who was rob roy

Rob Roy, born Robert MacGregor in 1671 in Glengyle, Scotland, was a noted Scottish Highland outlaw and folk hero often compared to Robin Hood. He was known for his red hair, which earned him the nickname "Rob Roy" (Roy meaning "red" in Gaelic). Rob Roy was a cattle trader and raider who became involved in the turbulent politics and clan conflicts of early 18th-century Scotland. His reputation as a heroic figure is partly due to tales portraying him as a protector of the poor and a principled man who opposed oppressive landlords, though he was also known for his involvement in cattle theft and extortion. Rob Roy supported the Jacobite cause, backing the House of Stuart's claim to the British throne against the Hanoverians. He was declared an outlaw after a falling out with the powerful Duke of Montrose and spent much of his life evading capture, engaging in raids, and leading his clan in resisting government forces. Despite his outlaw status, he eventually surrendered and was pardoned before his death in 1734. His life inspired literary works, including Sir Walter Scott's novel "Rob Roy," which helped immortalize him as a Scottish folk hero.