SCOTLAND HISTORY

Clan MacDowall:

Origins of the Clan:

The name MacDowall is a name connected with the ancient history of Galloway, a district in the south west of Scotland which took its name from the Galli or Gaelic settlers of the seventh and eighth centuries. Many legends exist in Galloway including the legend that Dovall of Galloway killed Nothatus the Tyrant in 230 BC. It is also said that the Royal House of Galloway resisted the Romans. The Lords of Galloway were very powerful. They scattered their ancient princedom with well endowed abbeys and priories. The last of the native Lords of Galloway, Allen died in 1234. His daughter Devorgilla married 'Balliol', Lord of Barnard Castle. Their son John claimed Galloway through the right of his mother. He also claimed the thrown of Scotland. Balliol Lord of Galloway had granted lands in Garthland to 'Dougal', a descendant of King Somerled and Fergus MacDoual, Balliol's own relation. These two men both appear on the Ragman Roll of Scottish nobles who swore fealty to king Edward I of England. Dougals's grandson Fergus, third of Garthland was sheriff depute for Kirkcudbright during the reign of King David II of Scotland.

14th Century:

The Clan MacDowall like their Clan MacDougall neighbours and allies supported the Clan Comyn who were once the most powerful clan in Scotland and rivals to the Scottish thrown of Robert the Bruce. Once Robert the Bruce had killed John the Red Comyn, chief of Comyns the MacDowalls became mortal foes of the Bruces. The MacDowalls followed the MacDougalls into several battles against the Bruces until Sir Dougal was killed and dispossessed by the Bruces. The next generation of MacDowalls and MacDougalls changed sides many times but eventually became defenders of Scotland, loyal to the Bruces.

15th Century:

Fergus third of Garthland's grandson was Sir Fergus MacDowall, fith Laird of Garthland who led the Clan MacDowall against the English at the Battle of Humbleton Hill where he was captured in 1402. This was also known as the Battle of Homildon.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

Uchtred MacDowall the 9th of Garthland married Isabel Gordon. During the Anglo-Scottish Wars Uchtred Macdowall led the Clan MacDowall at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 against the English where both he and his son Thomas MacDowall were killed. John MacDowall the eleventh Laird of Garthland led the Clan MacDowall against the English at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. Uchtred MacDowall the 12th of Garthland was among those who were invloved in the "Ruthern Raid" in 1582 led by the Clan Ruthven in which the young King James IV of Scotland was kidnapped and held at Ruthven Castle and later Edinburgh Castle.

Clan MacDuff:

Origins of the Clan:

The Clan MacDuff (Gaelic, MacDhuibh) is an Armigerous Scottish clan descended from the early 11th century Scottish king, Cináed mac Duib, hence Mac Duib (anglicized: MacDuff). The clan originates from the chief kin-group of the Earldom or Mormaerdom of Fife. The male line of the latter failed in 1353 and the "earldom" passed to Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland. In 1425 the earldom was absorbed into the crown and the clan lost its great rank. A title connected to Fife returned with William Duff, 1st Earl of Fife and Viscount Madcap in 1759. Later Alexander William George Duff, 6th Earl of Fife and 1st Duke of Fife, married the Princess Royal, HRH Louise (daughter of King Edward VII). The direct line of the ancient house, continued in Wemyss. However, in the northern territories families of Clan Duff emerged with no proof of royal descent.

Clan MacFarlane:

History:

The Clan MacFarlane was located in the Scottish Highlands at the head of Loch Long and the head of Loch Lomond. For over five centuries this area, the feudal barony of Arrochar,which was held by the chief of Clan MacFarlane and before them by their ancestors the barons of Arrochar. The family is Celtic in the male line and native to their beautiful Highland homeland of tall peaks and deep lochs just above the waist of Scotland. A Saxon male line ancestry was once believed to be possable for this family in Crawfurd’s Peerage which was written nearly three hundred years ago, but that is incorrect. However The is the Complete Peerage which follows the Scots Peerage which, in turn, follows Skene’s Celtic Scotland in giving the true Celtic descent of this family are better sources. All of these sources base their statements on the old Celtic genealogy of Duncan, eighth Earl of Lennox, who was executed in 1425, and the coming of age poem composed for Alwyn, last Mormaer and first Earl of Lennox in the twelfth century. This Alwyn was the son of Murdac (son of Maldouen son of Murdac) and his wife who was a daughter of Alwyn MacArkil (son of Arkil son of Ecgfrith in Northumbria). When the first Earl of Arrochar died his children were still minors so the King warded the Earldom to his own brother David, Earl of Huntingdon. By 1199 Alwyn, the second Earl of Lennox, had finally succeeded his father. The second earl may have had as many as ten sons. Among the youngest (maybe seventh) was Gilchrist who obtained a charter to the barony of Arrochar from his eldest brother Maldouen, third Earl of Lennox. Along with Clan Donnachaidh, the MacFarlanes are said to have been the earliest of the clans to hold their lands by feudal charter. In short, the MacFarlanes are descended from Alwyn, Celtic Earl of Lennox, whose younger son, Gilchrist, received lands at Arrochar on the shores of Loch Long at the end of the 12th century.

