Chiefs of Clan Mackenzie facts for kids
The leaders of the Scottish Highland Clan Mackenzie are called their chiefs. For a long time, they were known as the Mackenzies of Kintail. People believe the first chiefs came from Kenneth Mackenzie, who lived around 1304. But the first chief we have clear proof of was Alexander Mackenzie, who died in 1488.
Later, in the 1600s, the main line of chiefs became the Earls of Seaforth. This important title was lost in the 1700s. This happened because they supported the Jacobite uprising against the king. Today, the official chief of Clan Mackenzie is John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie. He is also the 5th Earl of Cromartie.
The Mackenzie Chiefs: Caberféidh
The chiefs of Clan Mackenzie are also known by a special name: Caberféidh. This name means 'deer's antlers' in Scottish Gaelic. It comes from the deer's head on the clan's crest.
Who is the Current Chief?
The current chief is John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie, the 5th Earl of Cromartie. His father was Ruaridh Grant Francis Blunt-Mackenzie. In 1979, his father legally changed his last name to Mackenzie. He was then named chief of Clan Mackenzie by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The Lord Lyon is the official who deals with Scottish coats of arms and clan chiefs.
This means Ruaridh was the second 'modern' chief. He was born with the last name Blunt. He later changed it to Blunt-Mackenzie. He inherited his titles and his link to the Mackenzie family through his mother. Her name was Sibell Lilian Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Countess of Cromartie. She was a great-great-great-granddaughter of George Mackenzie, the 3rd Earl of Cromartie.
Mackenzie Lands Today
The Earl of Cromartie still owns land in the traditional Mackenzie area. However, the largest Mackenzie landowner by far is the Mackenzie of Gairloch family. Their estate covers more than 50,000 acres. Like the clan chief, the Mackenzie of Gairloch family inherited their clan name and lands through the female line.
The last chief who inherited his position only through male family members was James Fowler Mackenzie. He was the 6th of Allangrange and passed away in 1907.
See also
- Kermac Macmaghan, an early ancestor linked to the clan
