McCoy Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the rugged expanses of Scotland’s northern Highlands, Clan McCoy—more commonly known as Clan Mackay—emerges as a formidable emblem of resilience, valor, and the indomitable spirit of the Scottish people. With roots stretching deep into the ancient province of Strathnaver, the Mackays carved their legacy through centuries of conflict, loyalty, and adaptation, threading their story into the broader narrative of Scotland’s turbulent history.

II. Origins of Clan McCoy (MacKay)

The name "McCoy" is an anglicized variant of the Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh," where Aodh—often rendered as Hugh—derives from an old Celtic term for "fire," hinting at a fiery, spirited lineage. This surname ties the clan to its Scottish origins as Clan Mackay, a powerful Highland family claiming descent from the ancient royal House of MacEth in Moray. Historical tradition suggests their progenitor, Iye Mackay, born around 1210, may have been a descendant of Malcolm MacHeth, Earl of Ross, displaced by King Malcolm IV in the 12th century. The MacKays settled in Strathnaver, a wild and windswept region in modern-day Sutherland, where their territory spanned the parishes of Farr, Tongue, Durness, and Eddrachillis. This northern stronghold, marked by dramatic cliffs and golden bays, became the cradle of their identity.

III. Historical Evolution of Clan McCoy

A. Medieval Foundations and Rise to Power

The medieval era saw Clan MacKay rise as one of the most influential Highland clans. By the 14th century, they supported Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence, cementing their place in Scotland’s struggle for sovereignty. Their prowess was not merely martial; at their peak, the MacKays could muster over 4,000 men, a force swelled by allied families, underscoring their dominance in the far north. Their lands, granted formal recognition in a royal charter of 1499 for capturing a Sutherland outlaw, were held as much by the sword as by diplomacy, reflecting their tenacity in a region where power was often contested.

B. Turbulent Alliances and Conflicts

The clan’s history is punctuated by fierce engagements and shifting alliances. In 1411, Chief Angus Du MacKay, known as Black Angus, led a coalition of MacKays, Sutherlands, Munros, and Rosses against Donald, Lord of the Isles, who sought the Earldom of Ross. Defeated and captured at the Battle of Dingwall, Angus was later released, marrying Donald’s sister Elizabeth—a union that brought significant lands and a granddaughter of Robert II into the clan’s fold. This marriage elevated their status, yet their anti-Jacobite stance in later centuries set them apart from many Highland peers, aligning them with the Scottish crown against the Stuart risings.

C. The Highland Clearances and Diaspora

The 19th century brought a somber chapter with the Highland Clearances. In 1829, the MacKay chief sold Strathnaver to the Earls of Sutherland, leading to the forced eviction of many clansfolk. This dispersal scattered the MacKays across Scotland and beyond, yet their spirit endured. In 1888, a group in Glasgow founded the first Clan MacKay Society, a testament to their determination to preserve their heritage amid upheaval.

IV. Clan McCoy Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The MacCoy crest proudly displays a dexter arm holding a dagger erect, hilted and pommelled in gold. This striking image evokes strength, readiness, and defiance—qualities that defined the clan’s martial legacy. The dagger, a weapon of both defense and honor, mirrors their reputation as fierce protectors of their northern domain.

B. Clan Motto

The motto "Manu Forti" translating to "With a Strong Hand", encapsulates the Mackays’ ethos of resolute action and unwavering resolve.

A cadet branch, the Abrach Mackays, adopted "Dearbh thu do cridhe" ("You have proved your valor"), a phrase attributed to King James I, honoring Neil Mackay’s courage during his captivity on the Bass Rock.

Together, these mottos weave a narrative of strength tempered by valor.

V. Clan McCoy Tartan

The MacCoy tartan is a somber yet striking weave of dark blue, black, and green, its muted tones belying the clan’s vibrant character. While not officially tied to a single design, this tartan reflects the rugged beauty of Strathnaver’s moors and cliffs. Worn by clansfolk and descendants, it serves as a tangible link to their Highland roots, a banner under which their history marches forward.

VI. Prominent Figures of Clan McCoy

A. Angus Du Mackay (d. 1433)

Angus Du, or Black Angus, stands as one of the clan’s most storied chiefs. His leadership at Dingwall and Harlaw, though marked by defeat, showcased his strategic audacity. His marriage to Elizabeth of the Isles not only secured peace but elevated the clan’s prestige, intertwining their fate with Scotland’s royal lineage.

B. General Hugh MacKay (1640–1692)

A towering figure of the late 17th century, General Hugh MacKay served as Commander-in-Chief of Scotland under William of Orange. Despite defeat at Killiecrankie in 1689, he quelled Jacobite resistance, securing the Williamite victory. Mortally wounded at the Battle of Steinkirk in 1692, his military reforms left an indelible mark on British martial tradition.

VII. Conclusion

From their origins in the ancient wilds of Strathnaver to their trials through war, clearance, and diaspora, Clan McCoy—embodied by the MacKays—stands as a pillar of Scotland’s Highland heritage. Their crest, motto, and tartan whisper tales of a people unbowed by adversity, while figures like Angus Du and Hugh Mackay illuminate their enduring impact. As threads in Scotland’s vast historical weave, the MacKays remain a source of pride, their legacy a beacon for descendants and admirers of the nation’s noble past.