Origins "The MacGregors are the most famous victims of the expansion of the clan Campbell" writes Ian Peeble. "Srioghal mo dhream" (Royal is my race) they proclaim, and indeed their Founding Ancestor is Griogar (liv. ca.855), Prince of Scotland, son of Alpin, "King of Scotland" (+ 834), establishes the clan MacGregor as the principal branch of the clan Alpin. The earliest known possession of the clan, Glenorchy, was bestowed on them for services rendered to Alexander II. (1198-1249) of the by then also Royal House of Dunkeld. They retained their lands "by the right of the sword". The emnity of surrounding clans attempting to displace them and their retaliation, inevitably earned the clan MacGregor a reputation for turbulance. "During these conflicts the Campbells were enabled to obtain grants of the MacGregor lands, the name MacGregor became proscribed, and severe enactments came to be passed against the clan, whose unfortunate members were prosecuted and persecuted" writes Robert Bain. The last recognised Chief of the clan of "the Children of the Mist" may be said to have been Gregor MacGregor, living 1660 when such penal acts against the clan were repealed by Charles II. His younger brother was Donald MacGregor (marrried to Margaret Campbell of Gleneaves), whose younger son was Robert MacGregor (* 1671), known better as Rob Roy. In 1689 Donald MacGregor was Lieutenant Colonel of the Jacobite forces & leader of his clanmen, Gregor the Chief being too old. He died unmarried in 1691 when the penal against the clan MaGregor were renewed. As tutor to the young chief Rob Roy now became acting head of the clan. In 1712 a warrant was granted for Rob Roy's arrest "on a charge of embezzlement, his chief creditor being the Duke of Montrose. Rob Roy wrote a letter to Atholl, explaining that he had offered Montrose payment in full but that Montrose had refused, his intention to ruin him". It made no difference. It was not until 1775 that the penal statutes against the MacGregors were finally repealed, a meeting of the clan could take place again to recognise, let alone honour Sir John Murray of Lanrick, afterwards Sir John MacGregor, Bart., descended from the family of Glenstrae, as 19th Chief of the clan of the Children of the Mist. |
Family Members M/? of Glenorchy
+ post 1353 |
Sources |