Colin Cam Mackenzie, 11th of Kintail facts for kids

Colin Mackenzie of Kintail (died 14 June 1594) was an important leader, or "chief," of the Scottish clan Mackenzie. He was called "Cam," which means "crooked," because he had only one eye. Colin Mackenzie greatly expanded his family's lands and power. He did this by earning the king's favor and by being a strong leader.

Who Was Colin Mackenzie?

Colin Mackenzie was the second son of Kenneth Mackenzie, 10th of Kintail. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Stewart. The Mackenzies were a powerful family from Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. They became very important in the 1400s. This happened when the Lordship of the Isles, a big kingdom in Scotland, started to break apart.

Friend of the King

Colin Mackenzie was a loyal supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. He fought for her at the Battle of Langside in 1568. After her defeat, he became a close friend of her son, King James VI.

King James thought very highly of Colin. He even made him a member of his "Privy Council." This was a group of trusted advisors to the king. The king also wanted to make Colin a "nobleman," giving him a fancy title. But Colin always said no. He preferred his family to be known for their real power and influence, rather than just a title.

Gaining More Land

Colin Mackenzie inherited his father's lands. But he worked hard to get even more. In 1570, King James VI allowed Colin to take over all the lands his father owned. This was special because Colin was still young.

He also made agreements to gain more properties. For example, in 1572, he confirmed a deal for lands like Climbo, Keppach, and Ballichon. These lands were in the Earldom of Ross and Inverness. In 1574, he also became the owner of lands in the barony of Eilean Donan. Colin was very successful at adding to his family's wealth and territory.

Conflict Over Chanonry of Ross

In 1570, a big argument started between the Mackenzies and the Munros. The Bishop of Ross, John Lesley, wanted to protect his castle and lands at the Chanonry of Ross. He gave them to his cousin to keep them safe.

However, the Regent Moray, who ruled for the young King James, gave the castle to Andrew Munro. The Mackenzies wanted the castle for themselves. So, they bought the rights to it from the Bishop's cousin. When the Munros refused to give up the castle, Colin Mackenzie fought to take it. The Munros defended the castle for three years. But eventually, they had to give in. This conflict caused bad feelings between the two clans for many years.

Feud with Glengarry

Another conflict happened in 1580 with the Macdonells of Glengarry. The Chief of Glengarry owned some lands that the Mackenzies also had a claim to. This led to a "feud," which is a long-lasting quarrel between families.

Colin's brother, Ruairi Mackenzie, led 200 men into Glengarry's lands. The Chief of Glengarry was captured. The Privy Council, the king's advisors, looked into the matter. Strome Castle, which Glengarry had given to Mackenzie, was placed under temporary control of the Earl of Argyll. Colin Mackenzie himself was held for a time at Blackness Castle to answer questions.

Despite these troubles, Colin's good relationship with King James VI helped him. In 1586, the King gave Colin and his brother a "remission." This was a pardon for their actions during these conflicts.

Facing Down the Earl of Huntly

Colin's brother, Rory "Mor" Mackenzie, was also involved in another event. The Earl of Huntly was trying to take action against Mackintosh of Mackintosh. Mackintosh was married to Colin Mackenzie's sister.

Colin sent a message to Huntly, asking him to treat his sister kindly. When Huntly replied rudely, Colin quickly sent 400 men under Rory to meet him. The large number of Mackenzie's men and how fast they arrived made Huntly change his mind. He decided not to continue his actions against Mackintosh.

Working with the Privy Council

Colin Mackenzie's strong actions meant he had some enemies. Many people complained about him to the Privy Council. These included the Bishop of Ross's widow and the Master of Caithness.

However, Colin was very skilled at dealing with the politics of his time. In 1588, he was chosen to be part of a special "Commission." This group had important powers to enforce laws. In 1589, he was named a "Commissioner" for Inverness-shire. This meant he helped choose representatives for Parliament. He was also chosen as an assistant "Commissioner of Justiciary" for several counties in 1592–93.

He became a member of the Privy Council in 1593. This shows how much influence and trust he had with the king and government.

More Land Acquisitions

Colin Mackenzie continued to gain more land. He acquired the "Lordship of Ardmeanach" and the "Barony of Delnys." These new lands, along with his earlier ones, greatly increased his power. He gained more land than all his ancestors combined. He did this with the king's approval and through fair purchases.

For example, he obtained a special document, called a "charter," for the barony of Assynt in 1591. He also got a charter for church lands in Applecross in 1592.

Family Life

Colin Mackenzie married Barbara Grant in 1570. She was the daughter of John Grant of Grant. Her family gave her a dowry of 2000 "merks" (a type of Scottish money).

Colin and Barbara had several children:

• Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail became the next chief after his father. He later received a noble title.
• Roderick of Coigeach (around 1574–1626) helped manage the family's affairs. He was the ancestor of the Earls of Cromartie.
• Colin (died 1650) of Killin.
• Alexander, who gained lands in Kilcoy.
• Murdoch (living in 1609).
• Catherine (died 1593) married Simon Fraser, 6th Lord Lovat.
• Janet of Kintail married Hector Og Maclean, 15th Chief.
• Mary of Kintail married Sir Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat.

Colin also had a son named Alexander (died 1650) from another relationship. This Alexander founded the Mackenzies of Applecross and the Mackenzies of Coul.

Death

Colin Cam Mackenzie died on June 14, 1594, at Redcastle. He was buried at Beauly Priory.