Scottish Wars of Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence Gilchrist's son, Malduin, befriended and aided Robert the Bruce during his fight for independence from the English. The MacFarlanes are reported to have fought atthe Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The clan takes its name from Malduin's son Parlan. The name, Parlan, has been linked to Partholon, "Spirit of the Sea Waves", in Irish myths and legend. More usually, it is considered the Gaelic equvalent of Bartholomew. Gaelic grammar requires changes within a word to indicate possession. A "P" is softened to a "Ph", and an "i" is added to the last syllable. In this way, "son of Parlan" becomes Mac (son)Pharlain (of Parlan). The lands of Arrochar were first given by charter to Gilchrist circa 1225. Iain MacPharlain received a royal confirmation to Arrochar in 1420. Duncan, the last Celtic Earl of Lennox was executed by James I. Although the MacFarlanes had a valid claim to the earldom, the title was given by the Crown to John Stewart, Lord Darnley. The MacFarlanes sought to oppose the Stewarts, but they proved too powerful and Andrew MacFarlane the 10th Chief, married a younger daughter of Lord Darnley, forging a new alliance. Thereafter the MacFarlanes followed the new earls of Lennox in most of the major conflicts of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Anglo-Scottish Wars:

The MacFarlanes later opposed the English at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547 where Duncan the 13th Chief and his uncle were killed along with many others. After the murder of Henry Darnley, Mary Queen of Scots' second husband, the MacFarlanes opposed the Queen and were noted for their gallantry at the Battle of Langside in 1568. Andrew, 14th Chief, is said to have captured no less than 3 of Mary's standards. The valour of Andrew and his men was rewarded by the Regent, James, Earl of Moray, with the Clan's original crest and motto. The crest and motto alludes to the defense of the Crown and Kingdom. Since Mary had abdicated previously in favour of her infant son, she was in rebellion against the Crown, Moray, and James VI during these times. For much of their history, the MacFarlanes were a very turbulent lot. Their rallying cry, "Loch Sloy", signalled many a night raid to "collect" cattle from their richer neighbors to the south and east. Their march-piobaireachd "Thogail nam Bo theid sinn" (To Lift the Cows We Shall Go) gives ample notice of intent. They were so competent that the full moon was known as "MacFarlane's Lantern". In 1592, the clan was accused of slaying the Clan Colquhoun of Luss and were outlawed. Later chiefs were quieter. They established homes on the islands of Inveruglas and Eilean a' Bhuth (now called Island I Vow). This last was burned out twice during the Cromwellian invasions in the 17th century. Walter, the 20th Chief, (mid-18th Cent.) was a renowned scholar and antiquarian. At the site of his home now stands the Landmark Cobbler Hotel which contains an inscribed stone taken from the original house over the main doorway. The clan lands at Arrochar were sold off for debt after Walter's death in 1767, and the direct male line of the chiefs failed in 1886. Walter MacFarlane of that Ilk and Arrochar, LL.D.

Clan Septs:

Septs of Clan MacFarlane include: Allan, Allanson, Bartholomew, Caw, Galbraith, Galloway, Griesck, Gruamach, Kinnieson, Lennox, MacAindra, MacAllan, MacCaa, MacCause, MacCaw, MacCondy, MacEoin, MacGaw, MacGeoch, Macgreusich, Macinstalker, MacIock, MacJames, Mackinlay, MacNair, MacNeur, MacNider, MacNiter, MacRob, MacRobb, MacWalter, MacWilliam, Miller, Monach, Parlane, Robb, Stalker, Thomason, Weaver,Webster, Weir

Clan MacGregor:

Origin of name:

The Clan Gregor is believed to have originated in Scotland during the 800s. Although the MacGregors insist that they take their name from Gregor, a son of the Scottish king Kenneth MacAlplin, there is no evidence to support this claim. Instead, most historians believe the clan descends from Griogair, son of Dungal, who is said to have been a co-ruler of Alba, an area of north central Scotland, between AD 879 and 889.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan MacGregor fought bravely at the Battle of Bannockburn under chief Malcolm MacGregor.

