Mackay of Scoury facts for kids
The Mackays of Scoury were an important family from Scotland. They were a branch of the ancient Clan Mackay, a famous Highland Scottish clan. This family lived at Scourie Castle, in a place called Scourie in Sutherland. Scourie was part of the Mackay chief's land, known as “Strathnaver”, until 1829.
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Donald Balloch Mackay: First of Scoury
Donald Balloch Mackay was the first of Scoury. He was the second son of Chief Iye Du Mackay, 12th of Strathnaver. Because his parents were cousins, church rules at the time meant he could not become the next chief. So, his younger half-brother, Huistean Du Mackay, 13th of Strathnaver, became the true successor.
Donald Balloch disagreed with his half-brother about who should be chief. After an incident, he was sent away from Strathnaver and Sutherland. He then joined the Earl of Caithness, who was a rival of the Earl of Sutherland.
In 1590, Donald Balloch Mackay led a group of archers for the Earl of Caithness against the Earl of Sutherland at the Battle of Clynetradwell. Historians say he was a very skilled and brave leader. Even his enemies agreed he was a good commander. However, the Earl of Caithness lost the battle. Donald Balloch Mackay was captured and held in Dunrobin Castle.
Later, he was set free with his half-brother Huistean's help. After this, Donald Balloch Mackay supported the Earl of Sutherland, just like Huistean did. His half-brother, Huistean Mackay, gave Donald Balloch land in Kinlochbervie, Scouriemore, Scouriebeg (Scourie), and Eriboll.
Donald Balloch's Family
Donald Balloch Mackay married Euphemia, daughter of Hugh Munro. They had several children:
- Neil Mackay, who later gave his lands to Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay.
- Hugh Mackay, who became the 2nd of Scoury.
- Donald Mackay, who started the Mackay of Borley family branch.
- William Mackay, a Captain who fought in the Thirty Years’ War. He became a Lieutenant-Colonel in Sweden and died in battle in 1632.
- Margaret Mackay, who married Alexander Sutherland.
- Janet Mackay, who married William Mor Mackay.
- Christian Mackay, who married Murdo Mackay.
- Ann Mackay, who married John Tarrel.
Hugh Mackay: Second of Scoury
Hugh Mackay, the 2nd of Scoury, bought the lands of Eriboll for £2000 Scots. He then sold them to Hugh Munro. Hugh Mackay later bought the Scoury estate from Lord Reay. He officially owned it on June 27, 1634.
In 1643, Hugh Mackay was chosen to help manage supplies for Sutherland. In 1648, he joined the War Committee. But in 1649, he was captured at Balvenie Castle during the Civil War. In 1650, Parliament made him a colonel in a special regiment. He was again appointed to manage supplies in 1661.
Hugh Mackay supported Charles II of England during the Civil War. This caused his estate to have many fines and debts. However, his son, General Hugh Mackay, later paid off these debts. Hugh Mackay, 2nd of Scoury, married Ann Corbett. They had these children:
- Donald Mackay (who died young).
- William Mackay, who was shipwrecked near Thurso in 1668. He was put in prison because of a family feud. He died on a boat while being sent back to Scoury.
- General Hugh Mackay, who became the 3rd of Scoury.
- Colonel James Mackay (who died in battle at Battle of Killiecrankie).
- Roderick Mackay, who worked in the military in Holland.
- Barbara Mackay, who married John Mackay, 2nd Lord Reay.
- Elizabeth Mackay, who married Hugh Munro.
- Ann Mackay, who married William Mackay.
General Hugh Mackay: Third of Scoury
General Hugh Mackay, the 3rd of Scoury, was known in Scottish Gaelic as An Shenilir Mor, which means The Great General. He is famous for his service during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Even though he lost the Battle of Killiecrankie, he won the overall fight against the Jacobite leader, John Graham, 1st Viscount of Dundee.
General Hugh Mackay also showed great bravery during the Williamite War in Ireland. He died in battle at the Battle of Steenkerque during the Nine Years' War.
General Hugh Mackay married Clara de Bie, a noble lady from Holland. They had these children:
- Hugh Mackay, who became the 4th of Scoury.
- Margaret Mackay, who married George Mackay, 3rd Lord Reay.
- Mary Mackay, who married Mathew Linyindeck, a mayor in Nijmegen.
Hugh Mackay: Fourth of Scoury
Hugh Mackay, the 4th of Scoury, became a commander in his father's regiment in 1692. Sadly, he died in an accident while serving as a major. He married Anna de Lancy, a lady from Switzerland. They had these children:
- Hugh Mackay, who became the 5th of Scoury.
- Gabriel Mackay, who was a captain and later a colonel. He died by 1758.
- Clara Margaret Mackay, who married Baron Ren Duyck.
Hugh Mackay: Fifth of Scoury
Hugh Mackay, the 5th of Scoury, became a captain in a Scottish regiment in Holland in 1729. By 1772, he was a lieutenant-general. In 1773, he was given the special honor of being made honorary colonel of his grandfather's old regiment. He married Isabella de Savornin. They had one daughter, Anna Louisia Mackay. She married Lieut-General Prevost.
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