Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada ISSN 1207-7232 CABAR FEIDH

Truce between two clans: March 2018 An important moment in Mackenzie history In this issue:

Games season! will be well represented at many of the games happening across the country in 2018. 2

Sadly, several members and friends of Clan MacKenzie Canada have passed away including longtime member Robert Barclay. 3 - 4

Houses of Mackenzies First in a series about castles Clan MacKenzie has built, owned or lived in - by Sharie Argue In August 2000 at the Clan Mackenzie Gathering 8 in , there was a formal peace making between the clans Mackenzie and Munro. This History of the family of Sir George MacKenzie, First Earl of Cromartie, newspaper clipping from the Press and Journal Part IV - Mackenzies’ troubles with shows the two clan chiefs, Hector Munro of Foulis the Munroes of Foullis. and Lord Cromartie drinking a toast to that peace. 12

Read more about the History of the family of Sir clanmackenziecanada.ca George MacKenzie, First Earl of Cromartie - Page 12

Makeover for 2018: New editor and design for CMSC newsletter

BY ROBERT MACKENZIE Serving as editor of Cabar Feidh is, of course, a Greetings, fellow members of the Clan MacKenzie voluntary position and my key responsibility as a Society of Canada! Commissioner of the Clan MacKenzie Society. I have been a member myself for many years (since about This issue marks my first at the helm of your official 2000, as I recall) and while the calendar on my member publication. As such, it’s only fitting that I cellphone reminds me constantly that my schedule is provide a bit of an introduction. Continued on Page 2 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

New Cabar Feidh editor highland games

(Continued) meetings, it’s all about already too full, I have long celebrating the name Mackenzie. A listing of some of the wanted to become more many Highland Games and involved in Clan MacKenzie While I’m new to Cabar Feidh, Scottish Festivals activities. Essentially, I felt it was this is not the first publication I happening across Canada now or never! have been involved with. My this year at which Clan first career as a journalist saw me MacKenzie will be well Taking the reins of Cabar Feidh involved with news writing and represented. from Alan McKenzie will be no photography at many easy task, however. Alan’s newspapers in the southwestern knowledge of Mackenzie and Ontario region where I grew up, Scottish history is including a stint as May 19 - 21 - Victoria (BC) impressive. He is editor of my own Highland Games well connected hometown May 19 & 20 - Regina (SK) throughout the community Highland Gathering & Scottish newspaper. After Celtic Festival historical and that, I joined the genealogical trade association June 9 - Georgetown (ON) communities representing Highland Games internationally Canada’s and his community press as June 15-16 - Cobourg (ON) accomplishments since initiating manager of communications and Scottish Festival and the founding of the Clan editor of their national trade Highland Games MacKenzie Society of Canada in publication. the late 1980s are prodigious. June 23-24 - East Selkirk Thankfully, he’s planning to The newspaper business is long (MB) Highland Gathering continue contributing to this behind me now; I work as a publication and the business of forensics specialist in Toronto July 1 - Embro (ON) the Society in general. where carrying a camera is still Highland Games very much a part of my job, Now delivered exclusively although in a much different July 1 - Pugwash (NS) online to our members, this capacity! In accepting Highland Games magazine will continue to responsibility for Cabar Feidh, I July 6-8 - Kincardine (ON) include news of our Society and return to my publishing roots Scottish Festival & its members as well as other while embracing the important Highland Games relevant happenings from across role played by our Clan the country and around the MacKenzie Society in Canada. July 20 - 22 - Orilia (ON) world. We are a part of a great Scottish Festival community of Scottish clan I welcome your comments, societies and proudly represent criticism, story ideas and and promote our good name contributions for this publication For updated listings through many activities and as it continues to evolve going please visit events each year, from Robbie forward! clanmackenziecanada.ca Burns suppers to highland games to regular Society - RM [email protected]

2 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

Obituaries: Robert Ewan Mackenzie Barclay

We have recently learned of the passing of long time Clan MacKenzie Society member and supporter, Bob Barclay. The CMSC wishes to express their sincere condolences to the family.

Born December 15, 1930, Robert Ewan Mackenzie Barclay left us peacefully, January 9, 2018 to join his beloved Diana Jane Graham Barclay (August 5, 1930 – January 11, 2009) in the Green Room.

"Bob" Barclay was a gifted filmmaker who created dozens of intimate portraits of significant Canadians from Ian Tyson to k.d. lang, and directed Canada’s centennial celebration in film ‘Canada ’67’, shown in the pioneering Circle-Vision 360 format at Expo ’67. Bob was an inspiration to young film directors, and a founding member of the Directors Guild of Canada. As President (1978-81), Clan MacKenzie he established the first staffed DGC offices across Canada and first reports the passing collective bargaining agreement. Survived by his children Nicholas, Rebecca and Ben, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. of several members and friends His “Celebration of Life” will be co-produced with the DGC, April 7th in Toronto. For further details, please contact the Directors including Robert Guild of Canada through their website at dgc.ca. Barclay.