14th Century:

Most historians agree that the first certain Chief was Gregor "of the Golden Bridles." Gregor's son, Iain Camm ("of the One-Eye") succeeded as the second Chief sometime prior to 1390. The MacGregors suffered a reversal of fortune when the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, awarded the bulk of their lands to the Clan Campbell. The MacGregors fought the Campbells for decades and were eventually dispossessed of all their lands. Reduced to the status of outlaws, they rustled cattle and poached deer to survive. They were formally banished in 1603 by King James VI who made it a capital offence to bear the MacGregor name. From this period comes the Clan MacGregor's most famous historical figure, Rob Roy. Persecution of the MacGregors ended in 1774. The taking of Castle Grant, 14th century; Originally a Comyn Clan stronghold, Clan Grant traditions tell us that the castle was taken from the Comyns by a combined force of the Grants and MacGregors. The Clan Grant and Clan MacGregors stormed the castle and in the process slew the Comyn Chief - and kept the Chief's skull as a trophy of this victory. The skull of the Comyn was taken as a macabre trophy and was kept in Castle Grant and became an heirloom of the Clan. (In the late Lord Strathspey's book on the Clan, he mentions that the top of the cranium was hinged, and that he saw documents kept in it.) Clan tradition predicts grave things if the skull ever leaves the hands of the family - prophecying that the Clan would lose all of its lands in Strathspey. In a stunning reversal of fortune, the Scottish king Robert the Bruce granted the barony of Loch Awe, which included much of the MacGregor lands, to the chief of the Clan Campbell. The Campbells ejected the unfortunate MacGregors from these lands, forcing them to retire deeper into their lands until they were largely restricted to Glenstrae.

16th Century:

Iain of Glenstrae died in 1519 with no direct heirs. This plunged the Clan MacGregor into disarray as the powerful Campbells meddled with succession and asserted claim to the last remaining MacGregor lands. In 1560, the Campbells dispossessed Gregor Roy MacGregor, who waged war against the Campbells for ten years before being captured and killed. His son, Alistair, claimed the MacGregor chiefship but was utterly unable to stem the tide of persecution which was to be fate of the "Children of the Mist." Argyle and his Clan Campbell henchmen were given the task of hunting down the MacGregors. About sixty of the clan made a brave stand at Bentoik against a party of two-hundred chosen men belonging to the Clan Cameron, Clan MacNab, and Clan Ronald, under command of Robert Campbell, son of the Laird of Glen Orchy. In this battle, Duncan Aberach, one of the Chieftains of the Clan Gregor, his son Duncan, and seven other MacGregors were killed. But although they made a brave resistance, and killed many of their pursuers, the MacGregors, after many skirmishes and great losses, were at last overcome. Clan MacGregor fought against the English at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh 1547. In 1558 a deadly feud took place between the Clan MacLaren and the Clan MacGregor when the MacGregors slaughterd no less than 18 MacLarens men along with their whole families and took posession of their farms. This incident was not investigated until 1604 when the MacGregors were on trial for slaughtering many men of the Clan Colquhoun. However the MacGregors were cleared of doing anything against the Clan MacLaren.

17th Century:

The Battle of Glen Fruin took place in 1603 where the MacGregors were victorious, defeating five hundred Clan Colquhoun men, three hundred of whom were on horseback, by four hundred MacGregor men at Glen Fruin. Over two hundred of the Colquhoun men were lost when the MacGregors, who had split into two parties, attacked from front and rear and forced the horsemen onto the soft ground of the Moss of Auchingaich. It meant the proscription of the Clan MacGregor. It wasn’t until the eighteenth century that the enmity between the clans was laid to rest when, at Glen Fruin on the site of the massacre, the chiefs of the Clan MacGregor and Colquhoun met and shook hands. The dispossessed MacGregors rustled cattle and poached deer to survive. When John Drummond, the king’s forester, was murdered after hanging some MacGregors for poaching, the chief of the Clan MacGregor was condemned by the Privy Council. In April 1603, King James VI issued an edict proclaiming the name of MacGregor ‘altogidder abolisheed’, meaning that those who bore the name must renounce it or suffer death. Macgregor, along with eleven of his chieftains, was hanged at Edinburgh’s Mercat Cross in January 1604. Clan Gregor was scattered, many taking other names, such as Murray or Grant. They were hunted like animals, flushed out of the heather by bloodhounds. Persecution of the MacGregors continued until 1774 when they were permitted to be reestablished.

Jacobite Uprisings:

In the 18th Century during the early Jacobite Uprisings men from the Clan MacGregor fought at the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719 led by their chief Rob Roy who was wounded. During the 1745 to 1746 uprising the Clan MacGregor who were under the Duke of Perth fought as Jacobites at the Battle of Prestonpans in 1715 and the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Septs of Clan MacGregor:

Alpin Bain Beachley Black Bowers Bowie Coleman Comrie Dochart Dunn Fletcher Greer Gregg Gregor Gregorson Gregory Greig Grewer Grier Grierson Grigg Grigor Gruer Gudger Johnson King Kirkwood Lakie Landless Leckie Lockie MacAlpin MacAdam Macaldowie Macara Macaree MacChoiter MacConachie MacCrowther MacEan MacEwin MacGregor MacGrigor MacGrowther MacGruder Macilduy MacLeister MacLiver MacNee MacNie MacNeice MacNeish MacPeters MacPetrie Magruder Malloch McGehee McNish Mor Neish Patullo Peters Petrie Roy Skinner Stirling Stringer White Whyte Willox

Clan MacInnes:

Origin of name:

From the Gaelic MacAonghais (Sons of Angus). Mac or Mc (as they are interchangeable) means son or family of, aon means one or unique, and gusa means choice. Therefore Unique Choice or Choice One. Mac does not imply strict bloodlines, but could reflect kinship, dependent allies or tenants. This name first appears in the seventh century Scottish Senchus fer n-Alban (The History of the Men of Scotland).

