The peerage of Scotland: containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom, ... collected from the public records, and ancient chartularies of this nation, ... Illustrated with copper-plates. By Robert Douglas, Esq;.

MACKAY Lord REAY.

THE progenitors of the house of Mac∣Kay were settled, and had considerable possessions in the northern counties of Scot∣land,* 1.1 as early as the reign of king Alexander II. who succeeded to the crown, anno 1214.

A learned author, who wrote the history of the earls of Sutherland,* 1.2 in a very elegant manner, says, that before they had the sir∣name of MacKay, they were called the clan Wic-Worgan.

Other authors are of opinion, that one A∣lexander, son of Ochonacker, came from Ire∣land to Scotland,* 1.3 about the end of the 12th century, settled in the northern parts, and was progenitor of the clan MacKay.

The traditional account of the family is, that Alexander, a younger son of John, first of the family of Forbes, was the immediate ancestor of this noble family. This seems probable,* 1.4 as in many authentic writs they are designed MacKay alias Forbes, and some∣times there are Forbeses alias MacKay.

We therefore proceed to deduce their de∣scent from,

I. ALEXANDER, who flourished in the reign of king Alexander II. and was father of,

II. MAGNUS, who left issue a son and suc∣cessor, called,

III. MORGAN, whose descendents were generally called the clan Wic-Worgan.

He lest issue a son,

IV. DONALD, who succeeded him, and was designed son of Morgan,* 1.5 son of Mag∣nus, &c.

He lived in the reign of king David Bruce, and married the daughter of Jye MacNeil-Ghika, by whom he had a son and successor,

V. JYE MORE, whose son Donald was called Mack-Jye, (that is the son of Jye) and from hence he and his posterity assumed the sirname of MackJye,* 1.6 afterwards called Mackie, MacKay, or Macky.

This Jye More made a great figure in the reign of Robert II. He was proprietor of the lands of Farre, and several others, in Strath∣naver, and had many vassals and followers.

This appears from the history of the earls of Sutherland,* 1.7 wherein are these words:

"Nicholas earl of Sutherland had great con∣troversy with the house and family of Mac∣kie, chief of the clan Wic-Worgan, in Strathnaver."

&c. &c.

These families, it seems, had been at vari∣ance for some time; and in the beginning of the reign of king Robert III. there was a meet∣ing appointed at Dingwall, to accommodate and make up matters betwixt them. The earl of Sutherland, Jye More, and Donald MackJye, his son, met at the time appointed, but instead of a reconciliation,* 1.8 a scuslle ensu∣ed, wherein both Jye More, and his son Do∣nald, lost their lives, anno 1395. However, this sufficiently shows, that the house of Mac∣kie, or the clan Wic-Worgan, were very con∣siderable in the reign of king Robert III.

VI. DONALD MACK'Y, or MACKIE, son and apparent heir of Jye More, married a daughter of—MacLeod of Lewes,* 1.9 by whom he had four sons.

1. Angus, his heir.

2. Hutcheon Dou Mackie, who married, and had issue.

3.—Martin, of whom it is said the Mackies in Galloway are descended.

4. Neil Mackie, &c.

And it may be observed, that all these bro∣thers were brave and gallant men,* 1.10 and often sought with remarkable courage and intrepi∣dity against their enemies.

VII. ANGUS MACKIE, eldest son of Do∣nald, succeeded his father in the lands and ba∣rony

of Farre, and many others in Strathna∣ver, anno 1395.

In the beginning of the 15th century, Do∣nald, lord of the Isles, having been disappoint∣ed of the earldom of Ross, to which he thought he had a good title in right of his wife, raised a great body of men, and laid waste all Sutherland, Ross, &c. Angus Mac∣kie of Farre raised his Strathnaver men to op∣pose him.* 1.11 They came to an engagement near Dingwall and a bloody conflict ensued, but at last Mackie, being overpowered with numbers, was taken prisoner, anno 1410.