In memoriam: Clan Mackenzie obituaries

Kenneth Angus MacKenzie, CA Andrew Scot MacKenzie

Retired junior partner of Clarkson, Gordon & After living with brain tumours for the past 10 years, Company Chartered Accountants, Kenneth Andrew “Scot” MacKenzie died on Sunday, December peacefully passed away at his home in Toronto on 10th, 2017 at the age of 41.He leaves behind his mother Friday, October 20, 2017 in his 88th year. Eileen, father Doug, and his sister Adele.

Beloved son of the late William and late Margaret Scot was born on November 8th, 1976 in Wawa, MacKenzie. Dear brother of late Alice Farnell, late Ontario. He lived there a short time, as well as in Roderick, late William, late Gordon and late Colin. Mackenzie, B.C. in his early years, and in Bowmanville Ken will also be lovingly remembered by his many for the past 35 years. He excelled in driving go-carts nieces and nephews and their families. and in Formula 2000 cars and performing as a professional driving instructor. In his memory, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario would be appreciated. Although diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008, Scot remained dedicated to completing his Honours Kenneth was a member of the Clan MacKenzie Bachelors of Commerce degree, and did so in 2010. Society of Canada since 1993. The Society was extremely gratified to receive $5,000 from Kenneth’s Scot was a driven professional and remained a strong estate. iron willed man even throughout his final months.

3 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

In memoriam: Clan Mackenzie obituaries

Stephen Paul MacKenzie University College of Dublin earning a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Business Administration It is with a profound sadness we say farewell to and Accounting and later became a member of the Stephen MacKenzie of Vancouver, B.C., who passed Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. after a brief illness on Nov. 9, 2017. He was a brilliant man who loved life and enjoyed being around As a professional accountant, Stephen worked at people. He was funny, intelligent, kind, generous and many distinguished Vancouver companies, respectful. Stephen always made a point of staying in including Coast Steel Fabricators, MacDonald touch with everyone. Dettwiler Associates, later the global communication company MDA and was Manager of Finance and Stephen was born in Dublin, Ireland July 31, 1951 and Administration in Vancouver for the forestry giant immigrated to Canada at the age of 36 in 1988 to start Pöyry. His last job at Sterling Cooper was enjoyable a new life in Vancouver. Stephen attended the due to the people he connected with there.

Membership news: meetings & new members

We welcome the following new Kaye Jardine, Ivan W. MacKenzie, members who have joined recently Hillside Boularderie, NS Charlottetown, PE and were not included in the Donald MacKenzie, Lorraine MacKenzie, December newsletter: Saskatoon, SK Pembroke, ON

Marylen McKenzie, Chelmsford, ON Melvin MacKenzie, Minto, NB Scott MacKenzie, Fredericton, NB Steven Kim MacKenzie, Mount Forest, ON Susan McKenzie, Calgary, AB Sylvia Mayberry, Ingersoll, ON Susan Silver, Oakville, ON Mary Thorpe, Aldergrove, BC DECEMBER MEETING — THIS GROUP WAS AMONG THE ONTARIO MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED THE CLAN MEETING HELD AT ALAN Scott A. MacKenzie, MCKENZIE’S HOME AT OAKVILLE ON DECEMBER 3, 2017. Montreal-West, QC

4 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada: Page 3 CLANincomeMACKENZIE SandOCIETY expenditureOF CANADA - INCOME & accountEXPENDITURE AforCCOU N2017T FOR 2017

Clan MacKenzie Financial Statements For the Year Income and Expenditure Expenditure $ Income $

Catering & Rentals 317.24 Nevada net income (see note #3) 1,479.92

Postages 1,778.10 Membership dues (see Note #5) 3,301.19

Printing & Publishing 4,118.76 Donations (tax receipted) -(Note #1) 15,453.18

Stationery & Office Supplies 73.56 Other Donations - (Note #4) 10.00

Van Insurance, Licencing etc. 709.57 Profit from sales 1,258.39

Van depreciation (30%) 116.96 Interest & Investment Income 4,463.85

Sundry Expenses (see note #1) 20,139.59 HST Recovered 1,143.29

Bank Charges & Cheque books 125.74 Profit from sale of van 127.09

Grant to CASSOC 50.00

Clan & Members donations to Castle Leod 1,000.00

AGM 2016 (0.00)

Sub-total 28,429.52

Net Income/(deficit) (1,192.61)

