Macgregor( Gaelic -Macgrioghair )
Motto: 'S rioghal mo dhream Royal is my Race
Crest: A Lion's head erased, crowned with an antique crown, Proper
Badge: Scots Pine
War Cry: Ard-Choille
Clan Website:
www.clangregor.com
'S rioghal mo dhream (Royal is my race) is the claim of this, one of the
most famous of clans, and the principal branch of Clan Alpin. The clan claim
descent from Griogar, Son of Alpin, in the 8th Century. The home of the
clan was the Eastern border of Argyll and the Western border of Perthshire,
including Glenmorchy, Glenstrae, Glenlyon and Glengyle. The earliest possession
of the clan, Glenorchy previously owned by the Campbells., was bestowed
on the Macgregors for services rendered to Alexander II in his conquest
of Argyll.
For a long time the Macgregors maintained possession or their lands by Right
of the Sword, but the animosity of surrounding Clans resulted in attempts
to displace the clan and the inevitable retaliation by the Macgregors, who
thus earned the reputation of being a turbulant clan.
In 1603, Clan Gregor won a victory over the Colquhouns at Glenfruin. The
Colquhouns held a Royal Commission and the victory was considered an act
of rebellion. The clan was consequently outlawed. Those that were not hunted
down and exterminated were forced to change their name. The persecution
continued into the reign of Charles I. It was not until 1775 that the clan
was restored finally to their rightful name.
One of the most notorious of the name was Rob Roy Macgregor (1671 - 1734)
The celebrated Freebooter and Hero of Sir Walter Scott's novel was a son
of Lieut-Col. Donald Macgregor of Glengyle.
At the island cemetery on Inchcailloch many of the old chieftains of the
MacGregor Clan (Children of the Mist ) are buried.
The actual burying of chieftains at Inchcailloch was a light hearted affair.
A good dram was taken before setting out on the boats to convey deceased
and mourners to the island cemetery, and another was taken if the weather
turned bad and still another on achieving landfall safely. The Ancient Burial
Ground of the Macgregors is on Inchcailloch. Many a tale is told of bodies
lost overboard or bodies left unburied whilst the company grew merry together.
