The Romance of Rob Roy in Callander

As you climb through the trees and scramble over the rocks above Callander, it is easy to imagine yourself back in the late 17th century, when Rob Roy and his clansmen lived as outlaws in the heart of the Trossachs. His name has for centuries been tied up with myth and legend, and has inspired many authors and film makers - including Sir Walter Scott, who wrote a romantic account of his life in his eponymous novel of 1818. For some Rob Roy is a Highland hero, for others a notorious cattle thief - whatever the truth behind the myth, he is certainly one of the most colourful characters in Scottish history.

Rob Roy (the Gaelic for Red Robert) was more properly known as Robert MacGregor. Born in 1671, he was the son of Donald MacGregor of Glengyle. This clan - the 'wicked Clan Gregor' - had been outlawed in 1603, and was known as 'the nameless clan' as they were even forbidden to use their name. The MacGregors had a violent reputation, as they defended their lands and cattle vigorously against assaults from neighbouring clans - which included the rival Campbells, who acted as government agents. Rob Roy, living as a cattle herder in Balquhidder, kept an armed band of men to protect him and his cattle - and extended their services to neighbours who paid him protection money. He began to extend his influence and eventually made a claim to be the chief of the clan.

In 1712 Rob Roy borrowed money from the Duke of Montrose for a speculative cattle deal, and suffered heavy losses, which caused a terrible rift between them. His lands were seized, his properties plundered and his wife and children were turned out of their home in the middle of winter. These were already troubled times, for the Jacobite rebellion had begun in 1689 and there were frequent battles between government forces and the supporters of James. Rob Roy, who had fought on the Jacobite side at Sheriffmuir, now gathered his clansmen and took revenge on the Duke of Montrose, who was a powerful supporter of the government.

As a result, Rob Roy was outlawed and stories began to appear about his dramatic escapes from his pursuers. He even began to be seen as a sort of Robin Hood figure, generously helping the poor by stealing from the rich. Local people would help him and warn him if troops were in the area.

However, Rob Roy's luck didn't last - he was eventually captured in 1727 and was sentenced to transportation. He was later pardoned and went back to Balquhidder, where he seems to have settled down and lived quietly for the rest of his life. He died in 1734 and is buried in Balquhidder churchyard.

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