The king of con-men

摘要

Loch katrine is an unlikely birthplace for a master criminal, The slice of pristine water stretches through the heart of Scotland's Loch Lomond national park, around 30 miles north of Glasgow. At its head is a small house which takes its name from the loch's main tributary, Glen Gyle. It is a peaceful setting. Glengyle house was built in the early 17th century by the clan MacGregor, a family made famous by Rob Roy, born there in 1671. Rob's debt-dodging antics have made him very popular in Scotland (his creditors were rich landowners). He features in two Hollywood films, an operetta and a cocktail. Gregor MacGregor, born at Glengyle in 1786, is less well known. He deserves more attention: he pulled off the greatest confidence trick of all time.