Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 29 on 25/10/2006.

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Child of the Mist (Rob Roy MacGregor)

In the latest part of our series looking at Scottish characters, Mark Nicholls sets off on the trail of Rob Roy MacGregor

Rob Roy MacGregor emerges from the pages of history – and of popular literature – as a vivid Scottish character. His name, and reputation, has been embellished by the attentions of authors such as Sir Walter Scott and Daniel Defoe (of Robinson Crusoe fame) as well as shrouded in a little myth.

The fact is that Rob Roy was an outlaw.

Yet he has often been romanticised in the way Robin Hood and his Merry Men of Sherwood Forest near Nottingham have been; robbing from the rich and going to the aid of the poor. He also managed to make some powerful enemies over several years.

Rob Roy’s life was set against the backdrop of the Jacobite Uprisings in support of James VII of Scotland and II of England who was deposed in 1689 in favour of William of Orange and his wife Mary (James's daughter), after ascending the throne four years earlier.

He lived much of his life in the Southern Highlands, the area of Loch Lomond, Callander and The Trossachs National Park.

There are a number of places in the area associated with his name: his birthplace, his grave, statues, and information centres.

More importantly, time spent in this area is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the region that Rob Roy made his own more than three centuries ago.

The Rob Roy Way is a perfect way to get close to the myths, a seven-day walk across the Southern Highlands. More than 80 miles long, it takes in some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery – wonderful lochs and mountain vistas, and it links together man.....

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By Mark Nicholls

Section : Scottish Legends

Page number : 65