Kenneth Mackenzie, 10th of Kintail facts for kids

Kenneth Mackenzie was an important leader, or chief, of the Clan Mackenzie in the Scottish Highlands. He was known as the 10th laird of Kintail. People sometimes called him Coinneach na Cuirc, which means "Kenneth of the Whittle" in Scottish Gaelic. He lived during a busy and sometimes difficult time in Scottish history in the mid-1500s. He passed away on June 6, 1568.

Where Kenneth Came From

Kenneth Mackenzie was the only son of John Mackenzie, who was the 9th laird of Kintail. His mother was Elizabeth Grant. The Mackenzie family came from Ross-shire in Scotland. They became very well-known in the 1400s. This was when the powerful Lordship of the Isles was breaking apart.

In 1539, Kenneth was already managing some lands. By 1543, his father officially gave him and his wife control over parts of the Kintail area.

Disagreements with the Earl of Huntly

In 1544, a powerful leader called the Earl of Huntly told Kenneth to gather his men. The Earl was working for Mary of Guise, who was ruling Scotland for her young daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots. The Earl wanted Kenneth to fight against Donald Glas Macdonald.

But Kenneth said no. Because of this, the Earl of Huntly decided to march his entire army of 3,000 men against both Kenneth and Donald. However, the Earl was not successful. He had to leave the area without winning any major battles.

Years later, Kenneth caused trouble for Huntly again. This happened during a small fight known as "the affair of Dingwall Bridge."

Supporting Queen Mary

Kenneth became the chief of his clan in 1561 after his father died. In 1562, he was one of the Highland chiefs who met Mary, Queen of Scots, in Inverness. He helped her take control of Inverness Castle. The castle's governor, Alexander Gordon, had stopped her from entering.

After this, Kenneth seemed to step back from public life.

A record from May 21, 1562, shows that Kenneth gave Marie MacLeod to the Queen. Marie was the heir to lands in Harris and Dunvegan. She had somehow ended up in Kenneth's care. The Queen's council protected Kenneth from any problems with James Macdonald, who was Marie MacLeod's legal guardian. James had demanded her return earlier.

Kenneth's Family

In 1551, Kenneth and his father received a special pardon. This was for holding their cousin, John Glassich Mackenzie, prisoner. John Glassich had died mysteriously in Eilean Donan Castle. Some people believed he wanted to claim back family lands in Kintail.

Kenneth married Lady Elizabeth Stewart in 1538. She was the daughter of John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Atholl. Kenneth's own children also made important marriages:

• Colin Cam Mackenzie became the next chief after Kenneth. He married Barbara Grant.
• Roderick Mackenzie of Redcastle married Florence Munro.
• Janet married Aeneas Macdonald and later Alexander Chisholm.
• Catherine married Alexander Ross and passed away in 1592.
• Agnes married Lachlan Mor Mackintosh in 1567.
• Margaret married Walter Innes in 1556 and died in 1570.
• Elizabeth married Walter Urquhart.
• Marjory married Robert Munro in 1574.

Death and Burial

Kenneth is believed to have died at Killin (or Killen) on June 6, 1568. He was buried at Beauly Priory.