John MacGregor (sportsman)

John MacGregor (24 January 1825 Gravesend – 16 July 1892 Boscombe, Bournemouth), nicknamed Rob Roy after a renowned relative, was an English explorer, travel writer and philanthropist.

He was known by his peers for his strong Christian faith and although he had aspired to be a missionary and also considered civil engineering, his scientific interests led him to London to study for the Bar, specialising in patent law.

During his time in the capital, he became heavily involved with philanthropy and was instrumental in launching the Ragged School movement's Shoeblack brigade.

MacGregor was a champion marksman but turned to boating when a railway accident left him unable to hold a rifle steady.

The boat he designed was a 'double-ended' kind of canoe inspired by the Northern American kayaks, but built in Lambeth of lapstrake oak planking, decked in cedar covered with rubberised canvas with an open cockpit in the center.

John MacGregor in his Rob Roy canoe captured during his exploration of the upper reaches of the River Jordan. Drawn by MacGregor himself.
The Rob Roy canoe
Map of upper reaches of the Jordan River made by John MacGregor from data gathered during his visit in January 1869.