Alexander Mackenzie of Kintail facts for kids

Alexander Mackenzie, also known as "Ionraic" (meaning "the Upright"), was an important leader of the Clan Mackenzie. He lived in Scotland from before 1436 to after 1471. He was the first Mackenzie chief for whom we have clear written records from his time. During his long life, he made his clan's lands and power much bigger.

Early Life of Alexander Mackenzie

Traditional stories say that Alexander Mackenzie was the son of Murdoch Mackenzie and Finguala. Finguala was the daughter of Malcolm Macleod of Harris.

When Alexander was young, he was supposedly called to Inverness in 1427. This was to meet King James I. The King arrested many leaders who arrived. Alexander, being very young, was sent to a special school in Perth. This school was known as a top learning place in Scotland. Clan Macrae stories say that Alexander was asked to leave school early. He needed to deal with three uncles who were causing trouble for his people in Kinlochewe.

The Fall of the Lord of the Isles

Alexander Mackenzie chose to support the Scottish King. This was during a long fight between the Lord of the Isles and the King. Records show that Alexander received land grants for his loyalty.

On January 7, 1463, Alexander got a special paper from John of Islay, Earl of Ross. This paper confirmed his ownership of lands in Kintail. It also gave him more lands like Killin, Garve, and Kinlochluichart. These lands were in the area of Ross.

However, in 1462, John of Islay made a secret deal with Edward IV of England. This deal was against the Scottish King. Later, Alexander Mackenzie played a big part in talks between John of Islay and King James III. These talks led to John of Islay giving up the Earldom of Ross in 1476.

As a reward, Alexander received a new land grant from the King in 1477. These lands included Strathconan, Strathbraan, and Strathgarve. His lands in Kintail were also confirmed. Around this time, the Mackenzie family likely moved their main home. They moved from Eilean Donan to Kinellan Castle, near Strathpeffer. After this, the Mackenzie chiefs held their lands directly from the King.

Between 1485 and 1491, Alexander's son Kenneth led the Mackenzies to victory. They fought against Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh at the Battle of Blar-na-Pairc. This battle showed how the Mackenzies were becoming stronger. They were taking power from their former Macdonald overlords.

Managing the Earldom of Ross

The Earl of Sutherland was a friend of Alexander Mackenzie. He made Alexander his helper in managing the Earldom of Ross. This happened after the Earldom was taken from John of Islay.

Once, the Earl of Sutherland was away at Court in the south. Men from Strathnaver and Caithness took advantage of his absence. They attacked Sutherland. When Alexander Mackenzie heard about this, he quickly gathered 600 men. He went to Sutherland, where the Earl's followers joined him. They defeated the attackers. Many were killed, and the rest asked for peace. They had to promise to behave peacefully in the future.

The Earl of Cromartie later wrote about Alexander. He said Alexander was a smart leader. His good management of the Earldom of Ross helped his family gain more land. He was also praised for keeping peace among his Highlanders. He made sure the laws were followed strictly.

Other Clan Conflicts

Alexander Mackenzie also got involved in the affairs of his neighbors. According to the Earl of Cromartie, he helped Allan Macdonald of Moidart. Alexander had previously had disagreements with Allan. But he helped Allan against his brother, who had taken some of Allan's lands.

There are also stories about Alexander's involvement in the Battle of Bealach nam Broig around 1452. This battle was between a western force of MacIvers, Maclennans, Macaulays, and Macleays. They fought against a force of Frasers, Munroes of Foulis, and Dingwalls of Kildun.

Family and Legacy

Alexander was the first Mackenzie chief to live on the island in Loch Kinellan, near Strathpeffer. He also had Brahan as a farm. His family later held these lands from the King.

Alexander's marriages are a bit unclear. Traditional clan history says he married Anna, daughter of John Macdougall of Dunollie, first. Then he married Margaret, daughter of Macdonald of Morar. However, some records make this traditional story difficult to confirm.

Alexander had children. With his first wife, he had Kenneth, who became his heir. He also had Duncan, who started the Mackenzies of Hilton family line. If he had a second wife, he had Hector Roy. The Mackenzies of Gairloch are descended from Hector Roy. He also had a daughter who married Allan Macleod.

Alexander is also said to have had a son named Dugal. Dugal became a priest and was in charge of Beauly Priory. He helped repair the Priory around 1478 and is buried there.

The exact date Alexander died is not known. But we know he had passed away by 1488. This is because his oldest son became the official heir to the Kintail lands on September 2, 1488. Some historians think Alexander might have died even earlier, by July 1479.

Line of Chiefs