On 7 February 1603, Clan MacGregor and their allies fought against Clan Colquhoun and its supporters at the Battle of Glen Fruin. Although the MacGregors emerged victorious in the battle, it ultimately resulted in their persecution and declaration as outlaws by King James VI.
The origins of the feud between the MacGregors and the Colquhouns originated from land disputes and cattle thefts that were prevalent among Scottish clans during that era. The MacGregors, a formidable clan claiming lineage from King Alpin of Dalriada, had seen a significant reduction in their ancestral territories due to encroachments by other clans, including the Campbells, Buchanans, Drummonds, and Colquhouns. In order to sustain themselves, the MacGregors resorted to raiding neighbouring lands for cattle and other resources.
Conversely, the Colquhouns were a prosperous clan with extensive estates surrounding Loch Lomond and Dumbarton. They had connections to the royal family and enjoyed legal protections from the crown, bolstered by a formidable military presence that included cavalry and musketeers. Tensions frequently arose between the Colquhouns and the MacGregors due to the latter’s raids and territorial infringements.
The feud intensified in 1602 when two young MacGregors killed two Colquhoun foresters who attempted to prevent them from hunting deer on Colquhoun land. In retaliation, the Colquhouns killed several MacGregors passing through their territory, prompting the MacGregors to seek vengeance by launching further raids on Colquhoun lands and setting fire to their homes.
In the early months of 1603, Allaster MacGregor of Glenstrae, the leader of Clan Gregor, resolved to initiate a significant raid on the territories of Colquhoun, accompanied by around 400 men. He was supported by allies from Clan Cameron, Clan Grant, and Clan MacFarlane. On 7 February 1603, they advanced to the summit of Glen Fruin, which provided a vantage point over Colquhoun’s most fertile agricultural lands. Upon learning of the impending threat, Alexander Colquhoun of Luss, the chief of Clan Colquhoun, rallied his retainers and assembled forces from Dumbartonshire, totalling around 300 horsemen and 500 foot. He then proceeded to confront the raiders, moving through Glen Luss and descending into Auchengeich Glen.
The two forces converged near Auchengeich Burn around noon. The confrontation commenced with a volley of musket fire exchanged between Colquhoun musketeers and MacGregor archers. Subsequently, both factions charged at one another wielding swords and axes. The conflict was intense and resulted in significant casualties on both sides. However, the situation shifted in favour of the MacGregors when they received reinforcements from an additional contingent of approximately 200 men led by Allaster’s brother, John Dubh (Black John), who had taken an alternate route through Rossdhu Park. This fresh MacGregor force launched an assault on the rear flank of the Colquhouns, who were already engaged with Allaster’s men at the front.
This manoeuvre incited panic among the Colquhouns, prompting them to retreat towards Auchengeich Burn. Unfortunately, the burn had swelled due to recent rains, leading to the drowning or death of many Colquhouns as they attempted to cross it. Some managed to flee through Rossdhu Park, only to encounter another group of pursuing MacGregors who chased them back to Luss. The battle endured for approximately two hours, culminating in a complete rout of the Colquhouns. Reports indicate that between 200 and 300 Colquhouns perished, while only two or three MacGregors were killed. However, it is likely that both sides experienced substantial losses.
Upon learning of the battle, a wrathful James VI issued orders for the eradication of “that unhappy and detestable race.” On 3 April 1603, an Act of the Scottish Privy Council prohibited the use of the name MacGregor or Gregor and forbade those who had borne the name from bearing arms. In 1604, Allaster MacGregor of Glenstrae was captured and subsequently executed at the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh following a trial.
