Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver facts for kids
Donald Mackay (died 1550) was an important leader, known as the 11th chief of Clan Mackay. This was an old and powerful Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. He led his clan through many important events in Scottish history.
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Donald Mackay's Early Life
Donald Mackay was the second son of Iye Roy Mackay, 10th of Strathnaver. His mother was from the Isle of Lewis. Donald's older brother, John Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver, passed away in 1529. John had no sons to take over. So, Donald became the new chief of Clan Mackay.
Alliances with Other Clans
Around 1529, Donald Mackay helped the Master of Forbes (from Clan Forbes) and Sir John Campbell of Cawdor. They were involved in a conflict where Alexander Seaton of Meldrum died. It is interesting that the Mackays and Forbeses, who believed they shared a common ancestor, worked together.
Donald Mackay and his clan received a special pardon on July 26, 1536. This pardon was likely for their part in the conflict where Seaton of Meldrum died.
Sir John Campbell of Cawdor was also involved in a conflict with the chief of Clan Maclean. This led to a long-lasting feud between the Macleans and the Campbells. The Mackays of Kintyre faced difficulties during this time. It seems the Mackays supported the Campbells in this feud.
Meeting with King James V
In May 1539, James V of Scotland sailed around the north of Scotland. He stopped on the Strathnaver coast. Donald Mackay of Strathnaver joined the king on his ship for the rest of the journey.
The king also met with other clan chiefs. Some chiefs were treated as enemies and put in prison. Others, like Donald Mackay, were treated as friends and rewarded.
Donald Mackay Receives His Lands
On December 16, 1539, after arriving in Stirling, Donald Mackay received a special document. This document, called a charter, was sealed with the Great Seal of Scotland. It officially gave him ownership of his family's lands. These lands included Farr, Armadale, Golspie, Melness, and Hope. They were all part of the new "free barony of Farr." This meant Donald had full control over these important areas.
Donald officially took possession of the lands on April 16, 1540. This happened at the castle of Farr. Donald Mackay stayed at the king's court for at least a year. He witnessed important documents there. He also received another charter for church lands in Durness, Strathnaver.
Conflicts with Sutherland of Duffus
Because Donald Mackay had helped Forbes against the Seatons, William Sutherland, 7th of Duffus tried to take control of Mackay's lands in 1530. This was similar to what another Sutherland had tried before.
Differences also arose between Donald Mackay and Sutherland of Duffus over certain lands and payments. In 1542, they agreed to let James Stewart, Earl of Moray, decide the matter. The Earl of Moray decided that Sutherland of Duffus should give the disputed lands to Donald Mackay and his family.
The Battle of Solway Moss
Towards the end of 1542, the King of Scotland decided to go to war with England. Donald Mackay of Strathnaver and his son Iye Du Mackay were called to join the Scottish army.
The Scottish army was defeated at the Battle of Solway Moss. Donald Mackay returned to Edinburgh with the king. However, his son Iye Du Mackay was captured by the English.
The king died soon after, leaving his baby daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, as the new ruler. The English king wanted Mary to marry his son, the Prince of Wales. Iye Du Mackay and other Scottish prisoners supported this idea.
The Battle of Alltan-Beath and Other Events
According to some historical accounts, in 1542, Donald Mackay of Strathnaver entered Sutherland. He burned the village of Knockartel and took goods from Strathbrory. The book Conflicts of the Clans describes a battle called the Battle of Alltan-Beath. In this battle, the Mackays were supposedly defeated by the Gordons of Sutherland.
However, historian Angus Mackay offers a different view. He explains that Robert Stuart, Bishop of Caithness, supported the English king's plan for Mary, Queen of Scots, to marry his son. The bishop asked his relatives, including Mackay, to protect his castles and church lands. Because of this, Donald Mackay moved into Sutherland. He placed some of his clansmen in the bishop's Skibo Castle.
On April 28, 1549, the bishop brought together the Earls of Sutherland, Caithness, and Donald Mackay. They all agreed to a bond of friendship. Historian Angus Mackay believes this is a more accurate account based on old documents.
Feud with the Rosses
It seems the Mackays once again raided the Rosses of Balnagown. A record from June 28, 1550, shows that Donald Mackay and his relatives were accused of the "cruel slaughter of Alexander MacAne Ross." This means they were charged with killing Alexander MacAne Ross and other relatives.
Donald Mackay's Family
Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver, married Helen Sinclair. She was the daughter of Alexander Sinclair of Stempster, who was from Clan Sinclair.
Donald and Helen had these children:
- Iye Du Mackay, 12th of Strathnaver: He became the next chief of Clan Mackay.
- A daughter: She married John Mackay, a chieftain of the Mackay of Aberach branch of the clan.
- Florence Mackay: She married Neil MacLeod of Assynt.
Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver, passed away near the end of 1550.
See also