$27,236.91 $27,236.91 Castle Leod Project - Accounts

Expenses $ Income $

Paid to Castle Leod Project 2017 0.00 Balance in hand at January 1, 2017 0.00

(See note #2) Per Personal Donations 500.00

Balance owing for 2017 1000.00 Per Clan Donation 500.00

$0.00 $1,000.00 See Note #2 (next page) re donation to the Castle Leod Project. The following is part of a message Seefro Notem Ca #2ba (nextrfeidh page)ackn reow donationledging rtoec theeip tCastle. Leod Project. The following is part of a message from Cabarfeidh acknowledging receipt: “What a nice surprise to get on a snowy January day. Please thanks all those for once again helping “Whatout w ait niceh an surpriseother ge tone getrou ons d ao nsnowyation January‘feeding day.the Pleasedinosa thanksur’! Ca allna dthosea ha sforb eonceen u againncea shelpinging in i touts u nwithder- anotherstand igenerousng and g edonationnerosity ‘feedingover ma theny dinosaur!years now’ Canadaand of hasall t beenhe o vunceasingerseas S oinc iitseti eunderstandings, it stands al oandne in generositythe year soverof d manyonati oyearsns. P nowsych andolog ofic aalllly the, it hoverseaselps to kSocieties,now tha titt hstandse und oaloneubte din btheurd yearsen of ofb edonations.ing ‘care- Psychologically,taker’ of this m ito helpsst be atou tknowiful b uthatt de thema nundoubtedding build iburdenng is s hofa rbeinged at ‘caretaker’least in pa ofrt thisby s mosto ma beautifulny who a butlso demanding building is shared at least in part by so many who also care that our last surviving castle, survives! care that our last surviving castle, survives! You will be glad to know that the group tours for this year will now include some cruise liners and there is no doubtYou thatwill bthee gcastlelad to isk ‘onnow theth amap’t the forgr ohighup t oqualityurs fo rtoursthis y(takenear w byill nmyself)ow inc landude thatsom thee c moneyruise li nsoer earneds and goes there is no doubt that the castle is ‘on the map’ for high quality tours (taken by myself) and that the money so earned goes to the CMCT, where it all helps accumulate towards the next project – the 5 old office roof, currently standing at £45,000 which excludes scaffolding, repointing and professional fees! It amazing how contractors add an extra zero to the end of a quote when they feel challenged!” clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018 Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada: 2017 financials

(Continued) to the CMCT, where it all helps accumulate towards the next project – the old office roof, currently standing at £45,000 which excludes scaffolding, repointing and professional fees! It amazing how contractors add an extra zero to the end of a quote when they feel challenged!”

Note #1 - During the year six officers claimed for travel and accommodation expenses amounting to $14,603.18 and these claims were offset by donations of $14,603.18 from those officers.

Note #2 - The total of funds to be sent to the Clan Mackenzie Charitable Trust for the Castle Leod Project comes to $1,000, being donations from members of $500 plus a matching donation from the Clan Society. This sum converted to £573.26 thereby increasing the funds remitted from the Society and its members to £67,456.71 over the years.

Note #3 - The funds on the Nevada Bank Account are restricted in use to publishing the Society’s newsletters. In December, the last outlet of our Nevada booths closed and no further income from this source will be forthcoming.

Note #4 - Total donations received during the year came to $15,463.18. Officers’ expenses donated back to the Society came to $14,603.18 (see Note#1 above), plus general donations to the Society by members of $340, plus a members’ donations to the Castle Leod Project of $500 (see Note #2 above), plus a member’s donation of $20 to

Continued on Page 7

Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada Commissioners Sharie Northey Argue, FSA Scot Lynn MacKenzie President & Lieutenant to Caberfeidh Commissioner - Membership

Gary MacKenzie Robert MacKenzie, FSA Scot Vice-President Commissioner - Newsletter Editor

Alan McKenzie, FSA Scot Scott McKenzie Past-President & Treasurer Commissioner - Digital Media

British Columbia Commissioners: Ontario Commissioners: Roderick MacKenzie, Ian MacKenzie, Duncan James, Andrew MacKenzie, William MacKenzie and Joan MacKenzie Daniel McKenzie and Shawn MacKenzie

Alberta Commissioners: Sir Roderick Mackenzie of Scatwell Québec Commissioners: and Greg MacKenzie Ken Mackenzie

Manitoba Commissioners: Nova Scotia Commissioners: Michael H. Mackenzie Tim Mackenzie

VISIT THE COMMISSIONERS PAGE AT CLANMACKENZIECANADA.CA FOR CONTACT DETAILS

6 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018 Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada: 2017 financials

(Continued)

the Manitoba McKenzie Grave Yard.

