"Srioghal mo dhream" and "een do and spair nocht"
are two mottos, one much older than the other attributed to ancient celtic royalty. The older motto is “Een do and spair nocht,”. It is said to have been given to the MacGregors in the twelth century by the king of Scotland. The story goes... the king was hunting and was attacked by a wild boar, when Sir Malcolm MacGregor, of Glenorchy, asked permission to help. “Een do,” said the king, “and spair nocht.” Malcolm used an oak sapling to despatch the boar. For this defence the king gave Sir Malcolm permission to use the motto, and, in place of a Scotch fir, to adopt for a crest an oak-tree.
The later motto dates from 1801 when Sir John Murray MacGregor obtained permission to change the motto to 'S rioghal mo dhream or Royal is my Race
THE FIERY CROSS
The "Fiery Cross" was sent by the Chief through the territories of his Clan as a signal for all the fighting men to gather at once at the rendezvous, armed for war.
The war cry of the McGregors was "Ard Choille" or High Wood.
"MacGregor, despite them, shall flourish forever!"
is a line taken from "McGregor's Gathering" by Sir Walter Scott....
While there's leaves in the forest
And foam on the river,
MacGregor, despite them,
Shall flourish forever!
The Clan Badge is The Scots Pine.
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