Mackay of Strathnaver (chiefs) Mackay of Aberach (senior cadets) Mackay of Ardbrecknish Mackay of Ardoch[6] Mackay of Scoury Mackay of Borley Mackay of Bighouse Mackay of Inveralmond[7] Mackay of Kirtomy Mackay of Strathy Mackay of Skerray Mackay of Borgie Mackay of Melness Mackay of Sandwood Mackay of Whitehouse[7] Mackay of Achmonie Mackay of Galloway Mackay of Argyle and the West Mackay of Clashfern In other countries: Mackay of the Netherlands (the current chief was from this branch) Mackay of Sweden Mackie of Carrickbraith
They supported Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century. In the centuries that followed they were anti-Jacobite. The territory of the Clan Mackay consisted of the parishes of Farr, Tongue, Durness and Eddrachillis, and was known as Strathnaver, in the north-west of the county of Sutherland. However, it was not until 1829 that Strathnaver was considered part of Sutherland when the chief sold his lands to the Earls of Sutherland and the Highland Clearances then had dire consequences for the clan.
In the 17th century the Mackay chief's territory had extended to the east to include the parish of Reay in the west of the neighbouring county of Caithness. The chief of the clan is Lord Reay and the lands of Strathnaver later became known as the Reay Country.
History
Origins of the clan
Historian Angus Mackay in his Book of Mackay (1906) compares two different genealogies of the early chiefs of the Clan Mackay.[8] The first is by Sir Robert Gordon, a 17th-century historian and the second by Alexander Mackay of Blackcastle, an 18th- to 19th-century historian who had access to the charters and historical documents of the Mackay chief's family.[8] Both genealogies have similarities but there are also significant differences given for the ancestry of the Mackay chiefs. Gordon's genealogy also claims that the chiefs of the Clan Mackay shared a common ancestor with both the chiefs of the Clan Forbes[note 1] and chiefs of Clan Farquharson. Historian Angus Mackay gives evidence that explains that Gordon's theory of the connection to the Forbeses was due to an extremely strong alliance between the two families that began during the 16th century in a long feud with the Gordon family.[9][note 2] The Blackcastle MS shows that the Mackay chiefs were related to the Farquharsons but gives a different connection to that given by Gordon.[8] Angus Mackay analyses what evidence is available to support each of the two genealogies and concludes that the one given in Alexander Mackay's Blackcastle Manuscript is by far the most accurate.[8]
The Blackcastle MS claims that Iye Mackay, 1st chief of the Clan Mackay, who was born in about 1210, was a descendant of Malcolm MacHeth, 1st Earl of Ross who died in about 1168.[8] Malcolm MacHeth, Earl of Ross may well have been related to the early rulers or Mormaers of Moray.[10] According to Angus Mackay, sometime in the 1160s, the MacHeths and their supporters after conflict with king Malcolm IV of Scotland fled northwards over the hills of Ross into Strathnaver, where they were welcomed by the Norse Harald Maddadsson, Mormaer of Caithness who was then an enemy of the king.[11] In 1215 the MacHeths along with the MacWilliams retaliated against the king but were defeated by Fearchar, Earl of Ross and the grandson of Malcolm MacHeth, Kenneth MacHeth was killed.[12] According to Angus Mackay it is possible that from this Kenneth MacHeth the Stathnaver Mackays are descended,[12] and that Iye Mackay, 1st chief of Clan Mackay may well have been his son or nephew.[13] According to the Blackcastle MS Iye Mackay's son was Iye Mor Mackay, 2nd chief of Clan Mackay who married a daughter of Walter, Bishop of Caithness in 1263.[8]
In 1403, the Battle of Tuiteam Tarbhach was fought between Clan Mackay and Clan MacLeod of Lewis: Chief Angus Mackay, 6th of Strathnaver had married the sister of the MacLeod of Lewis. MacLeod found that his sister had been mistreated and he decided to spoil Strathnaver and Brae-Chat in Sutherland but in the ensuing battle MacLeod was killed.[16]
In 1411, Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles challenged the Stewart royal family for the Earldom of Ross. Chief Angus Du Mackay, 7th of Strathnaver joined the Stewart Confederacy and the Battle of Dingwall took place in which Donald of the Isles defeated Mackay and imprisoned him on one of his castles on the coast. However, after the battle, Donald made peace with Angus and gave him in marriage his sister, Elizabeth. [17] She was a granddaughter of Robert II of Scotland, indicating how important the Clan Mackay had become.[18]
