The clan, as is well known, were terribly persecuted by the ruling powers. When, after the ’45, most of the other Highland chiefs accepted Crown charters for their lands, the Mac Gregors refused, their clansmen backing them vigorously in their attitude. For this independence of theirs they were hunted like wild beasts, pursued by bloodhounds, and executed whenever caught. Even so early as 1603 the clan found themselves so persecuted and hemmed in that their chief, Mac Gregor of Glenstrae, considered it necessary to deliver himself and a score of his principal men to the Government, under promise of being allowed to leave the country. This promise was given, but ruthlessly broken, for they were all hanged at Edinburgh. In the group was Gregor Mac Gregor of Ruaro, the subject of the lament and the song. The author of neither is known:—
“There is sorrow, deep sorrow,
Heavy sorrow down-weighs me;
Sorrow deep, dark, and lonesome,
Whence nothing can raise me.
Yes, my heart’s filled with sorrow,
Deep sorrow undying,
For Mac Gregor of Ruaro,
Whose home was Glenlyon.
For the bannered Mac Gregor,