| Motto: |
Manu Forti (With a strong hand) Gaelic Motto: Bi Tren (Be True or Be Valiant) |
| Origin of Name: | Gaelic, MacAoidh (Son of fire) |
| Gaelic Name: |
MacAoidh |
| Clann MacAoidgh: | Modern Gaelic spelling for "Clan Mackay" |
|
MacKay: |
(Mackay, Mackie) - in Scotland the name is pronounced Mac-eye. |
| Badge: |
The Great Bulrush (Originally REED GRASS - used for bagpipe reeds) Clansmen wore the "badge" during a skirmish to distinguish themselves from the opposing side. |
|
Crest: |
 A
dagger held erect by a right hand, positioned central. All figures
in their natural colours, the handle and knob of the dagger being
in gold. |
| Lands: | Ross and Sutherland, Argyll |
| The Chief: | Lord Reay |
| The Banner: |
 Bratach
Bhan Chlann Aoidh (The White Banner of MacKay). It was used in
battle in 1433 and is considered to be one of Clan Mackay's most
important relics. The scanty remains of the original resides
in the Royal Museum of Scotland. A replica made by Mrs. Pat Bain
may be seen on display in the Strathnaver Museum, Bettyhill,
Scotland (map
showing Bettyhill). It represents a blue lion
rampant, in a shield, surrounded by gold fleurs-de-lis. Above
the shield a golden skeletal hand clasps the motto "VERK
VISLY AND TENT TO YE END," being loosely translated as "work
wisely and look to the outcome." Click here to see larger illustration |
