Clan Mackenzie

Clan Mackenzie is a highland Scottish clan originating in Kintail, Northwest Scotland.  It is not known how the Mackenzie clan came to exist but the prevailing theory is that a descended of the House of Geraldine, an Irish noble family, emigrated to Scotland in 1261 bringing with him a number of followers.  Legend states that the clan aided King Alexander the third in defending Scotland against the King of Norway and were thus granted the lands of Kintail.

The motto of Clan Mackenzie is Luceo non uro, meaning, I shine not burn, and the crest is represented as a mount in flames proper.  The historic seat of the clan was located at Eilean Donan Castle; the castle was destroyed by ships in 1719, during the Jacobite rebellion.

The name Mackenzie’s Gaelic origin comes from the name MacCoinneach, meaning, “Son of the Fair One”.  The first recorded chief of the Mackenzies was Alexander Mackenzie of Kintail who showed up in official papal records in the mid 15th century.

The Mackenzie chiefs received royal titles in the 17th century after supporting Mary Queen of Scots and James the sixth against rival clans.  Because of this support the chief was made Lord Mackenzie of Kintail in 1609 and his son was granted the title of Earl of Seaforth in 1623.

The Male line of the Macenzies of Kintail died out in 1815 when then chief Francis Mackenzie passed away after his male children had died.  In 1980 the Lord Lyon recognized Roderick Francis Grant Mackenzie, The Earl of Cromartie as the clan’s chief.  Currently Castle Leod, the historic home of the Earl of Cromartie’s family, located near Strathpeffer, is the current seat of the clan.  It is open to the public certain days a year for visits and tours.

The Clan Mackenzie Society was formed in 1993 with the purpose of promoting the history and heritage of the clan and its septs.