Chiefs of Clan Mackenzie facts for kids
The chiefs of the Scottish highland Clan Mackenzie were historically known as the Mackenzies of Kintail. These leaders guided the Mackenzie clan, a group of families connected by history and loyalty.
By tradition, the Mackenzie chiefs trace their family back to Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st of Kintail, who lived until 1304. However, the first ancestor confirmed by old records is Alexander Mackenzie, 6th of Kintail, who passed away in 1488.
During the 1600s, the main line of chiefs gained the important title of Earls of Seaforth. But this title was later lost in the 1700s. This happened because they supported the Jacobite rising of 1715, a rebellion aimed at bringing a different royal family back to the throne.
Today, the official chief of Clan Mackenzie is John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie, who is also the 5th Earl of Cromartie.
Contents
Who are the Clan Mackenzie Chiefs?
The chiefs of Clan Mackenzie are the main leaders of this historic Scottish clan. They are like the head of a very large family, guiding its members and representing its traditions. The title of chief usually passes down through generations.
The Modern Chiefs: The Blunt-Mackenzies
The current chief of Clan Mackenzie is John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie, the 5th Earl of Cromartie. He took on this important role.
His father was Ruaridh Grant Francis Blunt-Mackenzie, the 4th Earl of Cromartie. In 1979, his father legally changed his last name to Mackenzie. He was then officially named chief of Clan Mackenzie by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This official is responsible for Scottish coats of arms and titles. This made Ruaridh the second "modern chief" to be appointed in this way.
Ruaridh was born with the last name Blunt. He later added Mackenzie to his name, becoming Blunt-Mackenzie. He inherited his titles and his connection to the Mackenzie family through his mother, Sibell Lilian Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Countess of Cromartie. Even she traced her Mackenzie family line back through her great-great-great-great-grandfather, George Mackenzie, the 3rd Earl of Cromartie.
Mackenzie Lands and Family Lines
The Earl of Cromartie still owns some land in the traditional Mackenzie area. However, the largest Mackenzie landowner by far is Mackenzie of Gairloch. Their estate covers more than 50,000 acres. Like the clan chief, Mackenzie of Gairloch inherited his clan name and lands through the female side of his family.
The last chief who was recognized through the male family line (meaning the title passed from father to son or male sibling) was James Fowler Mackenzie, the 6th of Allangrange. He passed away in 1907.
See also
- Kermac Macmaghan, an ancestor linked to the clan's history
