Scotland & Scottish Heritage

Clan MacKay

Ancient Tartan, the one I wear. (See pic)

Clan Mackay History
Courtesy of ScotClans.com

History The name MacKay takes its origins from the gaelic "Macaoidh" or "son of Hugh". The identity of this Hugh is uncertain but the name probably derives from a member of the ancient Celtic royal house, whose branches disputed the throne in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
The MacKays also have strong links with the progeny of Queen Gruoch, who was married to MacBeth.

By the fourteenth century, the clan MacKay was well established in the most northerly and remote area of Scotland - their land extending from Cape Wrath along the north coast to Caithness. This land was known as Strathnaver.

The MacKay clan were both numerous and powerful and theirs is a history of continual strife with their neighbours. After five centuries of dispute, they finally lost their lands to the Sutherlands in the nineteenth century. The importance of the clan at this time is best illustrated by the marriage of Angus Dubh MacKay with the grand-daughter of Robert II, and important political alliance.

The warlike reputation of the clan is echoed in the family motto, "with a strong hand".
The military tradition of the family continued with 3000 MacKay clansmen fighting in the 30 Years War, and also providing a fighting force alongside William of Orange.

During the nineteenth century, the clan MacKay suffered greatly as a result of the Highland clearances, and by 1875 the direct line of the clan had died out, with the entire MacKay country being in the hands of the Lords of Sutherland.

MacKay

Gaelic Name: MacAoidh
Motto: Manu forti (With a strong hand)
Badge: Bulrush
Lands: Ross and Sutherland, Argyll
Origin of Name: Gaelic, MacAoidh (Son of fire)
Pipe Music: Bratach Bhan Chlann Aoidh (The White Banner of MacKay)

This is for all those who, like me, are of Celtic ancestory - specifically Scottish. My ancestory is a sept of the Clan MacKay

Years ago, I never knew what a "Celt" was. The only thing Celtic I ever heard of was the Boston "Seltics" (without the proper hard "C"). I soon discovered some intricate knotwork and for some reason was under the impression it was of another ethnicity.

I saw a documentary on the Scots, and on the show, they talked about the ancient Celts, their culture and art. There were the infamous knots I came to love and know as part of my heritage!
I became hungry to learn more about my ancestory and began hounding my parents for more information. As it turns out, I, out of my entire family, was the only one interested in pursuing knowledge of the Scottish ancestory, and how it began to figure into my life.

I spend many hours at the Seventh Day Adventist Church (Mormons) where a great deal of census records are kept in Los Angeles. The largest record storage is, of course, in Salt Lake City, Utah (scary!).

I found myself connected to the Scots and the Celts for no other reason then the culture itself, their long years of battle for freedom and their honor, truth, integrity and self-worth. The women were also treated as equals, as it should be. It also explains more about who I am, what burns in my blood and why the sounds of bagpipes stirs my soul.

Celtic music became a favorite of mine, with it's history, culture and the incorporation of the Gaelic language in many popular tunes. The language is beautiful, and especially so when sung by a Celtic lass!

Now, with many years of Scottish Festivals, Renaissance Festivals, geneology, purchasing two kilts (and making two more) I have embraced my heritage in all it's glory!

I took a trip to England back in 1996 and was fortunate enough to visit Scotland; Inverness specifically. Northern Scotland is absolutely beautiful and the people were very nice, friendly, easy to talk to. I have been longing to go back ever since. It was home. At least for 5 days. I felt a strange sense of being at home there, and now perhaps a bit of homesickness?

I love Celtic knotwork, even before I knew what it was. The art, music, and culture hold a special place in my heart. Did you know that Irish and Scottish music was the forefather of Country and Western? Yup.

Here I have posted some information about the Clan MacKay of which the McKee families are a sept, or inclusion. I have also posted some pics of my trip to Scotland.

Enjoy!

 

 

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Scotland

Loch Ness

Inverness

Me and Jay Atwood of the Wicked Tinkers

Inverness and the River Ness

Yes, I ate haggis...Yum!

Bed and Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast

Onto Loch Ness

Loch Ness. Inverness is far at the end from here

Loch Ness

Nessie!

On the way to the Isle of Skye

Urquhart Castle

Gorgeous Scotland!

Portree, Isle of Skye

Ok, this isn't Scotland, but it was cool to see Stonhenge in person!