Angus Du Mackay, 7th of Strathnaver facts for kids
Angus Du Mackay (also known as Angus Mackay) was an important leader of the Clan Mackay. This was a powerful Scottish Highland clan. He was the seventh chief of Strathnaver. People in the 1400s called him Angus the Absolute. This was because he was so strong and could command a huge army of 4000 men! He lived a long time ago, in the 1400s, and died in 1433.
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Early Life of Angus Du Mackay
Angus Du Mackay was the oldest son of Angus Mackay, 6th of Strathnaver. His mother was a daughter of Torquil MacLeod, who was the chief of the Clan MacLeod of Lewis.
Battle of Tuiteam Tarbhach
A chief from the MacLeods of Lewis heard that his sister, who was married to Angus Du's father, was not treated well. So, the MacLeods attacked the Mackay lands in Strathnaver. The Mackays chased them, and they fought a battle called the Battle of Tuiteam Tarbhach. The MacLeods lost this battle.
Battles of Dingwall and Harlaw
In 1411, a big argument started over who should be the Earl of Ross. This was a very important title. Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, who was the chief of Clan Donald, claimed the title. He was married to Mariota, Countess of Ross.
The royal family, the Stewarts, also wanted the title for their own family. Angus Du Mackay, the chief of Clan Mackay, decided to join the Stewart side.
Angus Du Mackay attacked Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, at a place called Dingwall in 1411. This fight was known as the Battle of Dingwall. Angus Du had about 2500 men, but the Lord of the Isles had a much bigger army of 10,000 men. Angus Du Mackay was defeated and taken prisoner. His brother, Rorie Gald, was killed in the battle.
After this, the Lord of the Isles moved towards Aberdeen. There, he met another army, and they fought the famous Battle of Harlaw.
Later, the Lord of the Isles made a deal with Angus Du Mackay. He offered his sister, Elizabeth, for Angus Du to marry. Angus Du Mackay married her, making their alliance stronger. The Lord of the Isles also gave land to Angus Du's son, Neil.
Battle of Harpsdale
In 1426, Angus Du Mackay led a raid into Caithness. This led to a battle called the Battle of Harpsdale. Historians believe Angus Du did this because those lands belonged to the family of someone who had killed a previous Mackay chief in 1370.
Parliament at Inverness
King James I of Scotland had been held prisoner in England for many years. When he returned to Scotland in 1424, the country was in a bit of a mess.
In 1427, the King went north to Inverness. He called a special meeting, a Parliament, for all the Highland chiefs. Many chiefs, including Angus Du Mackay, were arrested there. Angus Du Mackay was released soon after. However, his oldest son, Neil, was kept as a hostage. Neil was sent to a place called the Bass Rock for a while.
Battle of Drumnacoub
After the Parliament at Inverness, a cousin of Angus Du Mackay, named Thomas Neilson Mackay, killed a local leader. Thomas Neilson Mackay was then declared an outlaw.
Sadly, Thomas was betrayed by his own two brothers. These brothers were encouraged by Angus Moray, whose daughters they had married. Angus Moray, with his two sons-in-law, then attacked Strathnaver, the lands of their cousin, chief Angus Du Mackay.
Angus Du Mackay was in a difficult spot. His oldest son was still a prisoner, and Angus Du himself was getting old. So, the job of defending their lands fell to his second son, John Ian Mackay. John was still a teenager.
The Battle of Drumnacoub happened in 1433. Angus Moray and his men, about 1500 strong, attacked. They were met by John Ian Mackay's forces. Angus Du Mackay, too old to fight, was carried to the battle in a special chair. The Mackays, led by young John, won the battle.
Angus Moray, the leader of the attacking force, was killed in the battle. His two sons-in-law were also killed. Sadly, Angus Du Mackay himself was killed after the battle by an arrow.
Family of Angus Du Mackay
Angus Du Mackay married twice.
His first wife was Elizabeth. She was the sister of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles. Elizabeth's father was John of Islay, Lord of the Isles, and her mother was Margaret Stewart, who was a daughter of King Robert II of Scotland. Angus Du and Elizabeth had one son:
- Neil Mackay, 8th of Strathnaver: He became the next chief of the Clan Mackay. He was known as Neil “Vasse” Mackay because he was imprisoned on the Bass Rock.
Angus Du Mackay's second wife was a daughter of Alexander Carrach MacDonald. He was the chief of the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch. From this marriage, Angus Du Mackay had the following sons:
- John Ian Mackay: He was the first leader of the Mackay of Aberach family.
- Roderick Mackay
- William Mackay
- Angus Mackay
See Also
Images for kids
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"Tuiteam"
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The Bass Rock, where Neil, son of Angus Du Mackay was imprisoned after the Parliament of Inverness in 1427
