1954 - Special Collections

46 YEAR BOOK AMERICAN CLA N GREGOR SOCIETY
Lady MacG regor. Of all the many wonderf ul views that we enjoyed durin g our
visit to the Highlands none surpassed in pure beauty the blending of color and
scene that we gazed on from the entrance to Edinchip; and it was my good fortune
to get several good pictures of that panorama ; which will serv e to keep its
memory gre en for a long time.
Around the house and for a vast distan ce beyond extend the gardens beautifully
landscaped ; and the great variety of shrubs, plant s as well as fruit s and vegetables
growing well on that once rugged hillside impr essed us very much. W hat enterpri
se and energy had the Laird of Edinchip put into the development and beautifying
of his ancestra l home I
A path leads from the house into the nearby woodland, wher e still stand tree s
of old Caledonian fir ; and fr om its deep shade we followed along a ripplin g burn,
th e music of which gives promise of other pleasant scenes yet in store. And that
pr omise is born e out in full measure ; for at the far end of the ga rden path,
is a gor geous cluster of rh ododendron bushes of mammoth size, which were in
the full bloom of th eir lovely pastel shades at the time we were there.
Returning to th e house one sees that the farm buildings stand clustered together
for convenience and security, behind screening hedges. And on the outlying
farm s which make up the estate there are homes for the severa l far mer s' families,
surrounded by an assembly of stables and loft buildings. We spent severa l happy
morni ngs walking over the fields and observing activitie s that fill to the full a
day on a Highland farm.
During our visit at Edinchip we were tak en on several interesting drives over
th e now excellent road s, which in all probability follow trails blazed by early
Highlanders. Most notable of the se trips was a long and thrilling trip to bleak
and ominous Glencoe, scene of the atrocious massacr e of MacD onalds by a garrison
of the King's forces stationed near by, and led by a Campbell. But that is another
story, as is also a description of the unforgettabl y charming interior of the home
of the MacGregor s, with the count less priceless relics, ancestral portraits and
furnishings.
In writing this paper it has been our aim to describe for those who may not
have had the good fortune to visit it, this charming and histor ic MacGregor
country. Ref erences to its lurid past could not be omitted, for turmoil, persecut ion
and the determination to be avenged and endure remain deeply impressed on the
soil of thi s now lovely and peaceful land. We shall long hold in memory impressions
and experiences of our delightful visit.
THE MACGREGOR COUNTRY IN THE 12TH CENTURY
By M RS.
R. S. POPE , JR.
Read this and understand why neighborin g Chiefs-Dukes of Ar gyle, Breadalbane,
Ath oll, leaders and Chief s of th e Campbells were jealous of MacGre gor's
ancient possessions, and afraid of their potentia l power because of their boast,
a "Royal Race ".
Read this to understand the MacGregor love of fre edom in his mountain
fastness, and why when nameless and dispossessed, through intrigue, treachery,
and misrepre sentation of their enemies, they fought so courageously, even with the