Note #5 - There are 27 Life Members, each of whom paid $200. Each year the Society allocates 10% of the funds held in the “Life Memberships Account” to Income from Dues. $450.40 was so transferred to the Membership Dues Account in 2017.

Note #6 - At the end of the year the clan van was sold to Alan McKenzie for $400 showing a small surplus of over book value of $137.09. Alan will continue to use the van for Clan purposes at no cost to the Society.

I hereby certify that these accounts are a true and accurate reflection of the financial activities of the Clan Mackenzie Society of Canada for year the ended December 31, 2017.

Alan McKenzie, ACIB, FICB, F.Inst.D, FSA Scot, Treasurer.

7 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

UPCOMING Houses of Mackenzies CMSC EVENTS First in a series about castles Clan MacKenzie has built, owned or lived in through the years Annual meeting:

BY SHARIE ARGUE Middle Ages, possibly by King Alexander II or III (decendants In the late sixth century the of William the Lion) as a Irish Saint Bishop Donan came defensive position against the to Scotland and it is quite likely Danes/Vikings who invaded, he used the island which carries raided, settled and controlled This year’s Clan MacKenzie his name for the site of at least a much of Northwest of Scotland Society of Canada AGM will chapel, if not a dwelling place and the Western Isles between tentatively take place in as well, though he had been 800 and 1266 or perhaps more conjunction with the apparently located on the isle of likely by Farquar, also known Colchester Highland Games, at the time as Fearchar Mac an happening in Nova Scotia on September 8 & 9, 2018. Details he came to t’Sagairt, who will be confirmed on the this island. inherited the title, CMSC website and in the , from Eilean Donan June issue of Cabar Feidh. Malcolm Macbeth Castle, later through the female located on this line to the small tidal O’Beolans, were Ontario meetings: Island named the hereditary after Saint Quarterly meetings for Abbotts of Applecross. Donan, is probably the most members in Ontario are held photographed, visited and throughout the year at the There are also many mythical home of Alan McKenzie at recognized Castle in Scotland versions of who were the first 580 Rebecca St., Oakville - located near the beautiful little inhabitants of Eilean Donan, the everyone welcome. This village of . In Scottish island, from the King of the year’s meetings will be held Gaelic this island is called Otters to the son of a chieftain on March 18, June 10, Eilean Donnain. who could carry on September 30 and December conversations with birds! 9, always commencing This small island is situated at at 2:00 p.m. the convergence of three sea In any case, the configuration of lochs: Loch Alsh, Loch Long Other events and meetings of the castle changed greatly over interest to Clan MacKenzie and , so it is the next few centuries. Society of Canada members certainly well located for the across the country will be defensive position required in Throughout the four different posted and updated on the the days when travel on water known versions of the castle it website throughout the year. was the primary mode of sometimes covered almost all Remember to visit transport for the Western Isles. the island and at other times clanmackenziecanada.ca ! was made smaller, likely in The original fortified dwelling order to be more efficient for a on this site was built in the smaller garrison to protect.

8 Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada ISSN 1207-7232 Clan Mackenzie castles through the years

It is believed that the 13th C. then Warden of Scotland written in that form of the version may have been the ordered the “Mysdoaris” at language. largest, according to some Eilean Donan arrested and 50 of histories of the castle. It was in them were subsequently So perhaps in general, people the late 14th or early 15th executed and their heads who did not agree with their century that the castle was displayed on the castle walls. current rulers, either the Crown reduced in size, then nearly a The Mysdoaris, I gather, were or the lairds and local rulers. century later the , a people who were sinners, A sad fate for those who dissent! separate bastion, was added to wrongdoers, evil-doers, provide firing platforms for malefactors, offenders, In the late 13th Century Eilean cannons and further protection criminals, thieves, ruffians, Donan Castle was the home of for inhabitants. trespassers, or traitors. This was Kenneth MacKenzie of gleaned from the many entries and it remained in MacKenzie Eilean Donan Castle has its in A Dictionary of the Older share of bloody history. In 1331 Scottish Tongue (up to 1700), all Randolph, the Earl of Moray, Continued on Page 10

cabar feidh Clan MacKenzie memberships

Editor: Robert D. MacKenzie, FSA Scot E-mail: [email protected] Would you like to enlist a friend or family member as a Clan MacKenzie member? Cabar Feidh is published quarterly by the Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada, If so, visit the Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada website 580 Rebecca Street, Oakville, at clanmackenziecanada.ca - just select the membership ON, Canada L6K 3N9 type and follow the steps to make your payment online! Join Clan MacKenzie Canada! Along with new memberships and gift memberships, New memberships and membership renewals are existing members can complete their renewal online available exclusively through the CMSC website. Visit conveniently through a secure payment form. today or contact our Membership Commissioner for more information about your Clan Society! Regular memberships are still just $20 per year and we now offer Junior Membership for those under 18 years of age for just $8 per year.

