MacKay Clan

Crest and Tartan

Only a few Scottish clans are of Pictish Descent, MacKay is one of them. The name means “son of fire”. Their clan seat is Strathnaver north of Sutherland. Clan MacKay fought with King Alexander against the Vikings at the battle of Largs. In 1411 MacKays suffer defeat by Clan Donald at Dingwall. In 1560 Clans MacKay, MacLeans and MacLeod form a Scots-Viking mercenary army called the Gallowglass to fight for Shane O’Neill in Ireland. These forces fought with axe, spear and broadsword and were rewarded with land in Ireland.

Motto “Manu Forti” (with a strong hand)

Septs of Clan MacKay:

Allen, Beaton, MacGaw, MacGhee, Mackie, Paul, Scobie, Stephens, Stevens, Stevenson

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