(a thousand Welcomes) 
ROB ROY MACGREGORExcerps from Rob Roy MacGregor, his life and times by W.H. Murray
Rob Roy was born February 1671 at the head of Loch Katine, and christened March 7, 1671. The red haired baby was born the third son of Donald Glas, a chief of Clan Gregor. His mother Margaret, was a Campbell, and raised with her elder brother Robert the fifth chieftain of Glenlyon. Margaret named her youngest son after her grandfather, Sir Robert, the ninth chief of Glenorchy. Margaret's sister, Mary, married Malcolm MacGregor, chief of the senior Glenstrae line, and chief of the clan. Donald Glas born 1631, was named for the pale color, glas, of his skin, which was inherited by his son Rob. Donald's parents were Malcolm Og and the daughter of MacDonald of Keppoch. Donalds and Margaret's eldest son was Iain, called John, followed by Duncan and a daughter Margaret. Rob's older brother Iain and his sister Margaret were both married in 1677 when Rob was six. In 1692 at age 21 Rob was betrothed to Mary of Comer and they were married at the New Year. Helen Mary MacGregor was the daughter of Gregor MacGregor, and said to have had a fiery temperment. Also in 1692, Rob's first cousin on his mothers side, Gregor MaGregor, chief of the clan died at age 32 with no heir. Archibald of Kilmanan, cousin to Gregor on his fathers side became the clan chief. Iain and Rob made arrangements for the chiefs burial on Inch Cailleach to rest with his forefathers. At the wake the new clan chief, Archibald, met the chieftains of his clan, and Iains, younger brother Rob. When Donald Glas died in 1702, Rob was his only surviving son. Rob became Tutor of Glengyle until Gregor Ghlun Dhubh became of age. Gregor was 13 and Rob was acting as chieftan. Robs name was well known in Scotland and he corresponded with many men of high standing. He tutored young Gregor Ghluln Dhubh as a foster son.
Rob Roys ChildrenRob and Mary had five children. James, known as Mor, or Tall was the oldest. He was a tall dark handsome lad who married and later had fourteen children. When James was 25 his younger brother Coll, was 22, and Duncan and Ranald, sixteen and fourteen, followed by Robin who was four. Coll married Margaret MacGregor at Coilletir in 1721 at age 23. At 24 Ranald and James were following a career of black mail and violence. In 1732 Ranald was courting Jean, the 16 year old daughter of his cheiftain Gregor of Glengyle. Rob, worried for his son, thought that Ranald would settle down if given a chance. He obtained a tract of land from young Drummond for him, where Ranald settled for the next 54 years. Rob Roy died in 1734 and is buried in the graveyard at Balquihidder. To his right, Mary is buried, and to his left his sons, Coll and Robin, are buried. Robin, became the black sheep of the family. He murdered John MacLaren of Invernenty in 1736. In 1745 he fought under the duke of Cumberland at Fontenoy. After his discharge he married a sister of Graham of Drunkie, who died 3 years later. In 1750 he kidnapped Jean Key, a 20 year old, and married her by force. Robin was caught and hanged for the crime four years later at 38. James, the eldest, was a major in the rising of 1745 when he helped burn the barracks of Inversaid. He brought honer to his name at Prestonpans, where Prince Charles, defeated Sir John Cope. He fought at Culloden and escaped with the MacGregor battalion. He was imprisoned in Edinburgh castle for aiding his brother Robin Og, but escaped with help from his daughter. He died in poverty in Paris at age 59. Coll died at Kerkton in 1745. His grandson and great grandson were both major-generals. Duncan lived in Strathyre under the name of Drummond. He was tried in Edinburgh for helping Rogin Og, and found not guilty. He left no family, and died in 1786 at age 80. Little is known of his life.
A bronze statue of Rob Roy by Benno Schotz, the Queen's sculptor, was unveiled on Novermber 1975. His great-grandson five times removed, chose the words on the plaque.....
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