Neil Mackay, 8th of Strathnaver facts for kids
Neil Mackay, 8th of Strathnaver was an important leader in the 1400s. He was the eighth chief of Clan Mackay, a very old Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. People sometimes called him Neil Bass Mackay. This nickname came from a time when he was held prisoner on a famous island called the Bass Rock.
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Neil Mackay's Early Life and Imprisonment
Neil Mackay was the oldest son of Angus Du Mackay, 7th of Strathnaver. His mother, Elizabeth, was the sister of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles.
In 1427, James I of Scotland called a special meeting in Inverness. King James had just returned after being held captive in England. He found his country in a very difficult state.
Neil's father, Angus Du Mackay, attended this meeting. Angus was allowed to go free. However, his son Neil was kept as a hostage. Neil was sent to be a prisoner on the Bass Rock, a strong island fortress.
Family Struggles While Neil Was Imprisoned
While Neil was a prisoner, his father's cousins tried to take over the Mackay lands. These cousins were Neil Neilson Mackay and Morgan Neilson Mackay. They had help from the Murrays of Aberscross and Clan Sutherland.
But Angus Du Mackay's forces fought back. His second son, John Mackay, I of Aberach, led the fight. They defeated the cousins and their allies at the Battle of Drumnacoub in 1433. Sadly, Angus Du Mackay was killed in this battle.
Neil Mackay stayed in prison for several years after his father died. During this time, his brother John Mackay of Aberach took care of the clan's business.
Neil Mackay's Escape from Bass Rock
In 1436 or 1437, King James was killed in Perth. After this, Neil Mackay managed to escape from the Bass Rock. It seems the governor's wife, Lauder, helped him get away.
When Neil returned home, his brother John Mackay of Aberach gave him back control of the clan. Neil rewarded John by giving him lands in Strathnaver.
The Sandside Chase Conflict
In 1437, after returning home, Neil Mackay led his clansmen into Caithness. This fight became known as the Sandside Chase. In this conflict, the men of Caithness were defeated. People believe these men were from the Clan Gunn.
Neil Mackay's Family
Neil Mackay, 8th of Strathnaver, married a daughter of George Munro, 10th Baron of Foulis. George Munro was the chief of Clan Munro. His wife was a daughter of Ross of Balnagown, chief of Clan Ross.
Neil and his wife had these children:
- Angus Roy Mackay, 9th of Strathnaver: He was killed at the Battle of Tarbat in 1486.
- John Roy Mackay: He had a son named William Roy Mackay.
- Elizabeth Mackay: She married John MacGillion of Lochbuie. He was the chief of the Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie.
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