Clan MacGregor Resources
🔹 Historical Overview
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Origins and Early History
Clan MacGregor, also known as Clan Gregor, is one of Scotland’s oldest Highland clans, with origins tracing back to the early 9th century. The clan claims descent from Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scots, which is reflected in their motto: “S Rioghal Mo Dhream” (“Royal is my race”). ​https://www.discoverbritain.com+4Wikipedia+4Scotland’s Wild Tours+4 -
Territorial Holdings
Historically, the MacGregors held lands in Glen Orchy, Glenlochy, and Glenstrae. Over time, due to conflicts and territorial disputes, especially with the powerful Clan Campbell, they were dispossessed and forced into a nomadic existence. ​Wikipedia -
Proscription and Persecution
In 1603, following the Battle of Glen Fruin, King James VI issued an edict proscribing the MacGregor name, effectively making it illegal. Clan members were forced to renounce their name or face execution. This proscription lasted until 1774, during which many MacGregors adopted aliases or allied with other clans for survival. ​Wikipedia
🔹 Genealogical Resources
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Clan Gregor Society Genealogy
The Clan Gregor Society offers guidance for individuals researching their MacGregor ancestry, emphasizing the importance of birth, marriage, death records, and other official documents. ​ACGSUS+7Clan Gregor Society+7Internet Archive+7 -
American Clan Gregor Society
Established in 1909, this organization focuses on genealogical research for MacGregor descendants, particularly those whose ancestors emigrated to America before 1870. ​ACGSUS+1ACGSUS+1 -
MacGregor DNA Project
A collaborative effort that utilizes DNA testing to trace MacGregor lineages worldwide, helping individuals connect with their ancestral roots. ​ACGSUS
🔹 Tartans and Symbols
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Clan Crest and Motto
The MacGregor crest features a lion’s head erased Proper, crowned with an antique crown Or. The accompanying motto, “S Rioghal Mo Dhream”, translates to “Royal is my race.” ​https://www.discoverbritain.com+4Wikipedia+4Scotland’s Wild Tours+4 -
Tartan Patterns
The MacGregor tartan is characterized by bold red and green stripes, symbolizing the clan’s vibrant history and resilience. Various tartan designs are associated with the clan, each with its unique pattern and significance.​
🔹 Notable Figures
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Rob Roy MacGregor (1671–1734)
Perhaps the most renowned MacGregor, Rob Roy was a Scottish outlaw, folk hero, and protagonist of Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Rob Roy.” His exploits during the Jacobite uprisings and his defiance against oppressive landlords have cemented his legendary status.​
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Gregor MacGregor (1786–1845)
A controversial figure, Gregor MacGregor was a Scottish soldier and adventurer who perpetrated one of history’s most audacious scams by inventing the fictional Central American country of Poyais, leading hundreds of Scots to invest and even emigrate to this nonexistent land.​
🔹 Community Engagement
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Clan Gregor Society
An international organization dedicated to preserving and promoting MacGregor heritage, offering resources for genealogical research, historical information, and organizing events for members worldwide.​ -
American Clan Gregor Society
Focuses on connecting MacGregor descendants in the United States, hosting annual gatherings, and supporting genealogical research initiatives.​
🔹 Further Reading and Resources
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“History of the Clan Gregor” by Amelia Geogiana Murray MacGregor
A comprehensive two-volume work detailing the clan’s history from public records and private collections, covering the periods 878–1625 and 1625–1774.​
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Clan MacGregor History – Discover Britain
An article providing insights into the clan’s origins, notable figures, and historical events.​
Clan MacGregor or Clan Gregor is a Scottish Highland Clan originating in the historic region of Argyllshire. The surname is derived from the Gaelic patronym GacGriogair, meaning “son of Griogar”. There is a legend that the Clan originates back to the 9th century when Griogair, son of Dugal, was the ruler of Alba in Northern Scotland. The first recognized chief of the Clan was Gregor of the Golden Bridles who was born in the early 14th century. In 1390 Gregor died and Iain Camm One eye became the second chief of the clan.
The Clans motto is ‘S Rioghal Mo Dhream which translates into “royal is my race”, and the clans crest features a lions head wearing a crown.
The historic seat of the clan would have been on the site of the current Meggernie Castle in Glenlyon, Aberfeldy. It is believed that the clan had control of the land and had built an ancient keep or castle that commanded the area. In 1380 King Robert the 2nd confiscated the land from the MacGregors and awarded the land to his son Sir John Stewart of Cardney. The current castle on the site was constructed by Robert Campbell of Glenlyon in the 17th century.
In 1589 after a number of MacGregors were executed for poaching, John Drummond, the kings forester was murdered by the clan. Alasdair MacGregor the clan chief took responsibility for the murder which in turn led to an edict proclaiming the name MacGregor abolished. Many members of the clan either changed their name or went into hiding. In the spring of 1604 the clan chief and 30 of his kinsmen were captured by the crown and brought to Edinburg to be hung. The persecution of the clan did not end till 1774 when the edict was repealed. The most famous MacGregor outlaw during these years was Rob Roy MacGregor who has been fictionalized in many books and movies.
The Clan Gregor society was founded in Edinburgh Scotland in1822, making it one of the oldest Scottish Clan Societies. Clan Membership is open to all who believe themselves to be descendants of the MacGregor clan.
Read More….
The Outlaw “Black Pate” MacGregor
