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Clan MacKay (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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MacKay

Gaelic Name: Mac-an-t-Saoir

Clan Crest: A dexter hand holding a dagger in pale, Proper

Clan Motto: Per Ardua (Through difficulties)

Origin of Name: Gaelic, ‘Son of the carpenter’

Clan Badge: White heather

Lands: Kintyre, Degnish, Glen Noe, and Badenoch

Clan Chief: Donald Russell MacIntyre of Glenoe

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MacKay Clan History

The name MacKay is derived from the Gaelic "Macaoidh," which means "son of Hugh." The identity of this Hugh is unknown, but the name is most likely derived from a member of the ancient Celtic royal house, branches of which fought for the throne in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

The MacKays are also closely related to the descendants of Queen Gruoch, who was married to MacBeth.

The clan Mackay was well established in the most northerly and remote area of Scotland by the fourteenth century, with their land extending from Cape Wrath along the north coast to Caithness. Strathnaver was the name of this land.

The Mackay clan was both numerous and powerful, and they had a long history of conflict with their neighbors. They finally lost their lands to the Sutherlands in the nineteenth century, after five centuries of conflict. The marriage of Angus Dubh MacKay with the grand-daughter of Robert II, and important political alliance, best exemplifies the clan's importance at this time.

The family motto "with a strong hand" echoes the clan's warlike reputation.

The family's military tradition continued, with 3000 MacKay clansmen fighting in the 30 Years War and serving as a fighting force alongside William of Orange.

MacKay Places & People

People of Clan Mackay

MacKay, Rob Donn (1714-1778)

Gaelic poet whose work, in its detailed depiction of social relationships and human aspirations, has been compared to that of his contemporary, Robert Burns.

Fulton MacKay (1922-1987).

Scottish actor who has appeared on stage and on television frequently. He was best known for his role as "Porridge" in the comedy series.

Eric Beattie MacKay was born in 1928.

Journalist who served as Editor of "The Scotsman" newspaper from 1972 to 1988.

MacKay Tartans

MacKay the Elder

MacKay Contemporary

The color MacKay Blue

MacKay was weathered.

MacKay Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan MacKay Crest

Crest Description: A dexter arm erect couped at the elbow, grasping a dagger erect, all Proper.

Coats of Arms of MacKay

A word about Coats of Arms:

A coat of arms is granted to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exceptions noted above, the arms depicted below are personal arms. Only the person who has been granted these weapons has the right to use them.

Lord Reay, MacKAY

Azure, on a chevron, between three couped bear's heads, Argent, muzzled, Gules, an erased roebuck's head, between two hands issuant from the ends of the chevron, each holding a dagger, all Proper.