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He was usually known as Rob Roy or Red MacGregor. He was a famous folk hero and outlaw of the eighteenth century and was known as the Scottish Robin Hood. ‘Rob Roy’ came from Scottish Gaelic Raibeart Ruadh or Red Robert. This is because of his red hair which in later life turned to auburn.
He was born at Glengyle at Loch Katrine. His father (Donald) married Margaret Campbell.
Rob Roy met his wife, Mary Helen of Comar, who was born at Leny Farm Strathyre, and they were married at Glenarklet in January 1693. He had four sons - James (nicknamed Mor or Tah), Ranald, Coll and Robert (nicknamed Young Rob or Robin Oig). Their cousin Duncan was adopted in later life.
At the age of eighteen, Rob and his father joined the Jacobite rising led by Viscount (Bonnie) Dundee. Bonnie Dundee was killed in a battle and hope fell. Rob’s father was put in jail and held on treason for two years. Rob’s mother became extremely ill during this time and by the time Rob’s father was let out of jail she was dead and Robert Roy MacGregor became depressed.
Later, Rob was badly wounded at the Battle of Glenshiel in 1719.
When Rob was older, in later life, he was a respected well known cattleman. He borrowed lots of money to spend on more cattle but his Clan Chief stole it and soon disappeared. Rob lost his money and his cattle. He was evicted from his house which was then burned to the ground.
Robert then made a blood feud against Duke James Graham until in 1722 when he was forced to surrender. He was imprisoned but let go in 1727. Robert Roy MacGregor died not soon after at the age of 63.
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