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Cap Badge
Kilt pin
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Tie pin
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Sgian Dubh
The clan Kenneth or Mackenzie holds the traditional belief in its descent from the Norman family of Fitzgerald settled in Ireland. This surname in Gaelic is Maccoinneach meaning “fair bright one.” This is given in English as Kenneth. The Mackenzies were one of the clans that held lands in Ross between Aird on the east coast and Kintail on the west. By the 15th century the Earldom of Ross formed part of the patrimony of the Macdonald Lords of the Isles, and at that time the Mackenzie chief could call out two thousand warriors to do his bidding. Alasdair of Kintail raised his clan against the last Earl of Ross and was rewarded by James III, who granted him extensive lands taken from the defeated earl. The splendid tomb of his son Kenneth in full the armour of a knight can still be seen in Beauly Priory. Colin, the 11th chief, Kenneth’s son, fought on the side of Queen Mary at the battle of Langside. By the beginning of the 17th century the Mackenzie territory extended from the Black Isles to the Outer Hebrides. They gained the Island of Lewis from its former Macleod rulers and Lochalsh from the Macdonells. In 1609 Kenneth the 12th chief was created Lord Mackenzie of Kintail. Fourteen years later, his son was created Earl of Seaforth. Colin, the 2nd Lord of Kintail, was created the Earl of Seaforth by James VI on the 3rd of December 1623. He was also secretary of state in Scotland to Charles II. The execution of Charles I appalled Seaforth, who hurried to join Charles II in exile in Holland. The present Earl of Cromartie is her descendant. Throughout the 19th century the right to the chiefship was disputed. However, this was put to an end when the father of the present Earl matriculated his arms in June 1980. He was officially recognised by the Lord Lyon as “Cabarfeidh,” chief of the Mackenzies.
Septs of the Clan: Charles, Charleson, Clunies, Cromarty, Ivory, Kenneth, Kennethson, MacBeolain, MacConnach, MacIver, MacIvor, MacKenna, MacKerlich, MacMurchie, MacMurchy, MacQuennie, MacVanish, MacVinish, MacWhinnie, Murchie, Murchison, Smart. |
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