For those over 65, you may want to consider applying for a Life Membership, which is offered at $200 one-time for those who meet the criteria. This is a great way to commit your support to the CMSC and its activities and receive the benefits of membership.

All of these membership offers can be found on the CLANMACKENZIECANADA.CA website under “Store/Memberships.”

9 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

Eileen Donan: likely the most recognized Scottish castle

(Continued) local monastery had burned and to this current story is that they the stones from it were used to had been acting as the most Eilean Donan Castle had been build the bridge to make access recent constables of Eilean sitting abandoned and in ruins, to the newly rebuilt castle more Donan Castle for the past few roofless and steadily decaying easily gained. We were told that years and had recently retired for almost two centuries when the nuns had carried the stones and returned to a lovely cottage the island was purchased by a to the bridge building site from built for them by their son, on descendant of the MacRae the monastery. A source says the the grounds of Ballone Castle. family, Major, later Lieutenant - arched bridge to the island was Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap also completed in 1932 and the When touring Eileen Donan (1861-1937), the second son of castle formally opened July 22nd Castle with Joan in 2010 we were the MacRaes of nearby Conchra, of that year. However, it was not told by tour guides that it had in 1912 and had the castle rebuilt opened to the public for more been a MacRae castle originally, over the next 20 years. George than two more decades. which again was not accurate. Mackie Watson was the architect and along with the An old Country Life magazine Clerk of Works, Farquar article put a slightly different Macrae, who dedicated the ‘We were told slant at the time on this next 20 years of his life to the massive reconstruction project. reconstruction of the Castle. by tour guides that They claimed the old ruins it had been a MacRae were beautiful and historic and Apparently, this local MacRae ought to have been left as they stonemason had experienced a castle originally were to be appreciated in that dream in which he saw the form. castle restored to him exactly which again was as it ought to be! It was The newly reconstructed reconstructed to its former not accurate.’ version was called an eye-sore glory, based upon some known on the landscape which ground plans of earlier blocked the view! They also versions of the castle. The When B.C. Commissioner Joan were rather disparaging of reconstruction work was MacKenzie and I visited Major MacRae-Gilstrap as an formally completed in July 1932. Scotland in 2014, we had been upstart second son who was The having been touring in the Portmahomack trying to gain more than his due! completed in 1928, the rubble area and went to Ballone Castle His wealthy wife apparently Causeway by 1932 and the L- on the Tain Peninsula, a provided all the funds for the shaped south-west range was a promontory overlooking the reconstruction project. later addition by MacRae- North Sea, which had been another of our MacKenzie homes Gilstrap in 1934. Most of the A more modern article says it is (see a future issue of Cabar Feidh serious reconstruction work was the ubiquitous star of movies, for the history of this MacKenzie undertaken after the First World calendars, biscuit tins and tea castle). War. towels. Unfortunately, the owners of Upon an earlier visit to the In this reconstructed form Eilean Ballone Castle were away from castle, and surrounding areas, I Donan Castle is likely the most had been told that the bridge to home, but we did have tea with the island was added when a his parents, and their connection

10 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018 Stories of MacKenzie castles past and present

THE MAJESTIC EILEEN DONAN CASTLE AS DEPICTED IN A PAINTING BY KATHRYN ROSS NORTHY, MOTHER OF CLAN MACKENZIE PRESIDENT SHARIE ARGUE NORTHEY. photographed and visited castle intermarriages of our Clan Eilean Donan Castle really is a in Scotland and perhaps the MacKenzie! This means so many must see on any visit to most widely-recognized castle in of you reading this article are Scotland! the world. also descendants of the original MacKenzie to own Eilean Donan Sharie Argue, FSA Scot, is the Three last points is our Canadian Castle! current President of the Clan connection to this magnificent MacKenzie Society of Canada and castle; there are at least three or There will always be people who Lieutenant to Cabarfeidh. more. don’t appreciate change at any time in history, but these Information for this article was First of all, we are all familiar fantastic old structures in their sourced from various books and with “In Flanders Fields” the various forms are still a wonder online sources is believed to be as poem written by a Canadian to behold with the incredible accurate as most historical records soldier, John MacRae of Guelph, workmanship that went into can claim to be. Any additional or Ontario. building, rebuilding, and disputed information may be added keeping them in good repair by members by emailing Sharie at Secondly, the beams in the Great through the ages. [email protected] Hall at Eileen Donan were from our great British Columbia What skill our ancestors forests and were a gift from the possessed. What pride they took MacRae family here in Canada. in their work. No wonder these Finally, two of Kenneth A’Blair’s places are lasting memorials to sons, Alexander and Roderick, their endurance over the were this writer’s 12th and 11th centuries and to that of their great-grandfathers respectively original builders and owners through the very convoluted through the ages.

