MacGregor Tartans & Clan

Glen Orchy

Glen Orchy was one of the lands that was once owned by Clan MacGregor, they also owned lands such as Glenlochy and Glenstrae. Glen Orchy was one of the largest pieces of land that Clan MacGregor owned. However, King James VI outlawed Clan MacGregor from these lands in 1603. Although the historic seat of the Clan is in fact Irvine House, Glen Orchy is still associated with Clan MacGrgeor as it is located within the Clan's district of Argyll.

The Lochs of Clan MacGregor

The MacGregors have links to several Scottish lochs. Originally, the clan held the lands surrounding Loch Awe in Argyllshire. However, in the 14th century, the redistribution of land by Robert the Bruce meant that the MacGregors found themselves restricted to Glenstrae, at the northeast end of the loch. Loch Earn is a beautiful loch located in the modern districts of Perth and Kinross and Stirling, which was closely linked to the clan for much of the 19th century, when the seat was located at the nearby Edinchip estate. This expanse of freshwater is unusual in that it has its own apparent tidal system, caused by the action of the prevailing wind that blows along the loch. Today Loch Earn is famous for its watersports or if you prefer hiking you can clan Ben Vorlich to the south of the loch and after 985m of climbing you are treated to spectacular views of the loch and surrounding national park.Loch Katrine in the Trossachs is closely linked to the most famous MacGregor, Rob Roy, who was born at the head of the loch. You will also find the MacGregor clan burial ground not far from the edge of the loch at East Portnellan. Loch Katrine is also the fictional setting of Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake, and Rossini's opera La donna del lago, which is based on the poem.

MacGregors at the Battle of Glen Fruin

The Battle of Glen Fruin took place on 7 February 1603 between 300-400 members of Clan MacGregor, with the help of the MacFarlanes, against members of Clan Colquhoun. As many as 140 members of Clan Colquhoun were killed. The battle marked the final stage in an ongoing conflict between the two clans that had begun several decades earlier, when an arrow fired by a MacGregor during a cattle raid “accidentally” killed a member of Clan Colquhoun. What followed was a series of skirmishes, culminating in the battle. Despite the battle ending in a victory for Clan MacGregor, the MacGregors faced harsh consequences at the hands of King James VI. In response to the slaughter of the Colquhouns, the King issued an edict which, amongst other restrictions, proscribed the name of MacGregor, banned members of the clan from travelling in groups, and offered rewards to anyone who was responsible for killing a MacGregor.

Clan MacGregor was also involved in a long-running feud with their neighbours the Campbells, sparked by the decision taken by Robert the Bruce to redistribute MacGregor territories to his loyal supporter Neil Campbell in the early 1300s. 200 years later, the Campbells refused to recognise the claim of Gregor Roy MacGregor to his estates, which resulted in a decade-long war between the clans. In 1570, Gregor Roy MacGregor was captured and murdered by the Campbells. During this period, the extent of the losses faced by the MacGregors, and their displacement from their ancestral lands, led to them being known as the “Children of the Mist”.

Clan Gregor Society

The Clan Gregor Society was founded in 1822 during the visit of King George IV to Edinburgh. This makes it the third oldest clan society, and means that 2022 marks its 200th birthday! Today, the Society has over 900 members worldwide. Its aim is to extend the links of kinship and friendship between anyone with a connection to the clan (whether or not they bear the name MacGregor!) through research and events.

There is also The American Clan Gregor Society, founded in 1909 in Charlottesville, Virginia. They are a genealogy-based charitable organisation, whose members are primarily lineal descendants of MacGregors who emigrated from Scotland to America before 1870, and currently have more than 400 members. The Society is led by the 34th Chieftain of the American Clan Gregor Society, Scott F. MacGregor, and has been appointed the official representative of the clan in North America by hereditary chief Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor. Discover the American Clan Gregor Society website.

Clan MacGregor

We have collected our five favourite facts about the Clan. Learn more about the origins of the Macgregor name, and why it was once considered illegal to be named this. Their motto is “Royal is my race.” which helps tells a bit of the history of this tribe.

Famous Faces

Clan MacGregor

Ewan Mcgregor is a very well known Scottish actor, with roles in 'Trainspotting' and 'Star Wars'. While most famously known as a very talented Actor, he also is heavily involved in Charity work and is actively supporting UNICEF UK since 2004. His daughter Clara McGregor also carries on the talent for both her family and the MacGregor Clan- while being a successful actress, scriptwriter and model.

The Castles of Clan MacGregor

Lanrick Castle was the official clan seat of the MacGregors for over a hundred years, it provided a home for both the Murray and MacGregor families- after it was bought by John Murray MacGregor, the 18th Chief of Clan MacGregor in 1776. In 1994 the castle was devastated by a fire, and lost it's roof, Unfortunately in 2002 the rest of the structure was demolished- the owner was issued a large fine and Stirling council faced backlash and were criticised for failing to protect the historic castle. While the structure is no more, the grounds are a reminder of the MacGregor history, on the estate lies the MacGregor Monument. The monument takes the form of a stone tree trunk, topped with a rotunda of Roman Doric columns.