The lord of the Isles keeped him confined for some time; but at last, he not only gave him his liberty, but bestowed his daughter upon him in marriage. He brought her home with him to Strathnaver,* 1.12 and by her he had a son,

Neil, his heir.

Some time thereafter Angus raised a consi∣derable body of his vassals and followers, and invaded Caithness, where he committed vast outrages,* 1.13 and ravaged and spoiled the whole country, anno 1425.

But king James coming to the north coun∣try in person, anno 1426, Mackie threw him∣self at his majesty's feet, and implored his mercy, who, out of his innate lenity and good∣ness, granted him pardon, but took his son, Neil, an hostage for the father's good behavi∣our. He confined him in the Bass for some months,* 1.14 but set him at liberty anno 1427.

Angus died in 1428, and was succeeded by his son,

VIII. NEIL MACKIE of Farre, who was no sooner in possession of his estate, than he raised his men, invaded Caithness, spoiled the country, had several skirmishes with the in∣habitants, in which he generally had the bet∣ter, and then returned home.* 1.15

He married a daughter of the family of Monro, by whom he had two sons.

1. Angus Dou, his heir.

2. John Roy MacKay, of whom John More Mack Yaukeanigh, and several families in that country, are descended.

He had also another son, who was ancestor of the MacKays in Fi••e.

Neil died about the year 1436 or 1437, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

IX. ANGUS DOU MACKAY of Farre, a brave soldier.

In the beginning of the reign of king James II. there happened some variance between the Keiths and the inhabitants of Caithness. The Keiths desired the assistance of the MacKays, which was readily granted. Angus and his brother John Roy, joined them with a consi∣derable body of men, and they invaded Caith∣ness. The Caithness men were apprised of their coming, and were prepared for them. The two armies met at a place called Blair-Tannie, where a cruel fight followed,* 1.16 and the Caithness men were overthrown, chiefly by the bravery and conduct of Angus, anno 1438.

He married a daughter of the family of MacKenzie, by whom he had three sons and one daughter.

1. John, his heir.

2. Jye Roy, or Odo MacKay, who succeed∣ed his brother.

3. Neil Navaragh MacKay.

His daughter,—married to—Su∣therland of Dalied.

In the end of the year 1442, or beginning of 1443, Angus was burnt to death in the church of Tarbet,* 1.17 by the Ross men, whom he had often molested, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

X. JOHN MACKAY of Farre, who, in re∣venge of his father's death, attacked the Ross men,* 1.18 but they being apprised of his coming, were prepared for him, overcame him, and he was slain on the spot, anno 1479, and hav∣ing no issue, his estate devolved upon his bro∣ther,

X. JYE ROY, or ODO MACKAY of Farre, who got a charter under the great seal from king James IV. for his good and faithful ser∣vices, Odoni MacKay in Strathnaver,* 1.19 of the lands of Farre, Golspey, Catach, Croyn, Kil∣challum, Chile, &c. in Inverness shire, dated 4th of November 1499.

He got another charter under the great seal from the same prince,* 1.20 of the lands of As∣siter, Led••hoigack. &c. 6th of March 1507.

He died in an advanced age, anno 1512, leaving issue a son,

XI. DONALD MACKAY of Farre, who succeeded him, and got a charter under the great seal, Donaldo MakKay in Strathnaver, of the lands of Farre,* 1.21 Armadale, Strathy, Ri∣novie, &c. &c. anno 1539.

He married Helen Sinclair, but of what family we know not,* 1.22 by whom he had a son and successor.

XII. HUTCHEON MACKAY of Farre, who married lady Elizabeth Sinclair,* 1.23 daughter of George fourth earl of Caithness, by whom he had three sons.

1. Hugh, his heir.

2. William MacKay of Bighouse.

3. Donald MacKay of Scaury,* 1.24 ancestor of general Hugh MacKay commander in chief of the forces in Scotland, anno 1689.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIII. HUGH, or HUTCHEON MACKAY of Farre, a man of great parts, and universally esteemed. He was at much pains to have all the differences,* 1.25 that had long subsisted be∣tween the family of Sutherland and his, taken away and buried in oblivion, which, by his prudence and sagacity, he in a great measure effectuated.* 1.26—He was also designed Hugh Mac∣Kay Forbes, anno 1610.

