History of the MacGregor Surname

One of the earlist of the Scottish kings was Kenneth MacAlpin of Clan Alpin. His father was a Scot and his mother a Pict. He ruled both the Celts (Scots) and the Picts from 833 to 860 A.D. His son was Greg or Griogor MacAlpin who ruled Scotland from about 875 to 893 A.D. It is from his sons the MacGregors (sons of Greg) that the surname is derived. One of the few clans of purely celtic descent.

The MacGregors were one of the largest landholding families in early Scotland. Their land had once stretched from Loch Rannock to Loch Lomond and from Loch Etive to Taymough with its center of power in Glenorchy, Argyleshire. No tribe was more proud of its ancient name or had to suffer more to bear it. Their chief, Iain of Glenorchy, died as a result of falling prisoner to Edward of England in 1296. Iain's daughter married into the Campbell family and through her the Clan Campbell laid claim to the MacGregor land. As Iain died with no son he was succeeded by his nephew Gregor. According to ancient celtic rule the land of Clan Alpin could not belong to a person but the clan, so the Campbell claim was rejected.

In the past most people in Scotland spoke Gaelic, not only in the highlands but the lowlands as well. See Scottish history The highlanders were wealthy and powerful, particularly in the cattle trade. The families troubles began as early as 1297 when Robert the Bruce See Bruce Family history ordered some of the MacGregors lands forfeited.

King David of Scotland (1331-1371) saw the powerful MacGregor clan's claim to royal honers as a threat to his own security. The king presented the lands of Glenorchay, rightfully possessions of the MacGregors, to the Campbell clan, represented by the Duke of Argyll. This established a bloody fued between the MacGregors and their neighbors the Campbells. The Campbells induced a quarrel between the MacGregors and the MacNab clan, who were nearly exterminated in a battle at Crainlariach. The Campbells were able to secure a commission from the king to punish both the clans for breaking the peace. By 1442 the MacGregors were without an acre of land. They survived by plundering herds of their enemies who held land they once owned. They took to the hills around Balquihidder and many became bands of outlaws.

During Queen Mary's reign, See Mary Queen of Scots on September 23, 1563 the name MacGregor was abolished. In 1606 James VI issued letters of fire and sword against the clan. The Colquhouns were given the task, but they were massacred by the MacGregors at Glenfruin. On May 24, 1611, it had been decreed that all wives, and children of MacGregrors were to be branded on the cheek and sent into virtual slavery. On June 24, 1613 an act was passed which made it a law for any man, woman, or child with the name MacGregor to be put to death if found in a group larger than four. As a result of these injustices most of the clan opted to change its name to Gregg, Greg, Grigg, Grig, Greer, Grier, Gragg and so on. Many sought the protection of other clans, others moved from the highlands and many emigrated. See list of Septs and Names The act was eventually repealed in 1775.

Sir Walter Scott's romantic novel "Rob Roy" was the life of Robert MacGregor of 18th century Scotland. Born in 1671, Robert MacGregor, known as Rob Roy, or Robert the Red because of his red hair, was the most famous of the outlawed Scottish clan Gregor. After his lands were confiscated by James Montrose, 1st Duke of Montrose, Rob Roy became a leader of uprisings. He later lived in peace for a time under the protection of John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, taking his mother's name of Robert Campbell, but was imprisioned by the English in the 1720's. He was pardoned for his crimes and lived out his life at Balquihidder where he died in 1734.