Robert McLaren
    (Brother/Cousin ?)		 Soldier Inmate U 29 Private 19th Regt Scotland
ball Duncan McLaren
    (Brother/Cousin ?)		 Soldier Inmate U 18 Private 19th Regt Scotland

This is interesting information for the following reasons:
  1. James marriage record to Amelia Conway in 1856 lists Robert as a witness Marriage Certificate {JPG 434 kb}
  2. This may show that he was actually in the military