Iye Mackay, 4th of Strathnaver facts for kids
Iye Mackay, 4th of Strathnaver (died 1370) was an important leader, known as the chief, of the ancient Clan Mackay. This was a Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. He and his oldest son, Donald, were sadly killed at Dingwall Castle. This happened during a long-running conflict, called a feud, with the Earl of Sutherland, who was the chief of the Clan Sutherland.
Contents
Early Life of Iye Mackay
Iye Mackay was the son of Donald Mackay, who was the 3rd chief of Strathnaver. His mother was a daughter of Iye (MacNeil) of Gigha, from the Clan MacNeil.
A Long-Running Feud with the Earl of Sutherland
There was a big and often violent feud between Iye Mackay and the Sutherland family. This conflict caused many battles and much bloodshed on both sides over a long time.
According to Sir Robert Gordon, a historian from the 1600s, the Earl of Sutherland had "great controversy" with the Mackay family. This means they had serious disagreements and fights. This feud continued for a long time between the people of Sutherland and Strathnaver, even with some breaks.
Historians believe this feud was very old. Some think it might go back to the MacHeths, who were an old enemy of the Scottish kings and their allies, the Earls of Sutherland.
The Meeting at Dingwall Castle
To try and end the dispute, a meeting was set up in 1370 at Dingwall. The Earl of Sutherland and his brother, Nicholas Sutherland, were there. Iye Mackay and his son Donald also attended.
It seemed like Mackay was about to win his case, which made the Sutherlands very angry. Sadly, Nicholas Sutherland secretly rose in the night and murdered both Iye Mackay and his son Donald at Dingwall Castle.
Why the Feud Was So Intense
There were several reasons why this feud was so strong. In 1345, the Scottish King David II gave the Earl of Sutherland and his wife, Margaret Bruce (who was the king's sister), special powers in Sutherland. These powers were almost like those of a king.
The Earl of Sutherland had a son named John with Margaret Bruce. This son was supposed to become the next king of Scotland because King David II had no children. However, John of Sutherland died from the Black Death (a terrible plague) in London. So, David II was succeeded by his nephew, Robert II of Scotland.
Around this time, the king's doctor was Farquhar Mackay, who was Iye Mackay's son. Farquhar Mackay had also received land from a powerful Earl, which the king approved. This meant the king was favoring the Mackay family, who were the Sutherland's "ancient enemy." It was a way for the king to put pressure on the powerful Earl of Sutherland.
Even though the Earl of Sutherland's special powers didn't cover Strathnaver, Iye Mackay also owned land in Sutherland. He tried to use the situation to get a fair decision in the dispute. Just when it looked like Mackay would get a good outcome, he and his son were tragically killed by Nicholas Sutherland at Dingwall Castle.
Family of Iye Mackay
Iye Mackay, 4th of Strathnaver, had these known children:
- Donald Mackay, 5th of Strathnaver: He was murdered with his father at Dingwall Castle in 1370.
- Farquhar Mackay: He became a doctor for Robert II of Scotland, the king.
- Mariota Mackay: She married Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, who was also known as the Wolf of Badenoch.
After Iye Mackay's death, his grandson, Angus Mackay, became the 6th chief of Strathnaver. Angus was the oldest son of Iye's son Donald.
See also
