BattlefieldsMacGregor Proscription — Royal Proclamation 1603
English Civil War

MacGregor Proscription — Royal Proclamation 1603

1603
Scotland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Campbell and Graham neighbours authorised to enforce
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Royal Proclamation from Edinburgh
Outcome
MacGregor name abolished by law; clan proscribed; lands forfeit; members legally killable by neighbours
The Battle

History & Significance

Following the Glenfruin massacre, James VI issued a royal proclamation from Edinburgh in April 1603 abolishing the name MacGregor by law. It was made illegal to bear the surname MacGregor, the clan's lands were forfeit, and any man named MacGregor could be killed without legal consequence. The proscription — unique in Scottish legal history — transformed all MacGregors into outlaws by definition, regardless of personal conduct. Campbell, Graham, and Drummond neighbours were authorised to hunt them. The proclamation was one of the last acts of James VI as King of Scots before he departed for London as James I of England.

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