Barbara Mackay facts for kids

Barbara MacKay, also known as Lady Reay (born around 1615, died around 1690), was a Scottish poet and historian. She was born in a place called Scourie. Barbara MacKay was known for her writing, especially her poems.

Who Was Barbara MacKay?

Barbara MacKay lived a long time ago, in the 1600s. She was a Scottish woman who used her talents to write poems and record history. People admired her for being very smart and good with words. She was also known for being a great historian and a clever poet.

A Talented Writer and Poet

Barbara MacKay created a special collection of ten poems. Most of these poems were about religious topics. She wrote them especially for the Countess of Caithness.

She also wrote about important political issues of her time. One of her most famous poems is called Anagramme on his Majesty. This poem was meant to encourage King Charles II to be a good and fair ruler. She also wrote a poem praising Lord Lovat after he passed away.

Her Family and Beliefs

Barbara MacKay came from an important family. Her mother was Ann Corbett of Arkboll. Her father was Hugh MacKay of Scourie.

She became the second wife of John MacKay, 2nd Lord Reay. Together, they had at least six children. Like her father and husband, Barbara MacKay held strong beliefs. She was a Royalist, meaning she supported the King. She was also a Presbyterian, which is a type of Protestant Christian faith.

Reverend James Fraser, a person who knew her, said that she was "admired for sharpness and eloquence." He also mentioned that she was "a great historian, a smart poet, and, for virtue and housekeeping, few or none her parallel." This shows how highly people thought of her abilities and character.