11 Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada ISSN 1207-7232 History of the Family of Mackenzie by Sir George Mackenzie, First Earl of Cromartie

Buchanan drew his followers around the house and Part Four: The Mackenzies’ called on the young gentlemen to surrender. troubles with McKenzie, who was of a more violent temper, rushed out with a drawn sword, with more courage the Munros of Foullis than prudence. He refused to deliver himself and tried to escape. He was unworthily shot by one of Buchanan’s men with an arrow and was killed. BY ALAN MCKENZIE McIntosh was taken and detained in prison. This happened in 1498-99. To Kenneth a Bhlair, who was the fourth Kenneth of Kintail, succeeded his son by the Lord of the Hector Mckenzie who was the uncle to this Sir Isles’ daughter, called Sir Kenneth. King James IV Kenneth and a brother of the late Kenneth a Bhlair took great care for keeping the Highlands in peace. and a son to Alexander by his second wife, was a One of his methods for awing them was to keep man of courage and prudence. He was left as tutor several of the young chiefs at , thereby to Sir Kenneth’s own brother-uterin [same mother, retaining pledges of their clans. He also took the different father] Duncan, being of better hands than opportunity to civilize the Highlands through the head. This Hector hearing of Sir Kenneth’s death, good education of their chiefs. and finding himself in possession of an estate, to which those only now had title whose birthright Among these he took a special care of this Kenneth was debatable – namely, the children begot by and also McIntosh, as being important because of Kenneth the 3rd, on ’s daughter, with their power, and both young men had great spirit. whom he did at first so irregularly and unlawfully They remained in Edinburgh under a favourable cohabit, their youth further encouraging him, he custody. These two young gentlemen were dealt with his elder brother Duncan to quit his unwilling to be contained in this specious restraint. pretence in his favour, and preserve a share to They felt ashamed to be idle while they judged himself. Duncan refused in favour of his nephews, themselves as fitter actors for the stage of their whom he knew were restored to legitimation and country. So they resolved to make their escape from the capacity of succession by the Pope. So, Hector Edinburgh Castle where they had been held. In decided to proceed without him and to retain going over the wall Sir Kenneth McKenzie hurt his possession for himself. All the country people leg and found himself unable to go as fast as submitted because of the children’s childhood, needed. McIntosh resolved to be taken with his coupled with the tutor Hector’s persuasion. friend rather than desert him. After three days on the run they had got no further than the Torwood. However, Lord Lovat was determined to keep his In a private house, where they suspected no danger, sister’s children’s rights alive. He took a precept of they met with the Laird of Buchanan; he was there clare constat from James Stewart, Duke of Ross and as an outlaw wanted for slaughter. Buchanan knew Archbishop of St. Andrews, to John, his eldest that both these young chiefs had been pledged to sister’s son, as heir to the chiefship (usually known the King and he therefore judged that he might as John of Killin). This precept is dated the last day have a means to ingratiate himself with the King if of April 1500, and the sasine (the formal he could take them and bring them back to conveyance of property in Scotland) was dated May Edinburgh. This is what he resolved to do. 16, 1500, by Sir John Barchan and William Munro