He married lady Jean, daughter of Alex∣ander earl of Sutherland, by whom he had two sons and one daughter.

1. Donald, his heir, afterwards lord Reay.

2. John MacKay of Strathy, who married a daughter of James Sinclair of Murthil, ad annum 1619.

His daughter, Annas, married to Alexander Sinclair of Brimms.

He died anno 1614, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIV. DONALD MACKAY of Farre,* 1.27 who got a charter under the great seal, officii coro∣natoris insule de North Kintyre; also of the lands of Armadall, and many others, 28th December 1615.

He was a man of great honour and spirit, and had a wonderful military genius.

He raised a regiment of his own name and followers, consisting of 1500 men, which he carried over to Germany, to the assistance of the king of Bohemia.

He afterwards went into the service of the king of Sweden,* 1.28 and had some considerable commands under that great general. He al∣ways behaved with such intrepidity and con∣duct, that he acquired the reputation of a brave and experienced officer.

He returned to England in the beginning of the reign of king Charles I. to whom he was a most faithful and loyal subject, and highly esteemed by his majesty,* 1.29 who first conferred the honour of knighthood upon him, which appears by a charter under the great seal, domino Donaldo MacKay de Strath∣naver, militi, of the lands of Sand••de, Reay, &c. &c. all united into one free barony, to him, his heirs male or assigneys whatsoever, dated 19th February 1628.

Soon thereafter his majesty was pleased to raise him to the dignity of the peerage by the title of lord Reay,* 1.30 by patent, to him and his heirs male for ever, they carrying the name and arms of MacKay, dated 20th June 1628.

He went into the king's service upon the first breaking out of the civil war, and was taken prisoner when Newcastle surrendered to the Scots. He was sent to Edinburgh, in order to be tried, and continued close confin∣ed in the tolbooth there,* 1.31 till Montrose set him at liberty after the battle of Kilsyth, and he was afterwards excepted from pardon by the then parliament.

He suffered many other hardships on ac∣count of his attachment to the interest of the royal family. At last, when he could do them no more service, he retired to Sweden, anno 1649, was made governor of Bergen, and died there soon afterwards.

He married, 1st, Barbara MacKenzie,* 1.32 daugh∣ter of Kenneth lord Kintail, by whom he had a son,

John, his heir,—and a daughter,

Mary, married to Hector Monro of Clynes, only brother of sir Robert Monro of Foulis.

He married, 2dly, dame Rachel Harrison, by whom he had two sons.

1. Robert.

2. Hugh, both designed MacKay Forbes.

This appears by a petition and complaint entered into parliament, or the committee of estates, by dame Rachel Harrison, lady Reay, for an order for the payment of 2000l. ster∣ling,* 1.33 resting her for the maintenance of her and her sons Robert and Hugh MacKay For∣bes, &c. for which she obtained a decreet, anno 1641.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

XV. JOHN, second lord Reay, who, upon his father's resignation, got a charter under the great seal,* 1.34 Johanni MacKay, filio et hae∣redi apparenti Donaldi MacKay de Farre, of the lands of Strathnaver, and several others, in the snires of Inverness and Caithness, dated 1st February 1621.

This lord was also a great loyalist, and af∣ter the murder of the king, he retired to his own country, where he lived privately all the rest of his days.

He married Barbara, daughter of Donald MacKay of Scaury, by whom he had three sons.

1. Donald, master of Reay.

2. Brigadier general Aeneas MacKay.

3. Colonel Robert MacKay.

XVI. DONALD, master of Reay, eldest son and apparent heir of John second lord Reay, died before his father, having married Anna, daughter of sir George Monro of Culcairn, by whom he had a son,

XVII. GEORGE, who succeeded his grand∣father, and was third lord Reay.

He was a man of parts and learning, and a fellow of the royal society at London.