Arrival in Scotland:

Clan MacInnes' ancestors were among the early inhabitants of Islay, Jura and the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland, generally part of the region known as Argyll. These Scotti, a Celtic, Gaelic-speaking people, first appear there as settlers from Ireland in c.500 when Fergus Mór, king of the north Irish kingdom of Dál Riata, and his two brothers, Loarn and Óengus, expanded their lands into southwestern Alba. Óengus had already established a colony on Islay and/or Jura and was the master of ships for the new Kingdom. Óengus (Angus) is considered to be the first of the MacInnes Clan and is thought to be buried on Iona. Dalriada quickly grew in influence and strength, and eventually overran the indigenous Pictish peoples and their culture. The area then became known as Scotland after these Scotti immigrants.

Civil War:

In 1645 during the Civil War the Clan MacInne's Kinlochaline Castle was attacked and burned by MacDonalds serving under James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose. After this the MacInnes became dependants of the Clan Campbell. [edit] Expansion and decline It is believed that MacInneses lived on Iona with Columba. Oengus and his descendants would have exploited their seagoing skills and ventured to Iona at an early time. Iona is the final resting-place of many with our name and lore says that Columba selected the site whereupon the Kiel Church now stands in Lochaline near Kinlochaline Castle, the castle built by the MacInneses. During the 9th century the clan moved out of the western isles and into Argyll (Morvern and Ardgour). This was most likely as a result of constant Viking raids in the islands. By the early 12th century MacInnes people were well established in all of Morvern (the peninsula bounded by Loch Sunnart and Loch Linnhe and adjacent to the Isle of Mull). The traditional seat of the Chiefs of Clan MacInnes was established there in Kinlochaline Castle. As the Viking raids continued to terrorize their lands the MacInneses became members of an alliance known as Siol Gillebride (Seed of the Servant of St. Bride) along with MacGillivrays, MacMasters and MacEachearns somewhat in the manner of Clan Chattan, under the leadership of the Celtic-Norse warrior Somerled (killed in 1164, often referred to as Somerled MacGillebride, and his father was believed to be a MacAonghais Chief). Somerled’s grandson was the first of Clan Donald (McDougall and McDonald clans). How the clan entered into this alliance is told as follows: Chief of MacInnes sought Somerled to seek his aid. A skilled warrior, Somerled agreed to help them if they would follow his directions completely. He told them to kill and skin a herd of longhaired highland cattle, and to then march their normally kilt-clad fighters in plain sight of the invading Vikings. Next they were to dress in the cowhides with the long hair turned outwards and march again before their enemies; then a third time they were to march in front of the Vikings, but this time wearing the hides turned skin side out. The MacInnes men followed his advice. The Vikings were fooled into thinking the MacInneses had three times their actual fighting strength. They turned and fled the “overwhelming numbers” and many were slain. In thanks to Somerled, the MacInnes’ vowed to become his vassals. In mid 14th century, the last chief of the Clan MacInnes was killed along with his sons by order of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles(who was the great-great-grandson of Somerled). Chief MacInnes had advised John to divorce his wife and marry the daughter of future king Robert II of Scotland. John's former wife got revenge by telling John that MacInnes had complained that when he stayed at John's house, his quarters stank because they were used as a dog's kennel. John was enraged. Clan MacLean carried out the murders in the Castle of Ardtornish on the Sound of Mull and as a reward were deeded the lands and castle of Ardgour. Clan MacInnes remains without a Chief, and many of the clan scattered to Appin, Craignish, Lochaber and Skye, but some of the clan continued to occupy the castle.

Dispersal:

In the 16th Century, many of the MacInnes Clan moved to Sleat on the Isle of Skye. Five longships are said to have made the journey, each holding a family group. From these five families are descended the five lineages of the name of MacInnes on the Isle of Skye. Some of these MacInnes men became the hereditary bowmen to the Mackinnon of Strath. The bowmen were known as Sliochd Neill a’ bhogha (The Line of Neil of the Bow). Others of the dispossessed Clan had joined with Clan Dugall Craignish and some went to Perthshire and joined with the MacGregors, leading to an ill-informed present-day claim that MacInnes is a Sept of MacGregor. It should be also noted that Clan Innes is unrelated to MacInnes having arisen in Moray east of Inverness at a later date.

