Why is it called the Cateran Trail?
The Trail takes its name from the reivers, cattle thieves found in the area from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. King Robert II passed an Act in 1384 outlawing Katherani (as it was given in the Latin) in effect declaring open season on all who might be described as such. Although this encouraged the settling of old scores between Lowlanders (Sassenachs) and Highlanders, it did little to discourage raiding parties into the rich farmlands of Strathardle, Glen Shee and Glen Isla. Many Caterans were opportunistic marauders, but some claimed they liberated cattle from the Sassenachs by right: The land belongs to us, so the grass on the land belongs to us, and consequently the cattle that feed on that grass. Their victims thought differently, seeing them as lawless limmers (outlaws). The Trail follows old drove roads through once remote glens. Along the way there are information boards giving both sides of the story. Please dont get carried away by the history and romance of the Cateran
