folk hero
and outlaw
of the early 18th century, who is sometimes known as the Scottish Robin Hood
. Rob Roy is anglicised from the Scottish Gaelic Raibeart Ruadh, or Red Robert. This is because Rob Roy had red hair, though it darkened to auburn in later life.
Rob Roy was born at Glengyle, at the head of Loch Katrine
, as proved by the Baptism
al Register of Buchanan Parish.
Never let it be said that any enemy of MacGregor ever saw him defenseless and unarmed.
Now it is all over — let the piper play Ha til mi tulidh [We return no more].
Honor made him a man. Courage made him a hero. History made him a Legend.
I can follow ye nae farther, even if ye suld founder and perish from the way for lack of guidance and counsel. To gang into Rob Roy's country is a mere tempting o' Providence.
If ye are seeking Rob Roy, he's ken'd to be better than half a hunder men strong when he's at the fewest.
Our last accounts of Rob Roy correspond with what this fellow has confessed, that, finding himself surrounded on all sides, he had dismissed the greater part of his followers, with the purpose either of lying concealed, or of making his escape through his superior knowledge of the passes.
A famous man is Robin Hood,The English ballad-singer's joy!And Scotland has a thief as good,An outlaw of as daring mood;She has her brave Rob Roy!
Heaven gave Rob Roy a dauntless heartAnd wondrous length and strength of arm: Nor craved he more to quell his foes,Or keep his friends from harm.Yet was Rob Roy as wise as brave;Forgive me if the phrase be strong; —A Poet worthy of Rob RoyMust scorn a timid song.