Jacobite Uprisings:

During the Jacobite uprisings most of the Clan MacInnes supported the British government however one branch of the clan fought for the Jacobite cause: In the 1745 Jacobite Rising, MacInnes Clansmen took up arms on both sides. Some stood with the Campbells and the House of Argyll, but others (MacInneses of Morvern, Lochaber and Appin) supported Prince Charles Edward Stuart and fought beside Stewart of Ardshiel, who commanded of the Appin (Stewart) Regiment. A MacInness clansman, MacMaster of Glenaladale, raised Prince Charles banner at Glenfinnan. Four MacInnes men were killed and two wounded in the battle. Others may have been captured and subsequently hanged. Donald Livingstone, the 18-year-old son of Anna MacInnes of Morvern, saved the Appin Banner from Culloden and smuggled it home. The banner is now housed in the Museum of Scotland. These kinsmen are buried in the cemetery of Kiel Kirk in Lochaline. One John McGinnes helped row Charles to safety and when captured and flogged, refused to disclose the details.

The Highland Clearances:

The Highland Clearances, from about 1790 to 1840s, drove many MacInneses from their homes, notably on Skye and Mull. These Clearances were designed to get the tenant farmers off the land to make room for profitable sheep herding. Poverty, crop failures and high rents also contributed to the tide of emigration that emptied the highlands during the 19th Century. Numerous parish cemeteries on Mull, Skye, Iona, Islay and across Argyll hold the remains of clansmen.

Related names:

There are many Anglicized spellings of the name: MacInnis, McGinnis (not to be confused with McGuinnes), McKinnis, MacAngus, McAninch, McKynes, M'Aneiss, McCanse, McNiesh and many more, since Mac and Mc are interchangeable. Masters, MacMaster and variants are of the Clan. The name “Innes” is often inaccurately linked to MacInnes. Innes has a later origin in Moray.

Clan MacIntyre:

Origin of name:

In Gaelic, the name Macintyre is rendered ‘Mac an t-Saoir’, meaning ‘son of the carpenter’.

History:

A traditional account dates the origins of the name to the early twelfth century, when Somerled was establishing his lordship in the Western Isles. After Olav the Red, Norse King of Man and the Isles, resisted Somerled’s ambitions, he then resorted to diplomacy, and sought the hand of the king’s daughter, Ragnhild, in marriage. Somerled’s nephew, Macarill or Maurice, assured his uncle that he could devise a scheme to win the bride. It is said that Macarill sabotaged Olav’s galley by boring holes in the hull, which he then plugged with tallow. He contrived to be a passenger on the king’s galley, and went well supplied with wooden plugs. Heavy seas washed out the tallow and the galley began to founder, at which point Macarill promised to save the king’s life if he would promise his daughter’s hand to Somerled. The pact was sealed, and the plugs used to stop the leaks. Macarill was thereafter known as the ‘wright’ or ‘carpenter’, and found high favour with his uncle. Macarill’s descendants later established themselves on the mainland where, according to legend, they were warned by a spirit only to settle where a white cow in their herd came to rest. The land they settled was the rich and fertile Glen Noe by Ben Cruachan on Loch Etiveside. By the end of the thirteenth century the Macintyres were foresters to the Lord of Lorn, an office they held through the passing of the lordship from the Macdougalls to the Stewarts and finally the Campbells. As the family records have been lost, the Macintyre chiefs cannot be listed with any accuracy, but the first chief of record was Duncan, who married a daughter of Campbell of Barcaldine. Duncan died in 1695 and was buried in Ardchattan Priory in a tomb worthy of his rank. Originally the MacIntyres held their land by right of sword but they had acquired feudal obligations to the Campbells, which were purely symbolic until the 18th century. When the Campbells of Breadalbane imposed a rent that progressively grew too great, first Duncan, then Donald, 4th & 5th Chiefs respectively, emigrated to America by 1806. In 1991, the correct shield of arms was recorded by the 9th Chief and the MacIntyres once more took their seat on the Council of Clan Chiefs.

Clan MacKay :

History of the Clan :

The Clan Mackay is an ancient and once powerful Scottish clan from the country's far north in the Scottish Highlands, but with roots in the old province of Moray. They played a powerful force in politics beginning in the 12th century, supporting Robert the Bruce. Mackays became famous for strength, courage and skill in soldiering and were involved in endless Clan battles against Keiths, Rosses, Gunns, Sinclairs, Sutherlands and others, and wars abroad. In the centuries that followed they were supporters of the British government and were very anti-Jacobite. They played an important role in the military activities of both Scotland and Europe. The Highland Clearances had dire ramifications for the clan, but since then they spread throughout the world and have provided it many famous and influential descendants.

