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MacGregor

Crest: a lion's head erased Proper, crowned with an antique crown Or. 
Motto:  'S Rioghal mo Dhream'  (Scots Gaelic: My blood is Royal)
Badge: Scots Pine
 
Clan Gregor is the senior member of Clan Alpin. They are the descendants of Grigor, third son of Kenneth MacAlpin the King of Scots in the 9th century, hence their Motto: “Royal is my Race.” Robert the Bruce gifted to the Campbells the Barony of Loch Awe, which included MacGregor lands. This caused inter clan confrontation  which lasted for almost two centuries. 
 
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The MacGregors retreated into remote Glenstrae operating as cattle raiders in order to survive. They fought against the English Earl of Somerset's invasion at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.  In the reign of James IV in 1603, the MacGregors won a battle against the Colquhouns of Luss at Glenfruin, but the Colquhouns had a Royal Commission, and vengeance was swift. The Chief, along with eleven of his chieftains, were captured and hanged at Edinburgh's Mercat Cross in 1604.

The clan was proscibed forcing many to change their names and for their illusiveness, became known as “The Children of the Mist.” The persecution continued into the reign of Charles I. When the Marquis of Montrose raised the King's Standard in 1644, the Laird of MacGregor came forward and joined him.

At the restoration, the Clan was therefore pardoned, but it was not until 1775 that the name was restored. Over those 170 years many clan’s folk had sought sanctuary with other clans. Many had changed their names. One of the most notorious of the name was Rob Roy MacGregor (1671-1734). In 1775, a petition was signed by eight hundred and twenty six MacGregors nominating General John Murray of Lanrick, a descendant of Duncan MacGregor of Ardchoille, as Chief.