In 1426, the Battle of Harpsdale took place where Chief Angus Du Mackay, 7th of Strathnaver, with his son Neil, laid waste to Caithness. The inhabitants of Caithness assembled and fought Angus Du at Harpsdale, where there was great slaughter on both sides.[19] In August 1428, James I of Scotland came to Inverness, intending to inflict his rule on the Highland chiefs, including Angus Du Mackay who submitted himself to the King's mercy, and gave his son Neil as a pledge of his future obedience. The King accepted, and sent Neil Mackay to remain in captivity on the Bass Rock, in the Firth of Forth; he was afterwards called Neil Bhasse or Whasse.[20][21]
In the late 15th century the Clan Mackay and Clan Ross had long been at feud. This resulted in the Battle of Tarbat in 1486 where the Mackays were defeated by the Rosses and chief Angus Roy Mackay, 9th of Strathnaver was killed.[29] This was followed by the Battle of Aldy Charrish where the Rosses were defeated by the Mackays and the Ross chief was killed along with many of his clan.[30] According to 17th-century historian Sir Robert Gordon, who was a younger son of Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland, the Clan Sutherland joined the side of the Clan Mackay at this battle.[30] However, 19th-century historian Angus Mackay disputes the Sutherland's presence at the battle stating that it would be unlikely that the Earl of Sutherland at the time would have assisted against the Rosses as he was married to a daughter of the Ross chief of Balnagowan, and also that the feudal superiority of the Sutherlands over the Mackays "nowhere existed save in his own fertile imagination".[31]
16th century and clan conflicts
Map showing the territory of the Clan Mackay that was known as Strathnaver in relation to Sutherland and Caithness. The boundary is marked with a dashed line. (click to enlarge)
Towards the end of the 15th century and at the beginning of the 16th century, chief Iye Roy Mackay, 10th of Strathnaver supported the Scottish Crown against the rebellion of Donald Dubh with much success.[32] However, it is Clan Cameron tradition that in 1505, the Cameron chief who supported Donald Dubh, defeated a joint force of Mackays and Munros at Battle of Achnashellach.[33] In 1513, chief Iye Roy Mackay, 10th of Strathnaver along with his brother, John Riavach Mackay, led the Mackays at the Battle of Flodden, where John Riavach was killed along with many of his clansmen.[34]
According to historian Sir Robert Gordon, who himself was a son of Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland, in 1517, the Battle of Torran Dubh took place where the Clan Sutherland defeated the Clan Mackay who were led by John Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver.[35] However, historian Angus Mackay disputes Gordon's account and says that the battle was actually fought by the Mackays against the Rosses, Murrays and Gunns, and not against the Sutherlands.[36] According to Sir Robert Gordon, in 1522, Alexander Gordon (the Earl of Sutherland's eldest son) overthrew John Mackay of Strathnaver at Lairg, and forced him to submit himself to the Earl of Sutherland, to whom John Mackay gave a bond of manrent and service.[37] However, historian Angus Mackay disputes Gordon's account that there was even a skirmish and says that John Mackay was simply renewing the bond of friendship in 1522 with Alexander Gordon, that he had previously made with Alexander Gordon's father, Adam Gordon, in 1518.[38] In 1528, the Mackays, who were then at feud with the Gordon, Earls of Sutherland are associated with Clan Forbes who were then at feud with the Gordon, Earls of Huntly, chiefs of Clan Gordon. According to the book Conflicts of the Clans which was published in 1764, in 1542 the Battle of Alltan-Beath took place where the Clan Mackay were defeated by the Clan Sutherland.[39] According to historian Sir Robert Gordon, in 1542, chief Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver was captured by the Gordon Earls of Sutherland and Huntly, and imprisoned in Foulis Castle.[40] However, this is disputed by historian Angus Mackay.[41]
In 1586, the Battle of Allt Camhna took place where the chief's younger brother William Mackay, 1st of Bighouse, assisted the Clan Gunn in a victory over the Clan Sinclair of Caithness.[47][48] This was followed by the Battle of Leckmelm where the Mackay of Aberach branch of the clan assisted the Earl of Sutherland in defeating the Clan Gunn.[49] In 1588, chief Huistean Du Mackay, 13th of Strathnaver joined the Earl of Sutherland and married his daughter the following year.[50] In 1590, the chief's half-brother, Donald Balloch Mackay, led a company of archers at the Battle of Clynetradwell in support of the Earl of Caithness but he later sided with the Earl of Sutherland.[51]
17th century
Thirty Years' War
A 17thC German print assumed to show men of Mackay's Regiment in Stettin during the Thirty Years' War. The original caption states, "They are a strong and hardy people who survive on little food. If they have no bread, they eat roots [turnips may be intended]. When necessary, they can cover more than 20 German miles in a day's forced march. [1 German mile = 4¾ English miles] Besides muskets, they carry bows, quivers and long swords."
