Black Morrow, also known as Black Murray, is the name given to a bandit whom according to tradition was killed by a MacLellan near Kirkcudbright in Galloway, Scotland. There are several different versions of the story, in which the slain bandit is variously described as a Gypsy, a Moor, or even Irish.[1] The stories may be explanations for the Moor's head that appears on the crest that appears on the Arms of Lord Kirkcudbright, and in consequence the modern crest badge used by Clan MacLellan.[2] The blazon for which is a naked arm supporting on the point of a sword, a moor's head.[3]
According to one tradition he and his followers occupied Clan MacLellan lands. He was killed by Sir William MacLelllan when discovered in a drunken sleep, allowing the MacLellans to regain control of their land. Another version states that a £50 reward was offered for his capture or death and that MacLellan bought the land with the reward.[4] In an elaborate version of the story MacLellan deliberately replaced spring-water in a well with spirits in order to get Black Morrow drunk. The location of the spring in woodland is now known as Black Morrow Wood.[5][6]
The name "Black Morrow" is assumed to derive from the term "Blackamoor" referring to the Moors of North Africa and Spain.[4] As the date of the incident is not specified in the earliest surviving accounts it is not possible to know whether this implies that Black Morrow was an actual Moor or whether the name was intended to refer to his swarthy skin or barbarous reputation, perhaps analogous to "Black Douglas".[7] Some accounts refer to him as "Irish" and others as a "gypsy".
Some writers in the 19th century attempted to use the story as evidence of native racial diversity in Britain. David MacRitchie argued that Black Morrow was probably a gypsy, but claimed that the gypsies were not immigrants but ancient Britons from a primeval dark-skinned race.[4][8]