If there’s one thing people like, it’s a good story! Fortunately, the lands around Loch Lomond Waterfront are ripe for discovering people of the past who lived remarkable lives. One of the most famous is that of Rob Roy MacGregor, sometimes described as Scotland’s Robin Hood. This famous outlaw has inspired books about him, cocktails and movies. So who was he, and why does his legend live on to this day?
Separating truth from fiction
It is said that there are two Rob Roys in the world. There is the real person who lived between 1671 and 1734, and the fictionalised version made popular by, amongst others, Sir Walter Scott in his book ‘Rob Roy’. The fictionalised version holds a somewhat romantic view of a man forced into the criminal life in order to support his family. His time as an outlaw is not through choice, and he has a heart of gold. Liam Neeson portrayed this version of Rob Roy in the 1995 film of the same name.
The truth may be a little bit more brutal. He was a man who was indeed not just a cattle rustler but also a fraudster, who aimed to swindle others out of their cash. In fairness, this was a reasonably common practice at the time, but for Rob Roy he made a powerful enemy in the Duke of Montrose. He had Rob Roy declared an outlaw, meaning he could be killed at will without any repercussions to the person who did it. Whilst he felt safe in hiding in the Highlands, he could never relax fully.
Life near Loch Lomond
He actually owned much of the land near Ben Lomond for some time, and used the road which goes past Loch Lomond Waterfront for his stolen animals. Nearby is also Rob Roy’s Cave, which many say was where he hid during his time as an outlaw. Located by Inversnaid towards the north of Loch Lomond, the walk to it takes you along part of the West Highland Way. It can be a bit tricky at times, so make sure you plan your journey and wear appropriate footwear.
He lived throughout a time when there was much turmoil in the UK thanks to disagreements over who should sit on the throne. MacGregor found himself balancing loyalties between the forces loyal to the government, and those wishing to overthrow it – the Jacobites. However, MacGregor’s focus was always on himself and ensuring his family’s safety. In this sense, the fictionalised and real versions of him combine. He never wholeheartedly supported one side over another, and throughout his life he seemed to work for both, depending on which served his own means the best.
In the end, Rob Roy managed to live until he was 63. Before he died, he was pardoned and lived out the remainder of his life as a law abiding citizen, and also a devout Catholic.
Walking in Rob Roy’s footsteps
All around us at Loch Lomond Waterfront are remnants of the times of Rob Roy’s life. Check out our Rob Roy sites & locations blog about the places you can visit to feel close to this Scots legend. The most visited site is surely Rob Roy’s grave in Balquhidder. Here you can step right up to his final resting place where he is alongside his wife and two sons.
So if you fancy reliving the tale of Rob Roy MacGregor (without the cattle raiding) come and spend some time at Loch Lomond Waterfront and enjoy time living surrounded by the same scenic beauty of Scotland’s favourite outlaw. Check out our special offers here.
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