Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail facts for kids

Kenneth Mackenzie, who became the first Lord Mackenzie of Kintail, was a powerful Highland clan chief. Born around 1569, he managed to gain control of the entire Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides for himself and his family. He also successfully won a long and difficult conflict against the Macdonells of Glengarry. He passed away in 1611.

Who Was Kenneth Mackenzie?

Kenneth Mackenzie was the son of Colin Cam Mackenzie of Kintail, who died in 1594. His mother was Élisabeth Stewart. The Mackenzies were a clan from Ross-shire who became very important in the 1400s, as the old Lordship of the Isles began to break apart.

How Kenneth Mackenzie Gained Political Power

Soon after his father's death, on November 9, 1594, Kenneth Mackenzie promised the King, King James VI, and his Privy Council (a group of royal advisors) that he would always support the King's representative in the North.

By February 1596, Kenneth Mackenzie was chosen to be a regular member of the Privy Council. This connection to the central government was very helpful for him during the challenging times ahead. He was a very skilled politician, even though he faced some difficulties, including being held in Edinburgh Castle at one point.

Mackenzie was one of eight important landowners who were part of the Scottish Parliament in 1609. On November 19, 1609, he was given a special title, becoming Lord Mackenzie of Kintail. This made him a peer, a high-ranking noble. This honor came after his final success in taking control of the Isle of Lewis.

Kenneth Mackenzie's Conquest of Lewis

Kenneth Mackenzie's biggest chance to gain power came from a fight within the Macleods of Lewis. Roderick "Old Ruari" Macleod of Lewis had divorced his wife, Janet, who was Kenneth Mackenzie's great-aunt. He also disowned their son, Torquil Cononach Macleod. Roderick had another son, Torquil Dubh Macleod, with a different wife.

After Roderick's death, Torquil Dubh kept Lewis. But Torquil Cononach, who had the support of the government, held the Macleod lands on the mainland. Torquil Cononach had no sons, so his daughter, Margaret, married Kenneth Mackenzie's brother, Roderick. Because of this marriage, the Mackenzies decided to support Torquil Cononach against Torquil Dubh.

Taking Control of Lewis

In 1596, Mackenzie complained to King James VI about attacks by Torquil Dubh. When Torquil Dubh did not appear before the Privy Council, he was declared a rebel. Mackenzie was given permission to use force against him. Torquil Dubh's rights to Lewis were taken away, and he was captured and killed in July 1597. Torquil Cononach then gave his rights in Lewis to Mackenzie.

However, a new challenge appeared. In 1598, Lewis was given to a group called the "Fife adventurers" who wanted to bring order to the island. Their efforts to settle there faced strong resistance from the local people. Mackenzie secretly helped this resistance.

In 1605, Mackenzie received a special order from the King to act against several Highland chiefs who had attacked the King's people in Lewis. This was the start of Mackenzie's plan to conquer Lewis. He received another order in 1607 to fight Neil Macleod, another son of Old Ruari, who was leading a rebellion against the Fife adventurers.

Mackenzie managed to get his ownership of Lewis confirmed by the King. But he was later forced to give up his rights to the King, who then gave them to other nobles. Mackenzie again secretly supported the local resistance, making it difficult for these new owners. Eventually, they sold their rights to Lewis to Mackenzie for a large sum of money. After his rights were confirmed by the King, Mackenzie returned to Lewis in 1610 with 700 men and finally brought the island under his control.

Kenneth Mackenzie's Feud with the Macdonells of Glengarry

Kenneth Mackenzie had a long-standing conflict with the Macdonells of Glengarry. This feud began with acts of revenge between the clans. Mackenzie and Glengarry both complained to the government in Edinburgh. Mackenzie was more successful, showing the Privy Council a blood-stained shirt as proof of an attack. Glengarry was declared an outlaw. Mackenzie was then given permission to use force against Glengarry and his followers.

Battles and Resolution

Angus Macdonell, Glengarry's son, attacked Mackenzie's lands in Kintail, taking many cattle. Mackenzie, with a large force, defeated Macdonell at Morar and brought back a huge amount of stolen cattle. However, Glengarry's relatives continued their attacks. The conflict grew when Glengarry formed alliances with other clans against Mackenzie.

Mackenzie sought help from his brother-in-law, Hector Og Maclean of Duart. While Mackenzie was away, Glengarry's son attacked Lochcarron. His boat was later stopped by Mackenzie's men, and he was killed. His body was brought back to Mackenzie's wife at Eilean Donan Castle.

Glengarry himself died in 1603. One of his cousins committed another terrible act, burning a church in Easter Ross with the people inside. Despite these violent acts, the Macdonells could not defeat the clever Mackenzie. In 1607, Mackenzie gained official ownership of the disputed lands. He also bought up claims against Glengarry. Their differences were finally settled, with Mackenzie gaining all of Glengarry's lands in Ross-shire and becoming the superior (landlord) over Glengarry's other possessions.

Kenneth Mackenzie's Family

Kenneth Mackenzie married twice.

His first wife was Ann Ross, daughter of George Ross of Balnagown. They had:

• Colin Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth, who later became the first Earl of Seaforth.
• Janet Mackenzie, who married Sir Donald Gorme Macdonald, 8th Laird of Sleat.
• Sybella Mackenzie, who married Ian Mor Macleod of Macleod.
• Barbara Mackenzie, who married Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay.

His second wife was Isobel Ogilvie, daughter of Sir Gilbert Ogilvie of Powrie. They had:

• George Mackenzie, 2nd Earl of Seaforth, who became the second Earl of Seaforth.
• Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden.
• Simon Mackenzie of Lochallin, who married Elizabeth Bruce.

Kenneth Mackenzie's Death

Kenneth Mackenzie died on February 27, 1611. The Earl of Cromartie once said that Mackenzie "was truly of an heroic temper, but of a spirit too great for his estates, perhaps for his country, yet bounded by his station." This means he was a very brave and ambitious person, perhaps even too ambitious for his time and place.