The name:

The name is a translation to English of the Gaelic "Mac Aoidh," meaning 'Son of Aodh.' The feminine form is "Nic Aoidh,' meaning 'Daughter of Aoidh.' The feminine prefix 'nic' is the genitive form of 'ni.' The genitive form of 'mac' is 'mhic' (pronounced 'vik'), but this is not usually prefixed to root names that begin with a vowel. Instead, a slender vowel (usually 'i') is inserted behind the principal vowel, and an 'h' is placed before the initial vowel when it is used on its own (without a prefix): Aodh (pronounced "ookh") > hAoidh (pronounced "hoo-ey" - which is why the personal name Aodh/Aoidh/hAoidh is translated as 'Hugh' and 'Huey'), but no 'h' when there is a prefix - Mac/Nic Aoidh (Aoidh, pronounced "oo-ey"). See end of next paragraph for details on prounnciation in the original Gaelic. Records from the 12th century show Mac Aedh, Mac Aed, and Mac Heth. It should be remembered that all these form are basically attempts to render into Old Scots and Old English, as accurately as possible, the sounds of what was then the Scottish dialect of Old Irish which, as a Celtic language, was very different from Scots and English (both of which are Germanic languages). Originally the name Aoidh would have been prounounced as /ɯið/ in Old Irish, then later /ɯiɣ/ > /ɯij/ in Middle Irish, early Scottish Gaelic. The sound /ɯ/ is a back unrounded high vowel which changed to /i/ ee, /aj/ eye or /e/ ay in English The variants Mackay and McKay are common, and M'Kay is found in older records. Other variants include Y, Aytho, MacIye, Makky, Macky, Maky, McKye, McKeye, Mackie, Mackey, McKy, McAy, McCei, MacCay, McCay, Mackee, Makgie, Magee, Ison, Eason, Easson, MacQuaid, MacQuoid, MacQuade, Quaid, Quoid, Quade, and many others.

Septs of Clan Mackay:

Allan, Allanson, Bane, Bain, Bayne, Kay, Key, MacAllan, MacBain, MacCaa, MacCaw, MacCay, MacGaa, MacGaw, Mackie, Macphail, Macvail, Macvain, Macvane, McCoy, McGhee, McGee, Neilson, Nelson, Paul, Pole, Poleson, Polson, Reay, Scobie, Williamson. The Forbes and Urquhart families may be closely related, and records before 1715 show close friendships among the three families. The most well known Mackay is Sir Tim Mackay who was assassinated by Englishmen David Taylor and Phillip Benson. Mackay is also said by some to be descended from Siol Mhoirgunn, Clan Morgan — a claim in some doubt — so Morgan and Gunn are often included in the list of allied names. There are (or were) Mackay septs of Clan Chattan and other families. The form 'nic' is the abbreviation of 'nighean mhic' which means 'daughter of the son' (of). Dwelly's Illustrated Gaelic to English Dictionary Aodh is an ancient name meaning 'fire'; previously anglicized as Hugh. Not much used as a given name since the seventeenth century. Oxford Dictionary of First Names

Clan MacKenzie :

Origins of the Clan :

The MacKenzies were of Celtic stock and were not among the clans that originated from Norman ancestors. They are believed to be related to Clan Matheson and Clan Anrias, all three descending from the 12th century Gilleoin of the Aird. In the 13th century the clan was recorded at the stronghold of Eilean Donan on Loch Duich which was the seat of Clan MacRae, with whom MacKenzie was once allied. The clan seat of MacKenzie was at Castle Leod. There were also strongholds at Kilcoy Castle and Brahan Castle. The MacKenzie clan supported the Jacobite uprisings 1745-1746. There is a tradition, not borne out, however, by any tangible evidence or confirmation that this very ancient family deduced its descent from a member of the House of Geraldine, in Ireland (whence sprang the noble families of Leinster, Desmond, &c.), who, with a considerable number of his followers, is stated to have settled in Scotland about the year 1261 and to have so powerfully aided King Alexander III in repelling the invasion of Haco, King of Norway. He was reportedly rewarded by a grant of the lands of Kintail, in the County of Ross, which were erected into a free Barony by charter, dated 9th January 1266. Therefore, Colin Fitzgerald was the first feudal Baron of Kintail. His grandson, who in the Gaelic was called Coinneach MacCoinneach (Kenneth son of Kenneth), 3rd Baron of Kintail, became corrupted in English into MacKenzie (pronounced: MacKenny) and hence arose all the families of MacKenzie in Scotland. The name "MacKenzie", therefore, coming from the Gaelic: "MacCoinneach" meaning: "Son of the Fair One". In 1623, the clan chief became the self proclaimed Lord and Earl of Seaforth, taking his title from a sea loch on the island of Lewis. Born in 1754, the last Lord Seaforth raised a regiment for the British Army in 1778, the 72nd, and the clan produced another the 78th in 1793. Both had distinguished records fighting against Napoleon and were later amalgamated into the Queen's Own Highlanders.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

In the 14th century during the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan MacKenzie was among the clans who fought at the Battle of Bannockburn 1314 against the English where clan chief Ian MacKenzie is said to have led a force of five hundred MacKenzies. The Clan MacKenzie fought on the side of the Bruce at the Battle of Inverurie in 1308 against the forces of the Clan Comyn who were rivals to the thrown.

