Introduction to a Clan Mackay Tour
Today, I am posting an outline of a prospective Clan Mackay themed tour in the north of Scotland.
Clan Mackay is an ancient clan claiming descent from the Royal House of Moray. The clansmen were removed to the region of Ross in 1160 AD by King Malcolm IV. They dispersed to Sutherland where they owned extensive lands. Other Mackays lived in Galloway (Scottish Borders) and Kintyre (W. of Scotland)
The Mackay territory of Sutherland appears to be a misnomer because the county is in the north of Scotland yet the name means ‘south land’. This anomaly arose because, to the Vikings who came from Scandinavia in the first millennium ( to the north), the land was south.
During the Jacobite uprising of 1745-46 the Mackays supported the British government and fought against Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Outline Tour Itinerary
From Inverness, drive north across the Cromarty Firth to Conon Bridge and then on to Lairg. Here visit the church and tour around the village which sits on the southern tip of Loch Shin.
Next, continue north along the single track A836 stopping for a photo at the ‘Mackay Country’ monument (above). This sits in the heart of a remote, heather-clad area.
Tongue, on the eastern side of the Kyle of Tongue ( on the northern coast) is the next objective where refreshments are available.
Next proceed east, through Coldbackie and then to the Strathnavar Museum near Bettyhill. This is an interesting facility housed in a former church with emphasis on local social history and Clan Mackay. The burial ground has a considerable number of memorials with surname Mackay. Also in the burial ground is carved Pictish stone from around the 9th century AD.
After concluding the Bettyhill visit return to Tongue and check into accommodation fro the night. Then embark on a short hike to visit the nearby ruins of Castle Varrich which was the ancient seat of the Chief of Clan Mackay.
On following day move on to next destination.
More Information
For more help and information on touring Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4