Anne McKay facts for kids

Anne McKay, born MacLeod, was a brave woman from the 1700s. She is remembered for helping members of the Jacobite army hide after they lost the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The Jacobites were supporters of the Stuart royal family, who wanted to put James Stuart back on the throne of Scotland and England. Anne was even put in prison for her actions.

Early Life and the Jacobite Rebellion

Anne McKay was born on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. She spoke Scottish Gaelic and knew very little English. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, a time when the Jacobites tried to take control, Anne lived in Inverness with her children.

Helping Jacobite Prisoners

After the Battle of Culloden on April 16, 1746, the Jacobite army was defeated. Many of their soldiers were captured. Anne McKay's cellar in Inverness was used as a temporary prison. Two important Jacobite prisoners, MacDonald of Belfinlay and Robert Nairn, were held there. Robert Nairn was a deputy paymaster for the Jacobite army.

A writer from the 1800s, Robert Forbes, described Anne as a "wise, sagacious creature." This means she was very smart and sensible. She was asked to help the injured prisoners.

The Escape Plan

When a plan was made for Robert Nairn to escape, Anne McKay played a key role. She secretly brought clothes and food for Nairn. She also helped by distracting the guard, making it easier for Nairn to get away.

Imprisonment and Interrogation

When the escape was discovered, Anne McKay was arrested. She was questioned for three days and nights without being allowed to sit or lie down. Her captors tried to make her tell them the names of others who helped. They used both Irish and English languages to question her. They even tried to bribe her and offer her alcohol. However, Anne McKay bravely refused to say anything.

Avoiding Punishment

As punishment, Anne was sentenced to be whipped through the streets of Inverness. This was a harsh public punishment. But, leading citizens of Inverness stepped in to help her. It is believed that Lady Anne Farquharson-MacKintosh, another Jacobite supporter, was among those who helped. Because of their help, Anne McKay avoided the whipping. She was released after seven weeks in prison. The guard who let Nairn escape was given a very severe punishment of 500 lashes.

Aftermath and Support

During Anne McKay's time in prison, a very sad event happened. Her 17-year-old son was found by British soldiers. He was beaten so badly that he later died from his injuries.

Anne McKay had become a widow during the Jacobite Rebellion. After her release, Robert Nairn's family helped her and her children financially. They supported her because of her bravery and the risks she took to help Robert Nairn escape.

Additional sources

• Craig, Maggie. ..... Mainstream Pub.: Edinburgh.
• Harrower-Gray, Annie. .....