The McGregor Story
In the Western Cape is a gem which has been there for over a century. It is a Village which was once named Lady Grey. However, as there was another Lady Grey Village in the Eastern Cape, The postal authorities became confused and so it was that the name was changed to McGregor, in honour of the Reverend Andrew McGregor, a Scottish minister who was instrumental in establishing the Dutch Reformed Church in the Village.
There is a copy of a decree, it may be seen in our museum and which was signed on 9th April, 1906 by the Honorable Walter Hely-Hutchinson when the change of name was formalized.
Yes, on the 9th, April 2006 McGregor celebrated its name for the 100th year!
The charming well preserved mid 19th century Village of McGregor with its quaint, thatched cottages at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, offers outdoor activities, art and crafts, tranquility and relaxation. Surrounded by mountain trails, fruit orchards, olive groves and the vineyards which supply McGregor winery, the village has maintained a rural peaceful ambience inspirational to its artists.
The village lies at the end of the road from Robertson in the Western Cape. Yes, the road ends at McGregor. It was intended to continue the road to Greyton, on the other side of the Sonderend range but, alas, the money for the road was somehow "lost" so it actually ends up in the mountains.
Amongst its many charms are the beautifully maintained buildings, described in The Old Buildings of the Cape as the best preserved village in the Cape.