Clan MacKay

Clan Mackay is a highland Scottish clan originating in the far north of Scotland in a location traditionally called the Kingdom of Moray.

Mackay’s motto is Manu forti  meaning, With a strong hand,  Mackay’s crest is comprised of a dagger held erect.

The historic seat of Clan Mackay is located at Castle Varrich, located in the village of Tounge.

On the upper floor of Strathnaver museum located in Bettyhill Scotland is the location of The Clan Mackay Centre.  The centre is dedicatedtopreserving the history of clan Mackay and it’s families.

Iye MacEth, the high Stewart to the bishop of Caithness, who lived in the 13th century is considered the first leader of what would become the Mackay Clan.   MacEth was granted land and began accumulating property and influence in what is now considered Clan Mackay territory.

Over the years the Mackay’s have had many land disputes with the neighboring clan the Sutherlands. In 1370 the clan chief and his son were murdered by members of the Sutherland clan during their attempt to develop a border between the two clans.  In 1829 the chief, needing money, sold the Mackay clan’s land to the Countess of Sutherland, ending a nearly five hundred year battle over the clan’s territory.

In 1628 the chief of Clan Mackay was granted a title from the British nobility called the Lord Reay.  All subsequent chiefs have born this title.

The clan Mackay society was formed in 1806 making it one of the oldest clan societies in Scotland.

In 1875 the chief at the time Eric Mackay passed away leaving no children breaking the direct line of chiefs.   The title passed to a branch of the Mackay family located in Holland.

In 1906 “The book of Mackay” was published chronicling the history of the clan.  The book is now available in the public domain.

Further Reading:

Clan Feud: MacKay vs. Sutherland