John Mackenzie, 9th of Kintail facts for kids

John Mackenzie (born around 1480, died around 1561) was an important leader in the Scottish Highlands. He was known as "John of Killin" and was the 9th chief of Clan Mackenzie. He led his clan during a time of change and growth in Scotland.

Early Life and Learning

John was the son of Kenneth Mackenzie, 7th of Kintail, and Agnes Fraser. The Mackenzie family originally came from the Northwest Highlands. But by the late 1400s, their main power was in Easter Ross.

John became the clan chief after his half-brother, Kenneth Mackenzie, 8th of Kintail, passed away. John was still a child at the time. He likely became an adult around 1501, which means he was born about 1480.

People say John was sent to school in Edinburgh. This was a law for boys of his social standing. However, some old papers suggest he might not have learned to read or write.

Family Disputes and Leadership

John's uncle, Hector Roy Mackenzie, was in charge of the clan lands while John was young. When John's brother died, Hector Roy kept most of the lands. He even questioned if John had the right to be chief.

But John eventually made Hector Roy agree to give up the lands. One story says John's men surrounded and set fire to Hector's house. Another, more official, record says that Hector Roy was causing trouble. The government made him give the lands and leadership back to John, the rightful heir.

Public records show this dispute. In 1511, John sued Hector Roy. He wanted back the money from his lands for seven years. He also wanted his home, Eilean Donan Castle, back. The court decided that Hector Roy had lost his right to guard the castle. They said John Mackenzie should get free access to his castle.

Even though John and Hector Roy made peace, their families had more disagreements later. Hector Roy's son, John Glassich Mackenzie, tried to claim some of the clan's lands again. He died in a mysterious way at Eilean Donan Castle. In 1551, John Mackenzie and his son received a special pardon for holding him prisoner.

Expanding the Mackenzie Lands

Over the years, John Mackenzie worked hard to make his family's lands bigger. In 1500, he officially gained control of Kintail and other areas. By 1509, he had a special document that made Kintail, Eilean Donan, and other lands into a free barony, which was a very important estate.

John kept adding to his family's property. In 1526, he and his wife gained lands like Fodderty and Killin. He also got official papers for many other places, including Kinlochbanquhorie and Meklebrawane (now Brahan Castle).

In 1544, he bought half of Culteleod (now Castle Leod) and Drynie. By 1556, he owned all of these lands. Mary, Queen of Scots, confirmed this ownership for him. John also made sure his son and heir, Kenneth, received some land grants during his lifetime.

Serving Scotland

John Mackenzie was an active part of Scotland's public life. He fought in the Battle of Flodden in 1513. It is said he was captured there but later escaped.

After this, John was made a guardian of Wester Ross. This was to deal with Sir Donald Macdonald of Lochalsh, who was trying to take over the Lordship of the Isles. In 1515, John took control of the royal castle at Dingwall. But he said he would give it back to anyone the Regent, the Duke of Albany, chose.

In 1532, King James V asked John to help stop trouble among the Clan Mackintosh.

In 1545, John made an agreement with the Earl of Sutherland. They promised to defend each other against enemies. They only had to remain loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots. Two years later, even though he was an old man, John joined the Scottish army. He fought in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh to protect the Queen. He was captured again but was released after a large payment.

John Mackenzie died in 1561. He was buried at Beauly Priory.

Family Life

John Mackenzie married Elizabeth. She was said to be the daughter of John Grant, 2nd of Freuchie. They had one son, Kenneth Mackenzie, 10th of Kintail, who became the next chief.

Line of Chiefs