The Clan MacKenzie
| Crest | Coat of Arms | Tartan | Clan History |
Crest
This is the MacKenzie crest showing 5 flaming mountain peaks (signifying zeal) along with the motto:
"LUCEO NON URO" (I Shine But Do Not Burn)
| Crest | Coat of Arms | Tartan | Clan History |
This is the MacKenzie crest showing 5 flaming mountain peaks (signifying zeal) along with the motto:
"LUCEO NON URO" (I Shine But Do Not Burn)
Another crest associated with the MacKenzie Clan is that of the Late Earl of Seaforth. This shows a stag's head on a blue background. The blue denotes loyalty and truth and the stag's head signifies purity. The motto emblazened on the shield was "CUIDICH 'N' RIGH" (Save The King)
While on a lonely hunt, the Scottish King was surprised by a large angry stag. Unable to get a way, he was in grave danger. When a MacKenzie heard his cries and rescued him, the King gave him lands, a title and the rights to Kintail, the original home of the clan.
Tartan: The regimental tartan of the Seaforth Highlanders, raised by the chief in 1778. It is thought that
the tartan worn before this was probably a red one
The tatan includes green representing forest and fields, blue for the sky and free sea, drawn through
with white for purity and red for blood and bold fighters. All denote freedom, fairness, purity, honour and courage.
The name MacKenzie (MacCoinneach in Gaelic) means literally "Son of Kenneth." The original Kenneth lived in the 13th Century and was descended from Gilleon Og, a younger son of Gilleon na h-airde (Gilleon of the Aird). From this Gilleon the once powerful Earls of Ross can be traced. This Kenneth that the MacKenzies claim descent from was known as Murdo Fillius Kenneth de Kintail who was granted charter by King David II in 1362. Prior to the end of the 15th century, the Mackenzies were followers of the MacDonalds, Lord of the Isles. However, after the forfeiture of the Lordship in 1493, the Mackenzies increased their power, gaining large possessions in Ross-shire. Staunch followers of the Stuart cause, John of Killin, 9th chief fought at Flodden and his grandson Colin, fought for Mary Queen of Scots at Langside. Colin's eldest son, Kenneth became Lord Mackenzie of Kintail in 1609 and his grandson Earl of Seaforth in 1623. Another son Ruaridh was ancestor of the Earls of Cromartie.