12 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

of Foulis, as bailie to the Duke. This contained not On his side, Hector gathered all he could in so short only the lands which McKenzie held of the Earl of a time, and at quite a distance from the place where Ross, but the barony of Kintail also. This was the most of his possessions were. Hector’s force did occasioned by Lord Lovat’s ignorance of that estate not exceed 180 men. His supporters were unwilling as he did not have the charter-chest for this to adventure themselves on such unequal terms in information. The charter-chest was kept up by battle, yet he designed an attempt where he Hector, the uncle, so that Lord Lovat was obliged to promised himself some advantage. proceed upon conjecture, notwithstanding Hector still kept possession and managed the estates to his With his 180 men he conveyed them secretly, with own advantage. 24 hours’ provisions, at night to the head of the hill of Ferroll, a place so situated that Foulis would [Note: precept or writ of clare constat — “a deed march either to its north or its south-side, both in executed by a subject superior, for the purpose of his march to Kinellan and his planned return. The completing the title of his vassal's heir to the lands next morning Foulis marched by and did not notice held by the deceased heir, any sign of Hector. Foulis under the granter of the assumed that he was near to precept [or writ]” Kinellan as he bragged. Foulis had the main strength of his men Hector was a man of good in the van and did not rely so spirit and courage; the Laird much on the remainder. That of Foulis, called Sir William day he did not hold court nor [Munro], being then bailie in carry out his role as the bailie. the earldom of Ross to the He deemed that below him. Duke and of a lofty mind, he Hiding his proposed violence carried on a disobliging with a pretence of upholding the weight with all neighbours, law, he demolished the barn, and amongst the rest with driving out its couples, but Hector, tutor of Kintail, who SIR GEORGE MACKENZIE, FIRST EARL OF not content with this he CROMARTIE continued to possess spoiled all the utensils and Kinellan as a renter, as his drove off the cattle as a father Alexander had done. Sir William took trophy. Later that evening he returned, just as occasion for some small enormities of the tenants’ Hector thought he would, carrying his trophy in the possessions, to hold courts on the place; and as a front of his group, with a strong guard. fine, he caused to take away the couples of a barn as a lasting token of his power. The remainder of his best men he place in the rear, in case Hector might pursue him, little realizing Hector was then absent, but hearing of this, he took Hector was between him and home. Foulis had it in so ill a part that he sent on, in his passion, to marched west to Kinellan by the north side of the tell the Laird of Foulis that if he was a good fellow hill, through Strathpeffer: and on what ground I he would now come and carry the other barn away know not, but led by his fate, he returned by the when he was at home. Foulis, outraged at these south side, where the highway touched the words, foolishly got together a number of his own shoulder of the hill where Hector was. people, as well as that of the Dingwalls and the McCullochs, who then were bound to him for their Hector found his wishes and hopes met in the dependance, and with the number of 900 men he enemies’ march, while they triumphed and thought came to Kinellan more quickly that Hector had little of their safety in their negligent order of their expected. march.

13 Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada ISSN 1207-7232

Hector found his wishes and hopes met in the and to this day it is named Tober ni Kean, or, enemies’ march, while they triumphed and thought fountain of the heads. little of their safety in their negligent order of their march. Hector let them all pass safely until the rear The second circumstance was about a servant of of their force was within a musket shot. He fell Hector’s agnamed (a name in addition to his upon them with violence, cutting them off from the surname and first name) Sunrachan, pursued one rest of the group. of the enemy into the church of Dingwall, to which many had run for shelter. As the man was going Hector’s power was too strong for the guard for into the church, Sunrachan seized him by the arm. them to effectively resist. They were cut off and The man cried out, “my sanctuary saves me”. their dying groans in the gloaming of the evening “Aye, but,” says Sunrachan, “what a man puts in together with the uncertainty as well as the the sanctuary against his will, if he can he may take unexpectedness of Hector’s attack did so frighten it out again,” and so pulling him back from the the rest of Foulis’ army that they ran off in door, he killed him with one stroke. confusion. Although Foulis, who was in the van with its guard, did all he could to stop them fleeing, A few short years later in 1507, John McKenzie, yet it was to no purpose because fear persuaded then aged 18 was at his uncle’s house when the them more strongly than either his threats or his Lord Lovat’s house caught fire. Nobody dared to entreaties. enter the house because of the flames. Then John entered and carried out the Lovat’s charter chest The disorder among the fleeing crowd caused all of which was extremely heavy and was thought to be the rest of the group to flee also. Meanwhile, Hector beyond the strength of a single person. The house and his men pursued their victory with all possible of Lovat was most pleased to have this valuable violence, since in all prudence they could not give chest recovered and thought they would like to quarter to such a large number. In this retreat most help John by getting back the McKenzie charter- of the defensible men of the clans of Dingwall and chest in his uncle Hector’s possession. McCulloch were killed, and also so many of the Munros, that for a long time thereafter there could John even in his relative youth showed great not be a secure friendship made between the prudence much above other men sagaciously Munros and the McKenzies. Over time there were considered that his uncle Hector was considered a some frequent alliances and mutual benefits, and in man of valour and of wisdom and so he could not due course the animosities were settled. One of the easily recover the charter chest which might lead to factors which helped the reconciliation of these attempts at slaughter and depredations and that Highland clans was a marriage. One Hector Munro, would not be considered as he would lose the the son of William Munro of Foulis, married John support of his people and they would engage McKenzie’s sister and this couple had a son Robert, themselves with his uncle. who was killed at the battle of Halidon. John therefore resolved to undertake a more This conflict between the Munros and McKenzies is prudent course. He would strike only at Hector also worthy of note for two circumstances. The first himself. He judged that by so doing his uncle’s relates to the killings of Foulis’ men at a place on a pretences would be shown and the country hill edge where a descent fell into a hollow from people’s respects for Hector would cease. each shoulder of the hill down to a well; most of Hector’s men were armed with axes and two handed swords and they cut off many heads in that In the next issue of Cabar Feidh we shall see how John of little space which went tumbling down into the Killin overcame the power of his uncle Hector — story well. As many as nineteen heads were in the well transcribed by Alan McKenzie.

