Published: Wednesday, 19th July, 2006 13:45
Hero branded a criminal
By David Clegg
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Tourist board's slight on Rob Roy
VisitScotland's website describes the iconic figure — born near Loch Lomond — as `essentially a cattle dealer and freebooter` who was `a notorious outlaw`.
In a final insult it is claimed the MacGregor clan had `a centuries-old reputation for wrongdoing`.
The remarks have been fiercely disputed by many in Dumbarton and the Vale, who see Rob Roy as a freedom-fighting Robin Hood figure whose legacy has brought great benefits to the area.
John Barrington, who was the last person to live in the Glengyle house MacGregor was born in, believes he was a `model of Highland morality`.
He told the Reporter: `People in the Highlands at that time believed cattle had been provided by God for the benefit of everyone. There was no sense of ownership.`
John, who is currently writing a biography of the great Scot, added: `It is impossible to make sense of these claims because it is so dependant on perspective.`
That the latest attack on MacGregor comes from Scotland's tourist board has been regarded as particularly ironic given the great benefits the MacGregor story has had for Scotland.
Just last month saw 600 people flock to Drymen to take part in the Rob Roy challenge. During his rustling days MacGregor would regularly drive cattle through the loch-side village on route to the safety of the Trossachs.
The event, which raised more than £300,000, followed these paths in a sponsored walk and cycle. It proved a great boost for local businesses.
Sheila Cronin, who helped research the route of the Challenge, said: `The romantic myth of Rob Roy is very important for tourism here. It brings in a lot of holidaymakers and jobs. Maybe he was a bit of a criminal, but the image of him as a Robin Hood figure is very powerful.`
MacGregor was the son of a Highland chieftain born near Loch Katrine.
He led his clan to fight for the Jacobites in the rising of 1715 and was subsequently declared an enemy of the Hanoverian monarchy.
While leading his men in successful raids against Loch Lomond and Callender his generosity towards the poor made him a popular folk hero.
Once captured he was due to be transported to the colonies, but was offered a last minute reprieve by George II.
He was played by Liam Neeson in the 1995 film that bears his name.
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