James MacPherson, the Infamous Robber and the Tragic Story of “MacPherson’s Lament

James MacPherson, born in 1675 in Banff, Aberdeenshire, was known as a notorious robber. Despite his criminal activities, he was remembered for his musical talent and the tale of his final days, which gave birth to the Scottish folk song “MacPherson’s Lament” or “MacPherson’s Rant”.

According to legend, as MacPherson was sentenced to death for his crimes, he played a tune under the gallows and offered his fiddle to anyone in his clan who would play it at his wake. When no one stepped forward, he broke the fiddle and threw it into the crowd, saying, “No one else shall play Jamie MacPherson’s fiddle”. The broken fiddle is believed to be housed in the MacPherson Clan museum near Newtonmore, Inverness-shire.

The song that James MacPherson composed became known as “MacPherson’s Lament” and was later rewritten by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. The song is a mournful and tragic ballad that tells the tale of MacPherson’s life of crime and the sadness he felt as he faced his death. The song remains a popular part of Scottish folklore and is widely known for its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics.

In conclusion, James MacPherson may have been a notorious criminal, but his legacy lives on through the song he composed and the tale that has been passed down through generations. The broken fiddle and the song serve as a reminder of the tragic end to MacPherson’s life, and the tale continues to captivate and move listeners with its emotional depth and musical beauty.