Angus Roy Mackay, 9th of Strathnaver facts for kids
Angus Roy Mackay, 9th of Strathnaver (died 1486), was the ninth chief of the ancient Clan Mackay, a Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. He was an important leader during a time of many conflicts between clans.
Early Life
Angus Roy Mackay was the eldest son of Neil Mackay, 8th of Strathnaver. His mother was the daughter of George Munro, 10th Baron of Foulis, who was the chief of Clan Munro. His grandmother was from Clan Ross.
A long-standing conflict between Clan Mackay and the Clan Sutherland had finally ended. It was so peaceful that one of Angus Roy Mackay's daughters even married a Sutherland of Dirlot.
Conflict with Clan Gunn
The Keiths were a powerful family in Caithness. They had gained their lands through marriage. The chief of Clan Gunn was also very powerful in Caithness. He likely didn't like the Keiths, who were new to the area. The Keiths wanted to defeat the Gunns.
The Keiths asked Angus Roy Mackay for help. He agreed to support them. Historians believe he might have joined for the chance to gain wealth. Also, a Keith leader was a customs collector in the area. This might have helped him become friends with the Mackays.
In 1464, Angus Roy Mackay led his forces into Caithness. The Battle of Tannach took place there. The Mackays, Keiths, and MacLeods of Assynt fought together. The Gunns were defeated because they were outnumbered. However, many people died on both sides.
Soon after, the Keiths killed the Gunn chief and some of his sons. This event is known as the Battle of Champions. By 1478, the Scottish Parliament took steps to stop the fighting in the region.
Conflict with Clan Ross
Later, a conflict started with the Clan Ross. Their chiefs were the Rosses of Balnagown Castle. Some records say the Rosses attacked Mackay lands first. Other accounts say the Mackays often raided Ross lands.
It seems the conflict was about disputed lands. The Mackays had gained some lands in Ross-shire. These lands had belonged to their relatives and enemies, who the Mackays had defeated in 1433. The Rosses also managed to get some of these lands.
Angus Roy Mackay led several expeditions into Ross territory. Eventually, he was defeated at the Battle of Tarbat. He sought safety in the church of Tarbat. However, the church was set on fire. Angus Roy Mackay died in the fire in 1486.
Family
Angus Roy Mackay married a daughter of Mackenzie of Kintail, chief of Clan Mackenzie. They had the following children:
- Iye Roy Mackay, 10th of Strathnaver, who became the next chief of Clan Mackay.
- John Rivach Mackay, who led the Mackays to get revenge for his father's death. He defeated the Rosses at the Battle of Aldy Charrish in 1487. The Ross chief was killed in this battle. John Rivach Mackay himself died in 1513. He was fighting the English at the Battle of Flodden.
- A daughter who married Hector Mackenzie of Auchterned. He was the son of Hector Roy Mackenzie of Gairloch.
- A daughter who married Sutherland of Dirlot.
See also
