Cattle-raiding and hostage-taking
If we could go back 350 years in time, Rob Roy MacGegor would have been one of our neighbours. In 1671, Rob Roy was born about 3 miles from Lochside House in Glengyle at the head of Loch Katrine. At the time, this area of Scotland was largely based around the clan system and the MacGregors were part of the Clan MacGregor, who owned a lot of land in the Loch Katrine area.
The cattle trader turned raider
When Rob Roy became an adult, he leased some land in Balquihidder and became a skilled cattle trader. It was a dangerous place for a farmer as raiding livestock was common. Although Rob was part of the ‘watch’ that protected his neighbours cattle, he also became a raider himself, causing a brush with authorities.
The outlaw
However, his troubles really started in 1711 when he borrowed money from the Duke of Montrose to purchase some cattle with the intention of fattening them up and then selling them in England. But this didn’t go to plan as Rob Roy’s associate disappeared with the money and, despite his valiant efforts, he was unable to recover the money.
A warrant was issued for Rob Roy’s arrest and he was declared an outlaw. The Duke of Montrose forced Rob Roy off his land and burned his farm. In return, Rob mounted a campaign of thieving against Montrose, collecting rent in his name and then keeping the money.
Feud with the Duke of Montrose
A bitter feud between Rob Roy and Montrose lasted for many years and, allegedly, Rob Roy captured Graham of Kilearn, The Duke’s Factor, and imprisoned him on Eilean Dharag (the small island you can see in front of Lochside House) for almost a week. However, the Duke would not pay the ransom and so he had to let him go. The island has since become known as Factor’s Island.
Raiding islands on Loch Lomond
Rob’s footprint is on much of the local area and Inchcailloch and Inchmurrin are two of the many islands of Loch Lomond which he raided. You can take a cruise with Cruise Loch Lomond to explore Inchcailloch and discover more about the islands.
Rob Roy’s cave and grave
There is a cave on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond near Inversnaid which is said to be the hiding place for Rob Roy while he was on the run. Inversnaid is just 4.5 miles from Lochside House.
Rob Roy died in 1734 and his grave is in the old kirkyard at Balquidder. He is buried next to his wife, Mary, and two of his four sons.
Rob Roy's birthplace at the head of Loch Katrine. Guests can walk or cycle here up the side of the loch from Lochside House.
