Robert Roy MacGregor The national hero of Scotland, a robber who is often called the Scottish Robin Hood. Date of Birth: 07.03.1671 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Robert Roy MacGregor

Robert Roy MacGregor, also known as Rob Roy or Red MacGregor, was a Scottish folk hero and legendary outlaw of the early 18th century, often referred to as the Scottish Robin Hood. Born on March 7, 1671, in Glengyle, to Donald MacGregor and Margaret Campbell, Rob Roy gained his nickname due to his red hair, which had darkened considerably by old age.

In January 1693, Rob Roy married Mary Helen MacGregor of Comar, together they had four sons - James, Ranald, Coll, and Robert - and later adopted their cousin Duncan. At the age of 18, Rob Roy joined the Jacobite rebels, along with his father, in support of King James II against William of Orange. His father was imprisoned for two years after the rebellion, which greatly affected Margaret's health. Rob Roy himself was severely wounded during the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719.

After leaving the rebels, Rob Roy became a highly respected cattle drover. However, his attempt to expand his herd ended in loss when his main shepherd, who had been given money to purchase cattle, disappeared. Rob Roy was left without money, cattle, and burdened with a huge debt. As a result, he was branded as a criminal and his family was evicted from their home. The Duke of Montrose, one of Rob's main creditors, seized his lands, sparking a long-lasting feud between them. Rob Roy resorted to extortion to make a living and sought vengeance against his enemy. In 1722, he was eventually captured and imprisoned.

Rob Roy was released in 1727 and passed away on December 28, 1734, in his own home. According to legend, even on his deathbed, Rob Roy maintained the spirit and courage of a true Highland warrior.

Rob Roy owes much of his current fame to a number of fictional works dedicated to his life. Although these works often embellished his story, they captured the main moments of his biography accurately. In 1723, the novel "The Highland Rogue" was published, which elevated Rob Roy to legendary status during his lifetime. King George I granted him full pardon for his past crimes.

In 1817, Walter Scott's novel "Rob Roy" further popularized the legend of Rob Roy. Even William Wordsworth found inspiration in Rob Roy's biography, writing his poem "Rob Roy's Grave" during his visit to Scotland in 1803. Rob Roy's life has been the subject of several films, with the most recent one released in 1995, starring Liam Neeson as Rob Roy.