Mackay of Borley facts for kids
The Mackays of Borley were a Scottish family, a smaller part of the ancient Clan Mackay. This clan was a powerful group from the Scottish Highlands. Their name "Borley" comes from a small village in Durness parish, located in Sutherland, Scotland.
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Donald Mackay: First of Borley
Donald Mackay was the first person known as "of Borley." He was the third son of Donald Balloch Mackay, who started the Mackay of Scoury family branch. Donald Balloch was one of the sons of Iye Du Mackay, 12th of Strathnaver, who was the chief leader of the Clan Mackay.
Donald Mackay of Borley was given the right to use the lands of Borley. This was a common way back then to provide for younger sons in noble families. He was a strong supporter of the King during the Scottish Civil War. In 1649, he was captured at Balvenie Castle along with his chief, Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay.
Donald Mackay, the first of Borley, married Christina, whose father was Reverend Robert Munro from Creich, Sutherland. They had these children:
- William Mackay, who became the second of Borley.
- Angus Mackay.
- Major Iye Mackay of Keoldale.
- Donald Mackay.
William Mackay: Second of Borley
Captain William Mackay, the second of Borley, was also a very loyal supporter of the King. He led a group of Mackays in a big battle called the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Later, in 1685 and again in 1691, the government appointed him to help manage supplies in Sutherland.
William Mackay, the second of Borley, married Elizabeth, the daughter of Alexander Corbet of Arkboll, Ross-shire. They had many children:
- Hugh Mackay, who became the third of Borley.
- Donald Mackay, who was involved in the Darien expedition, a Scottish attempt to set up a colony in Panama.
- Reverend John Mackay of Lairg.
- Elizabeth Mackay, who married three times. First, to Hon. Charles Mackay of Sandwood. Second, to Robert Neilson Mackay from the Mackay of Aberach family. Third, to John Grey of Rhine.
- Barbara Mackay, who married Hector Mackay of Skerray.
- Christina Mackay, who married Hugh Munro of Achany.
- Isobel Mackay, who married John Mackay of Melness.
- Jane Mackay, who married Murdo, the oldest son of Robert, from the Mackays of Aberach.
Hugh Mackay: Third of Borley
Captain Hugh Mackay, the third of Borley, led a company of Mackays in 1689. They were helping General Hugh Mackay from the Mackay of Scoury family branch. After this, Captain Hugh Mackay of Borley was put in charge of Ruthven Castle.
Hugh Mackay, the third of Borley, married Anne, the daughter of Mackay, the second Lord Reay. They did not have any children. He then married Jane, the daughter of Patrick Dunbar of Sidera. They had these children:
- Hugh Mackay, who passed away in 1719 without marrying.
- Patrick Mackay, who became the fourth of Borley.
- John Mackay of Tordarroch, who married Jane, daughter of George Grey of Skibo Castle. John later sold the lands of Tordarroch to the Earl of Sutherland in 1758.
- Barbara Mackay, who was the first wife of George Grey of Skibo Castle.
- William Mackay, who moved to Georgia in America.
- George Mackay, who was a writer in Edinburgh.
- Donald Mackay, who was a merchant in London.
- Robert Mackay, who was a merchant in Rotterdam.
- Angus Mackay.
- Elizabeth Mackay.
Patrick Mackay: Fourth of Borley
Captain Patrick Mackay, the fourth of Borley, led a company of Mackays to support the British Government during the Jacobite rising of 1715. This was a time when people tried to bring back the old royal family to the throne.
In 1732, Patrick Mackay sold his rights to the lands of Edderachilis to Lord Reay and sold Sidera to the Earl of Sutherland. After this, he joined General James Oglethorpe and traveled with many people from Edderachilis to a new settlement in Georgia, America.
Patrick Mackay, the fourth of Borley, married Helen, the daughter of Reverend Iye Mackay of Clyne. They had one daughter:
- Jane Mackay, who married Alexander Gordon from Fife. They had several sons who became important military officers: Major Alexander Gordon of the 2nd Foot, Major George Gordon of the 8th West India Regiment, and Major Hugh Gordon of the 16th Foot. Hugh Gordon later became a Lieutenant-General and the Governor of Jersey.
