ROB ROY the designation of a Highland out law whose prowess is the theme of one of Sir Walter Scott's novels, and who was by descent a Macgregor. He received the name Roy from his red hair, and latterly adopted Campbell as his surname on account of the acts proscribing the name of his own clan. At first he devoted himself to rearing cattle on his estates on the Braes of Balquhidder, but having formed a band of clansmen, he obtained, after the accession of William III., a commission from James II. to levy war on all who refused to acknowledge him as king. Shortly afterwards he married Helen Mary, daughter of Macgregor of Comar. On the death of Gregor Macgregor, the chief of the clan, in 1693 he was acknowledged chief, obtaining control of the lands stretching from the Braes of Balquhidder to the shores of Loch Lomond, and situated between the possessions of Argyll and those of Montrose. To assist in carrying on his trade as cattle-dealer he borrowed money from the 1st duke of Montrose, and, being unable to repay it, was in 1712 evicted and declared an outlaw. Taking refuge in the Highlands, Rob Roy supported himself by depredations on the duke and his tenants, all attempts to capture him being unsuccessful. During
the rebellion of '715, though nominally siding with the Pretender, he took no part in the battle of Sheriffmuir except in plundering the dead on both sides. He was included in the Act of Attainder; but through the influence of the duke of Argyll, he obtained, on making his submission at Inveraray, a promise of protection. He now established his residence at Craigroyston, near Loch Lomond, whence for some time he levied blackmail as formerly upon Montrose. Ultimately, through the mediation of Argyll, he was reconciled to Montrose, and in 1722 he made submission to Gen eral Wade ; he was carried off, and imprisoned in Newgate, and in 1727 was pardoned just as he was to be transported to Barbados. He died at Balquhidder on Dec. 28, 1734, and was buried in Balquhidder churchyard.