In April 1616 chief Donald Mackay went to London with his uncle, Sir Robert Gordon, and was knighted by the king.[52] In 1626, Sir Donald Mackay embarked with 3000 men at Cromarty under Count Mansfeld for the Thirty Years' War in the service of the king of Denmark alongside their colonel, Robert Monro.[53] In March 1627 Sir Donald Mackay was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia,[18] and in 1628 was elevated in the peerage as Lord Reay.[18] In 1630, Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay accompanied his regiment to Germany, and was present at the capture of Stettin and Colberg.[54] The following year in 1631 Lord Reay was empowered by Charles I of England to raise another force of men for service with Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden.[55] He quarreled with David Ramsay at the English Court and, having challenged him to a duel, both were imprisoned in the Tower of London to preserve the peace.[56] During 1632 Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden was killed at the Battle of Lützen and Lord Reay was not repaid large sums of money due to him by the king.[57]
Civil War
In 1638, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose and the Lords Home, Boyd and Loudoun invited Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay to meet them and others to consider the religious troubles of the time and to sign the Covenant, which he did unwillingly, along with his son, John Mackay, Master of Reay, because of his long attachment to Charles I.[58] In 1644, like Montrose, Lord Reay again espouses the cause of Charles I of England in the English Civil War, and aided Lord Crawford for several months at the Siege of Newcastle, in the defence of the city against the Scots army.[58] When the town was captured by General Leslie, Lord Reay and Lord Crawford were sent as prisoners to Edinburgh Castle.[58] In 1645, following Montrose's victory at the Battle of Kilsyth, Lord Reay was liberated from imprisonment and returned home.[59] In January 1649 Charles I was executed.[60] Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay having fought for Charles I during the civil war was to be created Earl of Strathnaver but the royal patent was not completed and Reay went into exile in Denmark where he died in February 1649.[18]
In 1651, a company of men from the Clan Mackay led by William Mackay of Borley fought at the Battle of Worcester in England under the Duke of Hamilton in support of Charles II of England.[61]
In 1680, George Mackay, 3rd Lord Reay succeeded his grandfather and for the next fourteen years was under the guardianship of his maternal grandfather Sir George Munro of Culrain.[62] In 1689, General Hugh Mackay garrisoned 100 Mackays in Brahan Castle, seat of Mackenzie, Earl of Seaforth to keep check on the Mackenzies.[63] General Hugh Mackay, was made Commander-in-Chief in Scotland by William, Prince of Orange.[64] He was defeated at the Battle of Killiecrankie but he won the campaign against John Graham of Claverhouse, 1st Viscount of Dundee, who was killed at Killiecrankie.[65] General Hugh Mackay was mortally wounded at the Battle of Steinkirk in 1692.[66] The son of the second Lord Reay was The Hon. Aeneas Mackay, Brigadier-General who had a prolonged military service in Scotland, Ireland and on the continent.[67] He died in Bath, Somerset in 1697 and there is a monument to him in Bath Cathedral.[67]
18th century and Jacobite risings
Jacobite rising of 1715
In 2004 six "Mackay Country" signs were installed welcoming people to the area that was once the territory of the clan.[68] They were placed at Kylesku, Achfary (both in parish of Eddrachillis), Forsinard, Dalvina, Crask (all three in parish of Farr) and one on the A836 road at the border between the counties of Caithness and Sutherland.[68] In 2014 the latter was vandalized.[68]
In 1806, the "Mackay's Society" was founded in Glasgow. In 1815, at the Battle of Waterloo, the 79th Highland Regiment of Foot formed a square upon being attacked by French Cavalry, and piper Kenneth Mackay, showing no fear, marched out of the square playing the tune "War or Peace". He was subsequently presented with a set of Silver Pipes by the King's own hand for his bravery. In 1815 - 1818 - The Highland Clearances began to take effect on the Mackay lands, by which the people were removed to make room for sheep. In 1829, the Reay estate was sold to the Countess of Sutherland by Eric, 7th Lord Reay.
In 1865, David Mackay won the Victoria Cross by taking the colours of the Punjabis during an attack on the fortification of Sercunderbah in India. The mutineers were the 2nd Battalion of Punjabis, the only Sikh regiment to mutiny. Later in the day David Mackay was shot while attacking a second fort at Shah Neijeef and was returned to Britain to recover.
