Rob Roy MacGreagor
He was a soldier alongside his father and brother at the age of eighteen. He was a farmer, whose respect for the Highland way of life won him a place in the legend of the country. He was an outlaw, a thief, or a dedicated family man, depending on how you look at it.
Like any Highland boy of good family, young Rob Roy MacGregor's education came from within his community, where nightly ceilidhs included games designed to strengthen the oral tradition and a child’s grasp of Highland history. His knowledge of literature as well as politics was considerable, particularly in a time when illiteracy was common. He was taught the skills that Highland cattle owners needed. Most importantly, his father, chief Donald Glas ensured that his children know their clan’s history and it was this aspect of his education that would most greatly influence Rob Roy’s place in history.
Along with many Highland clans, at the age of eighteen Rob Roy went to battle with his father to support the Stewart King James against his challenger, William of Orange. Although victorious in initial battles, the clans’ leader was killed and their fortunes fell. Rob’s father was taken to jail, where he was held on doubtful treason charges for two years.
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