15th Century and Clan Conflicts:

Bealach nam Broig 1452: A force of Munros and Dingwalls met north-west of BenWyvis. Their enemy was a force of MacKenzies who had with them an important hostage, who was in fact the Earl of Ross's son. The Munros and their allies rescued the Ross hostage and almost completely exterminated their ememies. However the Munros victory came at a loss as around 140 Dingwalls and their leader William of Dingwall were killed. Also 11 Munros of Foulis were killed including their Chief thus the Chieftenship was left to a baby still lying in his cradle.

Battle of Blar-na-Pairc, 1477: The Lord of the Isles had resigned the Earldom of Ross into the Kings hands. After this the province was continually molested with incursions by the Islanders into the MacKenzie territory. A MacDonald cousin called Gillespick invaded the MacKenzie country with great hostility. The MacKenzies assembled their army and met the invading Islanders by the River of Conon, about two miles from Brayle, where there ensued a sharp and cruel skirmish. The Clan MacKenzie fought so hardly and pressed the enemy so, that in the end Gillespick MacDonald was overthrown and chased, the most part of his men being slain or drowned in the river of Conon.

At the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488 the Clan MacKenzie fought on the side of King James III of Scotland Raid on Ross-shire 1491, Ewen Cameron XIII Chief of Clan Cameron and a large body of Camerons, joined by Alexander of Lochalsh, Clan Ranald of Garmoran and Lochaber and the Chattan Confederation - who they must have made peace with on a raid into the county of Ross-shire. During the raid they clashed with the Clan MacKenzie of Kintail. They then advanced from Lochaber to Badennoch where they were even joined by the Clan MacKintosh. They then proceeded to Inverness where they stormed the Royal Castle and MacKintosh placed a garrison in it. The Lords of Lochalsh appear at this time to have had strong claims upon the Camerons to follow them in the field. They were superiors under the Lord of the Isles of the lands of Lochiel in Lochaber, in addition to the claims of a close marriage alliance (Ewen married a daughter of Celestine of Lochalsh). This would serve to explain the quite unusual mutual participation under a common banner between the Camerons and Mackintoshes in this raid.

Drumchatt 1497: In 1495 King James assembled an army at Glasgow. Then on May 18th many of the Highland Chiefs made their submissions to him, including the MacKenzies and Munros. Soon after this Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh and his clan rebelled against the King. He invaded the fertile lands of Ross-shire where he was defeated in battle by the Munros and MacKenzies at a place called Drumchatt where he was driven out of Ross-shire. He escaped southward amongst the Isles but was caught on the island of Oransay, by MacIan of Ardnamurchan, and put to death.

16th Century & Clan Conflicts:

Drumchatt 1501: There is no Munro account or any historical record of this second battle at Drumchatt apart from that of what the MacKenzies claim hundreds of years later. In Alexander MacKenzie's book 'The History of the MacKenzies', first published in 1890, he claims that in 1501 a large group of Munros, Dingwells & MacCullochs attacked the MacKenzies, laying waste to their lands and taking much spoil. However on their return they were attacked by the MacKenzies at a place called Drumchatt where many were killed. However there is no evidence for this and his books are unsourced and his account is believed likely to be fiction. Munro sources record a series of smaller skirmishes and feuds between the two clans at this time, rather than an actual battle. There is a very lengthy document now in the Scottish Records Office detailing all of the offences claimed by both sides in the troubles between them at this time when there was damage to property and the murder of individuals. In the next generation Chief Hector Munro of Foulis married a daughter of the Chief Mackenzie of Kintail bringing peace between the two clans.

Battle of Pinkie 1547: The Clan MacKenzie were among the clans who fought the English at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. The MacKenzie Chief was captured by the English. This was the last major battle between the Royal Scottish and Royal English armies.

At the Battle of Langside 1568, Clan MacKenzie fought on the side of Mary Queen of Scotts against the forces of her half brother James Stewart, Earl of Moray. With the Mackenzie clan the Munros were often at feud, and Andrew Munro of Milntown defended and held, for three years, the Castle Chanonry of Ross, which he had received from the Regent Moray who died in 1569, against the Clan MacKenzie, at the expense of many lives on both sides. Mackenzie failed to take the castle by force. It was, however, afterwards delivered up to the Mackenzies peacefully under the act of pacification (a treaty of peace to cease hostilities), as the MacKenzies had more legal right to own the castle. Again in Alexander MacKenzie's book 'The History of the MacKenzies' published in 1890 he claims that an attempted sortie by the Munros for fish at a nearby loch was foiled and as a result the MacKenzies took control of the castle. Again however there is no evidence for this, his books are unsourced and it is believed likely to be fiction.

