Looking for information on the MacKay's

[AmandaG]

I am looking for information on my ancestors. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

[SherbrookeJacobite]

Hi AmandaG,

If you could give us a bit more info, I'm sure there are people here that can help. Do you know where they came from (what part of Scotland)? If you know places and birthdates there are places you can go to find out more about them. The more info you can provide, the better we can help.

There is some information about the Clan at:http://www.clanmackayusa.org/

I have MacKay's in my family tree - but they are well back.

In the meantime, I thought you might find this interesting.

"The sportsman now roams o'er the Sutherland hills
And down where the Naver runs clear;
And the land a brave race had for centuries owned
Is now trod by the sheep and the deer.
The halls, where our ancestors first saw the light,
Now blackened in ruins they lie.
And the moss-covered cairns are all that remain
Of the once pleasant homes of MacKay.

Happy homes by an alien's base mandate o'erthrown
Tender maidens and brave stalwart men
Were ruthlessly scattered like leaves in a gale
Far away from their dear native glen.
Brave clansmen who fought in fair liberty's cause
In the lowlands of Holland they lie.
For bravest in battle and second to none
Has aye been the Clan of MacKay

Not yet are they silenced through peaceful they lie,
And though far from the green mountain said,
They meet in the City of famous renown
On the banks of the dark flowing Clyde,
Where hearts still undaunted and beating as true
As when under a northern sky
They grasped their claymores when the slogan they heard
And followed the flag of MacKay.

Unflinching they bore the proud ensign aloft
When their foemen the penalty paid;
And the same noble spirit inspires them to-day
Their poor broken clansmen to aid.
The aged and weak they have sworn to protect
By the "Strong Hand" and kind watchful eye.
For faithful in friendship and valiant in war
Has aye been the Clan of MacKay.

Then flock to the standard and join the roll call!
Once more the banner's unfurled
The slogan's been sounded, and kinship been claimed
By clansmen all over the world.
Exiled or at home, love of country and clan
Are feelings we'll never let die;
Defy and defend, stand true to the end,
And honour the name of MacKay."

- By Elizabeth MacKay
Bridge of Allan 1889

[Raingeanach]

Originally posted by AmandaG
I am looking for information on my ancestors. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

Ian Grimble published three books which are of particular interest to those who are interested in the history of Clan Mackay. Dr. Grimble was a Gaidhlig learner. That gave him a special insight into the mindset of the Celtic Scot.

The introduction to The Trial of Patrick Sellar touches on the contribution made by Gaels to the British Army. What was their reward? The 93rd.(Sutherland) Highlanders had no homes to return to. Their parents and relatives had been burned out by the likes of Patrick Sellar.

http://www.geocities.com/mckyrbnsn/mclinks/grimble.html