History of Clan MacKay
The Ancient History of Clan MacKay
Clan MacKay (Gaelic: Clann Mhic Aoidh) is one of the most powerful and ancient clans of the Scottish Highlands. The name translates to "Son of Hugh," likely referring to a member of the ancient Celtic royal house. Known as the "Clan Morgan" in early history, they ruled the vast, rugged northern territory of Strathnaver—a land extending from Cape Wrath to Caithness.
The clan’s roots are royal, with strong links to the progeny of Queen Gruoch (Lady Macbeth) and the old Mormaers of Moray. By the 14th century, they were fully established as the masters of the north, famous for their warlike spirit and the motto Manu Forti ("With a Strong Hand").
Wars of Independence and Expansion (14th–15th Centuries) The MacKays were fierce patriots. Tradition states they fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. However, their history is also defined by relentless conflict with their neighbors, particularly the Earls of Sutherland and Clan Ross.
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Battle of Drumnacoub (c. 1433): A legendary battle where Chief Angus Du MacKay, though old and infirm, directed the fight against the Sutherlands. He won the day but was killed by an arrow just as the victory was secured.
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Battle of Tannach (1464): The MacKays allied with the Keiths to defeat the Clan Gunn.
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Battle of Aldy Charrish (1487): A bloody conflict where the MacKays decimated
The 30 Years' War and The Reay Regiment In the 17th century, the clan’s martial reputation went global. Sir Donald MacKay, the 1st Lord Reay, raised a famous regiment of 3,000 clansmen. They traveled to the continent to fight in the Thirty Years' War for the Protestant cause, serving under the Kings of Denmark and Sweden (Gustavus Adolphus). Known as the "Invincible Regiment," they earned fame for their incredible stamina and skill with both musket and broadsword. It was during this time that Sir Donald was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia and later raised to the peerage as Lord Reay.
Jacobite Era and Clearances Unlike many Highland clans, the MacKays were staunchly anti-Jacobite.
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1715 & 1745: They supported the British government, defending Inverness Castle and intercepting French gold intended for Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Skirmish of Tongue. This capture of funds played a crucial role in weakening the Jacobite cause before Culloden.
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The Clearances: Despite their loyalty to the Crown, the 19th century brought tragedy. The massive Reay estates were sold to the Earls of Sutherland in 1829. This led to the brutal Highland Clearances, where thousands of MacKay clansmen were evicted from Strathnaver to make way for sheep, scattering the clan to the New World.
Modern Legacy The fighting spirit of the clan continued into the modern era. In 1815, at the Battle of Waterloo, Piper Kenneth MacKay of the 79th Highlanders famously stepped outside the defensive square to play the bagpipes under heavy French cavalry fire, earning a set of silver pipes from the King. Today, the Chief is Lord Reay, and the clan remains a proud symbol of the far north, remembered for their "Strong Hand" in battle and their deep connection to the rugged lands of Strathnaver.