“SRIOGHAL mo dhream” ( Royal is my race) is the claim of this, one of the most famous of Highland clans, and the principal branch of the Clan Alpine. The clan trace their history to Griogar, son of King Alpin, in the eighth century.

The home of the clan was the eastern border of Argyll and the western border of Perthshire, including Glenorchy, 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 of their lands by right of the sword, but the enmity of surrounding clans resulted in attempts to displace the clan, and the inevitable retaliation by the MacGregors, who earned the reputation of being a turbulent clan.

During these conflicts the Campbells were enabled to obtain grants of MacGregors lands, the name of MacGregor was proscribed, and severe enactments were passed against the clan, whose unfortunate members were proscription and persecuted. Charles II., because of their support, repealed the acts against Clan Gregor, but upon the accession William of Orange the acts of proscription were renewed, and it was not until 1775 that the penal statutes against the MacGregors were finally repealed. After the restoration of their rights a metting of the clan was held and John Murray of Lanrick, afterwards Sir John MacGregor, Bart., descended from the family of Glenstrae, was recognised as chief.

Rob Roy ( 1671-1743) the celebrated freebooter and hero of Sir Walter Scott’s romance was a son of Lieut. Col. Donald MacGregor of Glengyle

Crest: A lion’s head erased, crowned with an antique crown, proper. Badge: Pine.
War Cry: Ard-coille. Pipe music: Ruaig Ghlinne Freoine ( The chase of Glen Fruin).