The Clan Motto is derived from the fact that Clan MacGregor stems from the MacAlpine, namely from the brother of the famous Kenneth Macalpin the pictish King who for the first time united Scotland under his rule.

Originally the Glen Orchy area was inhabited by Clan MacGregor but as they held the land "under god" and had no charter from the King, confirming it, Lord Duncan Campbell of Lochawe, Lord of Oirer Gaidheal (Argyll) managed to claim and receive the land by royal charter. Subsequently in 1432 he gave Glenorchy to his younger son, Sir Calein Dubh - Black Colin, 1st laird of Glenorchy who became progenitor of the Campbells of Breadalbane and guardian of Colin Earl of Argyll during the latter's minority. To the ancient race of MacGregors of course the Campbells were but newcomers to Scotland but anyway the MacGregors thence simply were dispossessed by law and by sword.

At this time the Chiefship of MacGregor passed to the line of Glenstrae - then being tenants of Lochawe and thence to Campbell of Glenorchy. The Lairds refusing two successive Clan Chiefs of MacGregor as tenants and thus left them landless. Some of the chieftains failed in regaining their poperty by and by "legally"