Mackenzie

Clan Mackenzie, Maccoinneach – “son of the bright one.” Settled at Eilean Donan by 1267. By allying with the Crown, they rose as the Lordship of the Isles declined. In 1609, the chief became Lord Mackenzie of Kintail; in 1625, Earl of Seaforth. They signed the National Covenant but supported Charles II in exile. The fifth Earl lost his titles after the 1715 rising. The Earls of Cromartie, a cadet branch, were Jacobites; the 3rd Earl was captured after Culloden. Titles forfeited, estates later restored. A clan of bright ambition, royal loyalty, and Jacobite ruin.