Fair and Honest
One particular raid on the herdship at Kippen landed Rob in the jail where his father had spent two years, but before his death sentence was carried out, friends were able to help him escape and he returned home to Mary and their infant son James.
It was Rob’s personality and facility for leadership, at least as much as any linear claim, that earned him respectable holdings in Inversnaid and Graigrostan, and acting chieftanship of Clan Dughaill Ciar. Rob Roy had inherited his mother's pale complexion and red hair, and it is said that he cut a striking figure. He was known as a fair and honest businessman, and was considered the best swordsman in the land. At the time of his dispute with Montrose, he was well-known throughout Scotland, not only by appearance, but by reputation.
Rob had been doing business with the Marquis of Montrose for ten years, borrowing large amounts of cash from him to facilitate his cattle trade. Rob had a reputation for honesty; the Marquis was known for his greed, and although Montrose had made a lot of money through his investments in MacGregor's trade, he spared no mercy for Rob. When one of Rob's agents absconded with one thousand pounds, a fortune even for a relatively wealthy landowner, Montrose pressed his advantage, hoping to claim Rob's land. After a determined search for the thief, Rob was captured by Montrose, but escaped.
In 1715, Rob led his clan to battle in support of the Jacobites. He was charged with treason, but again escaped from prison. He lived the rest of his life as an outlaw, taking protection from allies and making narrow escape from enemies.
Rob Roy died at home at the age of 63. He was buried in the small churchyard in Balquidder.