Logiebride 1597: At a time of peace between the Clan MacKenzie and Clan Munro a fight broke out at a fair in logiebride which almost put the whole of Ross-shire into combustion. The fight began between John Macgillichallum (brother to the Laird of Raasay) and Alexander Bane (brother to Duncan Bane of Tulloch). The Munros took the side of Alexander Bane and the MacKenzies took the side of John Macgillichallum. John Macgllicham was killed along with John Mac-Murdo Mac-William and three others from the Clan MacKenzie. Alexander Bane escaped but three on his side were also killed; John Munro of Culcraggie, his brother Hutcheon Munro and John Munro Robertson. The Clans MacKenzie and Munro then began assisting each side in preparing to invade each other. However nothing ever came of it and peace was resumed. Again in Alexander MacKenzie's book 'The History of the MacKenzies' published in 1890 he claims that 50 Munros were killed when this took place. Again there is no evidence for this and his account is believed to be fiction.

17th Century Clan Conflicts & Civil War:

Variance 1602: A feud between Lord Kintail MacKenzie and the MacDonald's Laird of Glengarry led to the MacDonalds being attacked by the MacKenzies. A few MacDonalds were killed at Variance. The MacKenzies wanted the MacDonald Laird of Glengarry to appear before the Justice court at Edinburgh for previous crimes against them. Meanwhile two more MacDonalds were killed. Glengarry MacDonald did not appear in court on the arranged date but went about his own hand to revenge the slaughter of his clansmen. As he did not appear in court the MacKenzies wasted the MacDonald country of Morar. The two sides met and a battle took place with great slaughter on both sides. After this they came to an agreement to obtain peace where Glengarry MacDonald was glad to requite and renounce to the Lord MacKenzie of Kintail, and give him the inheritance of the lands of Strome. 1645, Chief of Clan MacKenzie, Lord Seaforth led a large force of Scottish Covenanters. They fought against James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose who was the commander of the Royalist forces in Scotland at the Battle of Auldearn in 1645. 1646, During the Civil War the Clan MacKenzie Chief who was still in possession of the Castle Chanonry of Ross was now known as the Earl of Seaforth. However in 1646 James Graham the Marquess of Montrose laid siege to the castle and took it from the MacKenzies after a siege of four days. However the MacKenzies retook the castle again in 1649.

Inverness 1649: During the Civil War the Clan Munro and Clan Fraser again took Inverness Castle. This time they were also joined by Clan Urquhart and Clan MacKenzie who they had recently made peace with. They were all opposed to the authority of the current parliament. They assaulted the town and took the castle. They then expelled the garrison and raised the fortifications. However on the approach of the parlimentry forces led by General Leslie all of the clans retreated back into Ross-shire. During the year several skirmishes took place between these parties. 1649, The MacKenzies retook the Castle Chanonry of Ross from the current Parlimentry forces. However the Parlimentry forces soon after took the MacKenzie's 'Red Castle' and hanged the garrison.

The Battle of Mulroy 1668: Clan Cameron and Clan MacKintosh were at peace and Cameron Chief Sir Ewen was responsable for keeping the peace between his men and their former enemies. However when the Chief Sir Ewen Cameron was away in London a feud broker out between Clan MacDonald and their enemies Clan MacKintosh and Clan MacKenzie. As the Cameron Chief was away he was not able to hold back his clan and the combined forces of Cameron and MacDonald defeated the MacKintoshes and MacKenzies. The Clan MacKenzie led by their Chief Kenneth who for a time held the title Earl of Seaforth but later died in exile are believed to have supported King James at the siege of Londonderry and at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

The MacKenzies supported the Jacobites fighting at the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719 where the MacKenzie chief was wounded.

Septs of Clan MacKenzie:

There are several variations in the spelling of the name Mackenzie, i.e. MacKenzie, McKenzie, Macenzie, McEnzie, Makenzie, MaKenzie, M'Kenzie, Kenny, Kenney, MacKenny, MacKenney, McKenny, McKenney, Mackinzie, McKinzie, MacKinney, McKinney &c, they are accepted as Septs or variations of the Mackenzie Clan name. Often in centuries past it was the local Monk or Minister who could read and write and who also decided on the spelling of people's names when entering Baptism, Marriage or Burial records. So when writing an unfamiliar name it had to be written as it sounded and misspellings would often occur especially when the informant had a strong accent. The Septs were smaller clans or Scottish families who lived within the ruling clan's territory. They would pay Tax to the Chief in order to live within his territory. The Chief's clan in return could give septs protection. Taxes would normally be paid in the form of food such as crops and livestock rather than money. Some septs would sometimes fight alongside the ruling clan. However other septs were sometimes just normal Scottish families who worked on the land. Charles Charleson Clunes Clunies Cross Iverach Iverson Iver Ivory Kenneth Kennethson Kinnach Kynoch Leawe Macaweeney MacBeolain MacBeath MacBeth MacConnach MacCure Maceur MacIver MacIvor MacKenna MacKenney MacKerlich MacKinna MacKinney MacKinnie MacLeay MacMurchie MacMurchy MacQueenie MacThearliach MacVanish MacVennie MacVinish MacVinnie MacWeeny MacWhinnie Makiver Murchie Murchison Smart Tuach Wigh