He was most sincerely attached to the in∣terest of the present establishment, and em∣braced every opportunity of manifesting his loyalty, particularly in the years 1715, 1719, and 1745, when he raised his vassals and fol∣lowers for the government's service, against the rebels, &c.

He married, 1st, Margaret, daughter of general Hugh MacKay of Scaury, by whom he had one son,

Donald, his heir.

He married, 2dly, J••net, daughter of John Sinclair of Ulbster, by whom he had another son,

Colonel Hugh MacKay of Bighouse, who married, and hath issue.

Also a daughter, Anne, married to John Watson of M••irhouse, Esq; and hath issue.

He married, 3dly, Mary, daughter of John Dowel, Esq; by whom he had two sons and four daughters.

1. George MacKay of Skibo, Esq;.

2. Colonel Alexander MacKay.

1st daughter, Mary.

2. Harriot.

3. Christian, married to John Erskine, younger of Carnock.

4. Marian.

He died anno 1748, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVIII. DONALD, fourth lord Reay, who married, 1st, Marian, daughter of sir Robert Dalrymple of North Berwick, by whom he had one son,

George, now lord Reay.

He married, 2dly, Christian, daughter of —Sutherland of Pronsy, by whom he had one daughter,

Mary.

He died anno 1761, and was succeeded by his only son,

XIX. GEORGE, fifth lord Reay, who mar∣ried, 1st, Marian, daughter of colonel Hugh MacKay of Bighouse, by whom he had no surviving issue.

He married, 2dly, a daughter of— Fairly of that ilk, an antient family in the county of Air, by whom he hath one daughter,

Jean.

ARMS.

Azure, on a cheveron or, between three baar's heads couped argent, and muzzled gules, a roebuck's head erazed of the last, between two hands holding daggers, all proper.

CREST; on a wreath, a right hand coup∣ed and erect, grasping a dagger, as those in the arms.

SUPPORTERS; two men in a military dress, with muskets, in a centinel's posture, all pro∣per.

MOTTO; Manu forti.

CHIEF SEAT,

At Tong in Strathnaver, in the county of Sutherland.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Nisbet, vol. I. and Scotch compend. &c.
• * 1.2

  Sir Rob. Gor∣don's history, penes com. de Sutherland, p. 35, et 214.
• * 1.3

  Scotch comp. and Salmon's abridgement.
• * 1.4

  Writs of the family, &c.
• * 1.5

  Sir Rob. Gor∣don's hist. of Sutherland.
• * 1.6

  Ibidem.
• * 1.7

  Ibid. p. 35.
• * 1.8

  Ibidem.
• * 1.9

  Ibid. p. 215.
• * 1.10

  Ibidem.
• * 1.11

  Ibid. p. 38.
• * 1.12

  Ibid. p. 215.
• * 1.13

  Ibidem.
• * 1.14

  Ibidem.
• * 1.15

  Ibidem.
• * 1.16

  Ibidem.
• * 1.17

  Ibid. p. 216.
• * 1.18

  Ibid. p. 47.
• * 1.19

  Charta in ar∣chivis Jacobi IV.
• * 1.20

  Ibidem.
• * 1.21

  Ibidem.
• * 1.22

  Ibid. ad ann. 1545.
• * 1.23

  Writs of the family of Su∣therland.
• * 1.24

  Ibidem, and Crawfurd's peerage.
• * 1.25

  Ibid Gordon, p. 213 & 214.
• * 1.26

  Minutes of parliament.
• * 1.27

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.28

  History of Su∣therl. Craw ford, Scotch compend. &c.
• * 1.29

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.30

  Ibid. haered. masc. omni ••omp. futuro.
• * 1.31

  Minutes of parliam. and Guthrie's me∣moirs.
• * 1.32

  Chart. in pu••. archiv.
• * 1.33

  Minutes of parliament, & rescinded acts
• * 1.34

  Chart. in pub archiv.