14 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

BY SHARIE ARGUE database. While speaking with so many lovely So, what does that have to do with anything, let people, there was one that stood out in my mind. alone with any of us? Well, let me tell you about Serendipity! Heather Gauldie and I struck up a conversation about our MacKenzie connections. I offered to see A few years ago a large grocery chain in Canada if I could find out more about her family and she offered its customers the opportunity to win a free sent me the information she already knew. Within trip for the Canada Day weekend to the capital city hours we discovered I had her in my tree database of a province other than the one where they lived. It already, but with her maiden surname and her first just so happened that a lovely lady by the name of name only (she uses her middle name as a Merle Henderson, who lived in a small town in forename). Another cousin found by happenstance! Manitoba, won the opportunity to attend the July 1st celebrations in Regina, Saskatchewan. It also A few days ago I was scrolling through my just so happened that my husband Earle and I were Facebook page where, in spite of there being over on the local committee to host people coming from 1,000 “friends,” I pride myself on being able to say all the other provinces for these various events. exactly how I know each person. However, there was one that I’d forgotten our “connection,” so I It also just so happened that Merle Henderson and sent him a message enquiring about our possible her guest were billeted with us. So then to our connection. Gordon “John” Baxter and his lovely amazement, it turned out she was a MacKenzie wife Margaret live in Australia and are MacKenzie descendant too! It ended up that word got around cousins as well! about what a happy coincidence it was to have us meet up on that special July 1st weekend.We were Last winter, just when the magazine notices were on local radio programs and attended public events being sent out by e-mail, Digital Media talking about our MacKenzie ancestry! Merle and Commissioner Scott McKenzie heard from a her husband Noel are now great friends. member from the USA who had received an e-mail, but noticed a different name was attached. Oops, Last summer, while attending one of the 2017 we’d just skipped a line when entering the names! highland games in Ontario, Alan McKenzie was That was remedied and she and I began to talk talking to members Blaine McKenzie and his wife, genealogy. It seems we are cousins as well! Carol. Somehow, it came up in conversation Carol’s maiden name was Northey. Alan recalled Now what was that about Serendipity?! my maiden name was Northey and passed along that tidbit of information to me. Within a couple You, too, may be another yet undiscovered cousin! days Carol and I had discovered we were cousins! If you are interested in investigating your genealogy, do contact me. I would suggest you This fall I was making 70 or more phone calls to have a male relative do the “Y-DNA 67” marker test people across the country who did not yet have an through www.familytreedna.com or contact me for e-mail address on our Clan MacKenzie membership more information!

15 clanmackenziecanada.ca Cabar Feidh • March 2018

Kilt Skate 2018 Parting words…

BY ROBERT MACKENZIE Better late than never — Taking on the role of editing and preparing Cabar Feidh for publication is a lot of work, never mind doing so with a brand new design template! There were a few glitches along the way but I hope you enjoy this issue. The next one will be published in June, hopefully earlier in the month than this current issue! Once again, suggestions, comments and contributions from members are most welcome!

MacKenzie cemetery in Manitoba — It’s not too late to make a contribution to help save the Little Britain Cemetery near Lower Fort Garry (MB). As noted in the December issue of Cabar Feidh and updated on the CMSC website in February, this historic cemetery is the resting place of many Mackenzies and it’s in desperate need of repairs. The Clan MacKenzie Society of Canada is matching donations made by members until the end of June, so please consider giving and your donation will be doubled! Visit the website for details. Aside from the photographer, we couldn’t find any Mackenzies at the Toronto edition of “Kilt Skate 2018” on Membership reminder — There are still Jan. 28, but Scottish clans and colours were well many members who haven’t renewed represented. Shown here is “skater-in-chief” Don their CMSC membership for 2018. Cummer of the Scottish Society of Ottawa, proudly Remember, memberships commence on hoisting the St. Andrew’s Cross at Toronto’s Nathan January 1st each year and all renewals Phillips Square (City Hall) outdoor rink. Kilt Skate events and new member applications are were held across the country in January and February to handled exclusively through the CMSC celebrate Canada’s Scottish Heritage. The Toronto event website. Payments can be made online was sponsored by Sons of Scotland and the Clans and and receipts are sent electronically. If you Scottish Societies of Canada. For more information, see haven’t already, please renew today. kiltskate.com.

Next issue of Cabar Feidh: June 2018

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