High on the wall in the Mackay Room you will see this huge three-dimensional motto of the Mackay Clan. It was made for the museum by Colin Mackay of the Clan Mackay Society of Edinburgh in 2004 and it dominates the viewing area, acting as a proud reminder of the clan’s history.  

Under the glass display dome you will find the chanter and music of John Mackay, 

from Trantlebeg, Strath Halladale, who was a well known local piper.  During his lifetime he composed over 300 tunes.  When he was working on the croft a tune would enter his head so he would abandon whatever he was doing and run home to commit the tune to paper.  Johnny had ownership of a very old chanter, it was used by a Pipe Major in the 93rd Highlanders (the chanter displayed in the showcase).

The large oil painting displayed in the Mackay Room is of John Mackay, “Hereford” who was born and spent his first school years at Rogart, Sutherland before moving to Hereford.  He grew up to become an engineer of note who built railways in South America and became a millionaire.  He returned to Scotland in the 1880’s and helped set up the Clan Mackay Society and the Crofter’s Commission. 

The lectern especially made for the book “Clan Association of Canada" – relates to some famous and interesting Mackays in Canada”.  It was presented to the museum in person by Moira Cairns, President of the Clan Mackay Society of Canada in 2004.  This occasion is illustrated on the left.

 

Inside the tall glass case is the wedding going away (kirking) outfit from 1909, belonging to Anna Mackay (Noah) loaned by her daughter Anna Fraser, Cawdor, Nairn.  

There is too much to describe on this web site, so why not come and pay us a visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn about the Clan Mackay: www.webscot.co.uk/clans/mackay.htm 

The Clan Mackay Society: www.clanmackaysociety.org

The Clan Mackay USA: www.clanmackayusa.org