At the time of Robert the Bruce, Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor was the Chief of Clan Gregor.  Scottish historical novelist Nigel Tranter, in his The Bruce Trilogy, referred to Malcolm as An t-Ailpeinach - "Chief of the Alpine Clan" - meaning MacGregor of MacGregor as an hereditary right and title of leadership and lineage.  

In his day as war chief, Robert "Rob Roy" MacGregor was referred to as An t-Ailpeinach by Sir Walter Scott, reknown author and historian, as did Tranter in his MacGregor Trilogy.  

The current Chief and Hereditary Patron of The Clan Gregor Society is Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor, Bart., 24th Hereditary Chief of Clan Gregor.  His Gaelic hereditary designation is An t-Ailpeineach - a name which bears testimony to the Clan as Clann Ailpein, the older kindred name of MacGregor, for more than a thousand years.

In his "Marbhrann do'n t-Ailpeineach" Lament to Sir Gregor MacGregor of MacGregor at the passing of the 23rd Chief of Clan Gregor, Paraig MacNeil, bard of Clan Gregor proclaimed:
         
   (v.5)
   Bu Tu deagh Ghriogarach,       You were a goodly MacGregor 
   air ceum do shinnsirean,          on the path your ancestors 
   a-measg ceann-cinneachean,  in the midst of the chiefs 
   o' fhreumh shìol Ailpin              of the root of the seed of Alpin 
   bu dualach' s fhìor do chòir."    as would be your hereditary and pure right.

   (v.13)
   S'oil leam càradh                       I am concerned for the situation 
   do chéile mnatha nad dhéigh;   of your spouse after you; 
   làn amhghair;                             full of sorrow; 
   bean an t-Ailpinich àillidh        resplendent wife of MacGregor of MacGregor
   bean-uais 's bàrr do ghlòir.        noble lady and the apex of your glory.

 

                                              © Copyright Marbhrann do'n t-Ailpeineach                   
                                              by Padraig MacNeil Honorary Bard of Clan Gregor