Spotlight on the Clan MacKenzie Society of Scotland and the UK

Discover the history of Clan MacKenzie in this special report, written by the Clan MacKenzie Society of Scotland and the UK.

The Mackenzies first came to prominence in Wester Ross at the end of the 15th century as supporters of the Crown and rivals to the all-powerful MacDonald Lords of the Isles. From their picturesque stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle they went on to dominate the whole of Ross-shire by the 17th century.

The subsequent demise of the Clan was supposedly foretold in a curse by a second-sighted clansman known as the Brahan Seer, and it is true that the Clan suffered from certain of its members' loyalty to the Jacobite cause before the chiefly Seaforth line finally died out in 1815.

Post 1815 history

However, notable achievements in the military (the Seaforth Highlanders), in the arts and the sciences, in industry and in exploration have defied such a pessimistic perspective and since 1980 when the Earl of Cromartie was recognised as Chief of Clan Mackenzie the clan has been further revived and its seat at Castle Leod (pictured) has attracted thousands of clansmen from all over the world to its popular gatherings.

How to join the Clan MacKenzie Society

Full membership is open equally:- (a) to anyone bearing one of the surnames either of the Clan or of the Septs; (b) to relatives thereof; (c) to people sympathetic with the Clan Mackenzie Society’s aims and activities and interested in the history of this famous Clan. Overseas members welcome.

Members benefit from:

• A membership card
• An annual magazine
• Plus the possibility of discounts on certain events held during the year
• Discounts on certain items for sale
• 5 yearly International Gathering in the Scottish Highlands
• Annual AGM weekend
• Access to help with Professional and non-professional genealogy

To join, for membership prices and to find out more about the Clan MacKenzie Society, visit its website.

Image shows Castle Leod and is © Craig Wallace