In 1875, on the death of Eric Mackay, 9th Lord Reay, who was unmarried, the title passed to the branch of the family resident in Holland and who were descended from John Mackay, 2nd Lord Reay. Æneas Mackay, a Baron of the Netherlands, Vice President of the Council of State and holder of the Cross of the Order of the Netherlands, became 10th Lord Reay. He died in 1876. His son, Donald James Mackay, succeeded as 11th Lord Reay, left Holland and was made a Peer of the United Kingdom as Baron Reay of Durness (8 October 1881) with a seat in the House of Lords. He was appointed Governor of Bombay (1885–90) and Under-Secretary of State for India (1894–95) and was Lord Lieutenant of Roxburghshire. In 1900, in South Africa, John Frederick MacKay, serving with the Gordon Highlanders at the Battle of Crow's Nest Hill, North Johannesburg, wins the highest award, the Victoria Cross.
Castles
Tongue Bay, Sutherland, c.1822, with the House of Tongue in the background which was formerly the seat of the chiefs of the Clan Mackay after they abandoned Castle Varrich and Borve Castle in the 16th century
Castle Varrich in Tongue, Sutherland was the ancient seat of the chief of Clan Mackay but the chief later moved to the House of Tongue, Sutherland (still in private ownership). Castle Varrich, also known as Caisteal Bharraich was originally held by the Bishops of Caithness before being held by the Mackays.[4]
House of Tongue in Tongue, Sutherland was the main seat of the Mackay chief, Lord Reay. The House of Tongue was later acquired by the Dukes of Sutherland and is still held by them.[4] It is occasionally open to the public.[4]
Borve Castle in Farr, Sutherland was used by the ancient Clan Mackay as an outpost for raiding other clans. It was also known as Farr Castle.[4]
Balnakeil House, at Balnakeil, parish of Durness was held by the Mackays from 1611 onwards.[4] Balnakeil House, standing about 100 metres from Balnakeil Church was reckoned, by Dr Ian Grimble, to be second in magnificence only to the chief's seat at Tongue House.[74]
Bighouse near Thurso was held by the Mackay of Bighouse branch of the clan and is now an exclusive hotel and restaurant.[4]
Dirlot Castle near Watten, Caithness was originally held by the Cheynes, then by the Clan Gunn, then by the Clan Sutherland and then by the Clan Mackay from 1499 onwards.[4]
Dounreay Castle near Thurso, Caithness was originally held by the Clan Sinclair but later passed the Mackay Lords Reay. It was still occupied in 1863 and now stands in the grounds of the Dounreay Nuclear Plant.[4]
Loch Stack Castle near Scourie, Sutherland was held by the Mackays of Reay.[4]
Melness House near Tongue was held by the Mackays from the 14th century. An older house later replaced by a mansion was the site of the Skirmish of Tongue.[4]
Scourie Castle in Scourie, Sutherland. Seat of the Mackay of Scoury branch of the clan. (See Hugh Mackay of Scourie). The property later went to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland and the later Scourie House dates from 1864.[4]
^Historian Sir Robert Gordon, writing in about 1615 - 1630, in his lineage of the Mackay chiefs stated that the Mackays were descended from one Walter, who was said to be the bastard son of the predecessor of the Lord Forbes who at that time was not of the surname Forbes. Historian Angus Mackay, in his "Book of Mackay" (1906) states that there is documentary evidence from about 1500 to 1715 that shows a close friendship between the two families so as to strongly confirm the tradition that they were of kindred stock. However, Angus Mackay does not accept the lineage given by Sir Robert Gordon, and instead accepts the lineage given in Alexander Mackay's Blackcastle Manuscript. The tradition of a shared ancestry between the Mackays and Forbeses was later recorded by two other 17th-century historians: Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty recorded in 1652 that the Mackays, Urquharts and Forbeses were all of the same stock and in 1667 William Forbes recorded that the same three families shared a common ancestor. The Mackays and Urquharts of Cromarty had shortly before the account of 1652 was written also been on very good terms: they had been associated in 1649 when Inverness was captured by the royalists and Captain Mackay of Borley had led some men alongside the Urquhart Knight of Cromarty at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
^Throughout the 16th century a feud was fought between the Clan Forbes and Clan Gordon in which the Mackays were strong supporters of the Forbeses. There were conflicts and murders between the Gordons and Forbeses in the 1520s, 1530s right up until 1571 when the Battle of Tillieangus and Battle of Craibstone were fought, and the two clans were even on opposing sides at the Battle of Glenlivet in 1594. The Mackays had been on such good terms with the Forbeses that the sons of chief Iye Du Mackay, who died in 1572, even went to the length of calling themselves "Mackay-Forbes". While the Clan Forbes feuded with the Gordon Earls of Huntly, the Mackays feuded with their cousins the Gordon Earls of Sutherland.
References
^Grannd, Seumas (2013). Gaidhlig Dhuthaich Mhic Aoidh - The Gaelic of the Mackay Country, Dialect and Vocabulary. Taigh na Gaidhlig Mhealanais. p. 191. ISBN978-1-900901-60-4.
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