History of the MacGregors

This book covers aspects of the history of the Clan Gregor in the Highlands of Scotland from its origin to the Last Jacobite Rising of 1745-6. The proscription of the Clan Gregor by the Crown is unique in Scotland. From 1603 until 1774, (except for 1661 to 1689) it was illegal in Scotland to be called Gregor or MacGregor. Between 1603 and 1611 at least 80 of the clan were legally executed. It is impossible to determine how many others died in the hills. The terms of the proscription forgave anyone who killed a MacGregor and indeed rewarded the killer with the possessions of his victim.The proscription came about after a fifty year war with and entirely caused by the Clan Campbell. Following the Battle of Glen Fruin in February 1603, King James VI issued orders that the “detestable race of Clangregour be extirpat and utterlie ruttit out”.
An account of the chiefs follows the early history of the Clan, Due to its circumstances, the clan frequently came to the attention of the state, so that much of the book is about conflict, especially the one-sided Battle of Glen Fruin where just two MacGregors died in a victory in which 140 of their enemies lost their lives. Strangely, as the proscription was imposed by a Stewart monarch, the descendants of the survivors would go on to support the Stewart dynasty during the Wars of Covenant and civil wars from 1638 to 1660 and in every Jacobite Rising, 1689, 1715, 1719 and 1745-46.
Despite the intention of King James that the race should be “extirpat”, there are very many MacGregors living on every continent today. It is to be hoped that some of them may find this study of value.
Since 1995, the author has been Vice-chairman of the Clan Gregor Society and editor of the Society Newsletter. For the avoidance of doubt, the opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Clan Gregor Society
The following chapters are the result of many years of study. Most have been published online on my personal glendiscovery website. I have been encouraged to take a few of the chapters most relevant to the Clan Gregor and edit them into a book under my own name, rather than that of the Clan Gregor Society.