Rob Roy MacGregor was born at Loch Katrine in 1670 and is considered by many to be a hero of the Highlands. He was a farmer who lived the traditional way of life and was a dedicated husband to his wife Mary and his 4 children. He fought alongside his father and brother as a soldier, but was also considered an outlaw and a thief by some. When he was 18 years old he joined his father and other clansmen to support Stewart James King in his battle against William of Orange. They won initial battles, but their leader was later killed and Rob’s father jailed for two years on doubtful charges of treason. After this Rob became stronger than ever in his beliefs as he was against needless killing and injustice against his people.
Over the years Rob had acquired various properties of land and lived a good life as a cattle herder and dealer. However, in 1711 be borrowed money from the Duke of Montrose and one of Rob’s trusted friends disappeared with the money. Many believed that it was one of Montrose’s men that actually took the money, but a warrant was issued for Rob’s arrest and he lost all of his properties, as he became an outlaw. Rob and his family fell upon hard times and he was forced to raid and steal, but mostly from his enemy the Duke of Montrose. The Duke of Argyle offered refuge to Rob as he was a distant relation and also an enemy of Montrose.
Rob was on the run for years hiding out wherever he could to avoid capture. However, in 1720 he moved back near Balquhidder and resumed his previous life. He lived the last 10 years of his life in peace in 1730 converted to Catholicism. He died after a battle with a short illness in 1734 as he died a piper was playing "I shall return no more".
