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Clan Mackay
The dramatic landscapes and
seascapes of the North West of Scotland are the ancestral homeland
of the proud Mackay clan and you will still meet many local people
who will introduce themselves as "a Mackay from the land
of Mackay". The land of Mackay was known as the Province
of Strathnaver from the 11th century onwards, reflecting the
independence of this ancient northern clan.
But despite its loyalty to
the government during the Jacobite rebellions, the Mackays were
subjected to harsh clearances, some at the hands of the notorious
Patrick Sellar, and in the 19th century the ancient Province
became part of the present-day County of Sutherland.
Day 1
Arrive in Inverness, the beautiful, bustling capital of the Highlands.
You could start your exploration of Highland heritage at the
Inverness Museum in the heart of this small city. Just up the
hill is Inverness Castle, defended for King George I by Clan
Mackay during the 1715 rebellion.
Day 2
On the outskirts of Inverness, you will find the atmospheric
battlefield of Culloden where, in April 1746, 'Bonnie' Prince
Charlie's Jacobite rebellion was crushed by Government forces
which included 800 Mackay warriors. You'll want to relax and
enjoy the Highland hospitality of Inverness after a busy day.
Day 3
Today your journey takes you up through the northern Highlands
towards the historic town of Wick, where the sheltered harbour
once played host to the hustle and bustle of hundreds of herring
fishing boats. This part of your journey brings you at last to
the land of Mackay and your ancestral homeland. Here, your starting
point should be a visit to the Strathnaver Museum, in Bettyhill
where the strath, or valley, of the river Naver reaches the dramatic
coastline of this wild corner of Scotland. You are in what has
been called one of the last great wildernesses in Europe, but
you can be sure that the natives are very friendly indeed. The
Clan Mackay Room in the museum contains fascinating documents
and memorabilia.
Day 4
Using the leaflets and signposts available locally, spend today
exploring the Strathnaver Trail. You will see evidence of Strathnaver's
occupation from stone age times to the present. Perhaps the most
moving sights will be the deserted, ruined farmsteads dating
from the time of the clearances. As a Mackay, your ancestors
will have farmed these rich lands before being moved off them
to make way for more 'modern' agricultural practices.
Day 5
Continuing westwards the scenery becomes ever more dramatic.
Look out for deer watching you from the forests, especially at
twilight. In the village of Tongue you will find the burial sites
of some of the principal clan members in the Reay vault of Tongue
Church. North of the village the tower house at the House of
Tongue was built by the Mackays in the 1500s. Travel onwards
to Durness, the most north westerly village in Britain, then
on to the drama and beauty of Balnakeil Bay. I
Day 6
If you have time, spend today in a leisurely exploration of the
parish of Edrachillas where you will find the crofting village
of Scourie - once a Mackay stronghold. General Hugh Mackay of
Scourie (1640-1692) was a distinguished soldier who became Commander-in-chief
in Scotland. Visits to Tarbert, Foindle and Fanagore are also
recommended.
Day 7
The drive south to Ullapool then across to Inverness will see
you bid a fond farewell to Mackay country and the friends you
have made there.
Prices are available on request
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