Rob Roy (the novel by Sir Walter Scott, not the cocktail*) is a romantic adventure set in the Scottish borderlands and Northern England during the run-up to the Jacobite rising of 1715. It is the fourth of Scott’s Waverley novels, so called because when originally published the anonymous author was identified only as “the author of Waverley.” Waverley, published in 1814, reads like a rough draft of Rob Roy. The latter book, published four years later, is a vast improvement. The Scottish dialect—like the whisky—takes some getting used to, but it is—like the whisky—worth it.
Although named for the Scottish outlaw Robert “Rob Roy” MacGregor, the book’s main character is Frank Osbaldistone. Young and headstrong, he is exiled to the family estate in Northumberland when he refuses to join his father’s business in London. Here he makes enemies, falls in love and quickly becomes embroiled in political, religious and family intrigue.
Rob Roy, a historical clan leader, outlaw and sometimes soldier, was the Scottish Robin Hood of the early 18th century and was involved in the Jacobite rising through his tangled family, business and political loyalties. Although not the main character of this book, as a good hero he shows up when and where he is needed.
It’s complicated
It probably helps in understanding the plot to explain the situation along the border at that time. Scotland had long been a thorn in the side of England. Three centuries before the events of Rob Roy, Shakespeare’s Henry V warns that before invading France he must make provisions “to defend against the Scot, who will make road upon us with all advantages” as soon as the king is out of the country. Rising tensions between the two countries in the early 18th century set the stage for Scott’s book.
Although historically separate kingdoms, England and Scotland had shared a single monarch since 1605, when Scotland’s James VI inherited the English crown from his cousin Elizabeth I, becoming James I of England. Great Britain’s last Catholic king, James VII of Scotland and James II of England, was deposed by his protestant son-in-law and daughter, William and Mary, in 1688.
In 1706 the two countries united in a single kingdom, Great Britain, with a single parliament. But this did not resolve the long-standing divisions. The Jacobites persisted for decades in trying to restore James or his House of Stuart heirs to the throne.
The events of Rob Roy take place after George I, the first of the Hanover kings and another protestant, took the throne of Great Britain in 1714. So you’ve got conflict between Scotland and England, Jacobites and Hanoverians, Catholics and a variety of protestant sects, whose positions don’t always line up 1-to-1-to-1. As I said, it’s complicated. Into this tangle walks Frank Osbaldistone, who is more interested in poetry than politics.
Intrigue and romance
While living among his loutish Northumberland family Frank falls for his cousin Die Vernon, who is too wrapped up in her own intrigues to give him any encouragement. He falls afoul of his evil cousin Rashleigh as well as British authorities, and caught between the Jacobites and loyalists is forced to flee into Scotland where things become complicated. Well, more complicated.
There is plenty of adventure and comic relief. But this is no simple school-boy adventure story. Scott does not shy away from the harsh realities of sectarian border warfare, and Die Vernon is no shrinking flower waiting to be rescued. As often as not, she does the rescuing. She is strong, mysterious, possibly dangerous, and warns Frank that he can hope for nothing from her. Frank, of course, does not listen.
Making your way through the Scottish dialect can be as difficult as making your way through the Scottish Highlands. But it is just as beautiful and is part of the fun of the book. There are plenty of editions of Rob Roy in print, so check your local library or bookstore and settle down for a good read when you’re in the mood for an adventure that is not simplistic.
*
Rob Roy cocktail: Pour 2 oz. of Scotch whisky and ¾ oz. of sweet vermouth over ice in a mixing glass and add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with two cherries.