The Piracy and Adventure of Allan Dunlop

In the annals of the Dunlop family, few tales are as colorful and thrilling as that of Allan Dunlop, whose audacious escapades on the high seas add a swashbuckling chapter to the family’s storied history. Allan Dunlop, son of James Dunlop, was known for his "original wickedness," notably his involvement in a piracy incident on the coast of Fairlie during the 16th century.

A Spirited Youth

Allan, along with his brother James, were described as "unruly youths," a characterization that they seemed determined to live up to. The Dunlop family records, as chronicled in the "Memorabilia of the Dunlops," recount Allan's most infamous adventure: the piracy of a ship called the Perundaill. This incident, recorded in the "Register of the Privy Council," paints a vivid picture of Allan’s daring and defiance.

The Perundaill Incident

In October of the previous year, Lyon la Blankschew, a merchant from Brittany, anchored his ship, the Perundaill, at the port of Irvine, laden with coarse salt and other merchandise. Due to the dangers posed to ships remaining in the open raid, Lyon transported his ship to the raid of Littill Cumray, near Fairlie. Here, he hoped to await favorable winds for his return to Brittany, assured by the friendly relations between France and Scotland.

However, Allan Dunlop and his companions had other plans. A motley crew of twenty-three men, including Robert Craufurd of Glasgow, Johnne Boyd of Menyboill, and several other notorious figures, decided to seize the ship. They boarded the Perundaill by force in the dead of night on October 22nd, taking control and setting sail to Lumlasche within the Isle of Arran.

The Spoils of Piracy

After capturing the ship, Allan and his crew set the French sailors ashore and made merry with the ship’s provisions. Historical records suggest that they possibly cruised around the Isle of Arran before eventually returning the Perundaill to its rightful owners, albeit minus the supplies they had consumed during their adventure. This escapade, while bloodless, certainly cemented Allan’s reputation as a daring and rebellious figure.

The Aftermath

The Privy Council did not take kindly to this act of piracy. An investigation was launched, and the culprits, including Allan Dunlop, were summoned to answer for their crime. When they failed to appear, they were denounced as rebels. Despite the serious charges, it seems that the incident did not lead to severe repercussions for Allan, likely due to the prevailing lawlessness and the turbulent political landscape of the time.

Allan’s Fate and the Rumors

Following the Perundaill incident, Allan Dunlop’s life took a mysterious turn. While official records on his subsequent fate are scant, local legends and family lore offer tantalizing hints about his later years. Some say that Allan, with his knack for avoiding serious punishment, continued his life of adventure and intrigue. It is rumored that he became a privateer, a legal pirate sanctioned by the crown, using his seafaring skills to prey on enemy ships during times of war.

Others suggest that Allan, growing weary of the constant danger, eventually settled down and took up a more respectable life. There are tales of him returning to the Dunlop estate, living out his days as a gentleman farmer, regaling the younger generations with stories of his exploits on the high seas. These stories, while impossible to verify, add a layer of romanticism to Allan’s already colorful legacy.

Legends and Legacy

The legends surrounding Allan Dunlop only enhance his mystique. One popular story claims that Allan buried a portion of his ill-gotten gains on a secluded island off the coast of Arran, a treasure that has yet to be discovered. Another tale speaks of Allan’s daring escape from capture by leaping from a cliff into the sea, a feat that earned him the admiration and fear of his pursuers.

Whether these stories hold any truth or are merely the embellishments of eager storytellers, they contribute to the enduring legend of Allan Dunlop. His adventures have become a part of the rich tapestry of Dunlop family lore, a reminder of the wild and unpredictable spirit that characterized many of his ancestors.

Conclusion

Allan Dunlop’s adventure highlights the lawlessness and the spirited defiance characteristic of the Dunlop family during this period. His story, a blend of audacity and youthful recklessness, adds a unique dimension to the history of the Dunlops. It serves as a reminder of the family's diverse and colorful past, from their scholarly and mercantile achievements to their rebellious and adventurous exploits.

In the broader tapestry of the Dunlop family history, Allan Dunlop’s piracy stands out as a testament to the daring spirit that seemed to run in the family’s veins. It is tales like these that make the study of genealogy not just a record of names and dates, but a vibrant narrative of human endeavor, folly, and adventure. The story of Allan Dunlop, whether as a notorious pirate or a redeemed adventurer, continues to captivate the imagination and inspire those who delve into the rich history of the Dunlop family.

Adapted From: Dunlop of That Ilk. (1898). Memorabilia of the families of Dunlop, with special reference to John Dunlop of Rosebank, Doctor William Dunlop, and James Dunlop. Kerr and Richardson, Limited.