The Highlanders of Scotland - Clan Strachan Society

330 THE HIGHLANDERS [part ir
chance of recovering the districts which had been wrested
from him, the contending parties came to an agreement, and
the result was, a crown charter obtained by Mackenzie to the
disputed districts, being those of Lochalsh. Lochcarron, &c., with
the castle of Strome. The charter is dated in the year 1607—
' Thus doe the tryb of clan Kenzie become great in these pairts
still encroaching upon their neighbours, who are unacquainted
with the lawes of this kingdome."
This Kenneth Mackenzie was soon after raised to the
peerage b)- the title of Lord Mackenzie of Kintail, and his
son Colin received the additional dignity of earl of Seaforth
honours which they appear to have owed entirely to the great
extent of territory which the)^ had then acquired —"All the
Highlands and Isles, from Ardnamurchan to Strathnaven, were
either the Mackenzies' property or under their vassalage, some
very few excepted ; and
all about him were tied to his family
by very strict bonds of friendship."
The Mackenzies took an active share in all the attempts
made b}' the Highland clans in support of the cause of the
Stuarts, with the exception of the last ; and
having been
twice forfeited, the dictates of prudence, strengthened by the
eloquence of President Forbes, induced them to decline joining
in that unfortunate insurrection.
In the next generations, however, the family became extinct
and the estates have passed by the marriage
into the possession of a stranger.
Arms.
Az. a stag's head embossed, or.
Bad^e.
Deer-Grass.
Pri7icipal Seat.
Kintail.
Oldest Cadet.
Mackenzie of Gairloch.
of the heiress
CJiief.
The family of the chief is said to be represented by Mackenzie
of Allangrange.
Force.
In 1427, 2000. In 1704, 1200. In 1745, 2500.