Sam Heughan and Robin Laing

Major Donald MacDonald (Robin Laing), a half-pay ( allowance to a soldier not actually in service, a stipend), resurfaces after Jocasta’s wedding, to visit the Fraser’s with a proposition. A Brittish soldier who is looking to keep on the good side of the Governor as it means more oportunity may come his way, he dangles the job of Indian Agent in front of Jamie, who doesn’t have enough to contend with now that the Christies have arrived. 

Major MacDonald runs ground somewhere between a friend of Fraser’s Ridge, and Jamie Fraser, and that constant reminder of the debt to The Crown that the Fraser’s and settlers owe to the Governor. While initially Jamie refuses the offering of yet another responsibility, Major MacDonald uses his wiles to take the role to the Brown’s, with their Committee of Safety damages already being seen on The Ridge and surrounding areas. With roles like this, there can always be those that will abuse such power, as we will see in the next few episodes.

MacDonald is a bit of a “better to have as a ally”, or keep the appearances of such, character. He is at least a Scotsman and can appreciate what Jamie is doing for the settlers. He is also quite a bit jealous of Jamie and the land that he has been given, and hopes to have some of that luck roll off on himself.  When he tells Jamie that he will offer the job as Indian Agent to the Brown’s, he is trying to lure Jamie in. Is it because he must do his duty, gain his coin, or is he baiting Jamie a bit. We’d like to think he knows Jamie to be the steadier and more reliable man for the job.

After the confrontation with the Committee of Safety and the Christies at the end of  601 Echoes, Jamie changes his mind and tells Major MacDonald that he will take on the role of Indian Agent. It’s better he save the Indians and the peace that has been brokered than allowing the Brown’s to continue to blame the Indians for burnt homesteads that the Brown’s have been the actual perpetrators of.

Major MacDonald is played by Scottish actor Robin Laing and is repped by Lee Morgan Management.

Major Macdonald loves to visit with the Fraser’s as a safe haven for his travels in the back country. However, a particular grey feline finds his wig to be the most enticing of prey. Pounce.

Watch tonight’s episode, 602 Alligiance, to see how Jamie fares as Indian Agent, learns new languages, get’s in a bit of a tight spot with sharing, and creates an estrangement with Young Ian. And Claire must save Marsali’s baby. And where the hell is Fergus?Available on Starz® at 9PM EST and Starz® App.

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