Article
MacKenzie
Crest: A mount in flames Proper.
Motto:Luceo non uro I shine not burn)
Badge: variegated holly or deer's grass (heath club rush)
The early MacKenzie lands were in mid-Ross. In the Battle of Largs 1263 which ended the Norwegian/Norse threat to Scotland, the Mackenzies were appointed part of the Royal bodyguard, an honour they retained until the Battle of Flodden in 1513. MacKenzies supported the Scottish monarchy gaining lands that extended from the Black Isle to the Outer Hebrides, including the island of Lewis.
In 1624 they became the Earls of Seaforth. The Seaforth MacKenzies supported the Royalist cause, fighting for the Catholic James VII against William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland 1690.The 5th Earl was a staunch Jacobite and his lands with those of the Cromartie MacKensies were forfieted following the 1745. Both families were pardoned in the next generation, John, the 4th Earl of Cromartie, raising the 71st Highlanders, which became the Highland Light Infantry.
The main Seaforth line came to an end following a strange prophesy made two generations before the Seaforth earldom was created by 'Coineach Odhar,' also known as 'The Brahan Seer.' The prophecy foretold that “the last of the Seaforth Chiefs would be deaf and dumb and would have four sons all of whom would die before him. This came to pass in 1815.The unfortunate Brahan Seer was burned in a barrel of tar on the Black Isle, accused of dabbling in Witch Craft.
Over the period of the Highland Clearances in 18th and 19th centuries, tenants of the Seaforth Estates were evicted by the Trustees, but were taken in by the Cromartie MacKenzies. In 1984, the 4th Earl of Cromartie was recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as Chief of Clan MacKenzie.
Choose from one of the MacKenzie tartans listed below:
