Jacqui and I are excited as we prepare for a day trip from Inverness to explore the heart of Mackay Clan territory in the Scottish Highlands. This journey promises to be a meaningful experience as we delve into our family’s heritage and visit the lands our ancestors once called home. We will travel through Farr, Grumore, Tongue, Strathnaver, and Durness, with a special highlight being a visit to the Strathnaver Museum to see the Mackay exhibit.
Exploring Our Ancestral Lands
My plan is to start our day with a scenic drive from Inverness, winding through the picturesque Highlands, where the rolling hills and rugged landscapes tell their own story. Our first stop is Farr, a charming village that holds deep historical significance for our family. Angus Mackay Sr., my 4th great-grandfather, was born here in 1795. His remarkable life, including his role as a drummer at Waterloo and his emigration to Australia, roots us deeply in this place.
Next, we proceed to Grumore, another significant location for the Mackay Clan. The beauty of the Highland scenery here is breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why our ancestors cherished this land so dearly.
Discovering Tongue and Strathnaver
As we journey northward, we arrive at the village of Tongue. Nestled along the shores of the Kyle of Tongue, this picturesque village offers stunning views and a rich history. We take a moment to soak in the serene beauty and reflect on the lives of our ancestors who once lived here.
Our next stop is Strathnaver, a place rich in history and tragedy. This valley was the epicenter of the Highland Clearances, a dark period in Scottish history when numerous families, including ours, were forcibly removed from their homes to make room for sheep farming. As we stand in Strathnaver, we can almost hear the echoes of the past and sense the strength of our ancestors.
A Highlight: Strathnaver Museum
I want to make sure I remember this: One of the most highly anticipated stops on our trip is the Strathnaver Museum. This small but fascinating museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Mackay Clan and the surrounding area. The Mackay exhibit here offers a poignant insight into the lives of our ancestors, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and stories that bring our family history to life.
Reflecting on the Highland Clearances
The story of our family’s departure from Scotland serves as a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by the Scottish people. During the Highland Clearances, our ancestors were forcibly removed from their land as landowners sought to replace people with sheep for greater profit. In 1815 – 1818 – The Highland Clearances began to take effect on the Mackay lands, by which the people were removed to make room for sheep. In 1829, the Reay estate was sold to the Countess of Sutherland by Eric, 7th Lord Reay. in 1839, leaving everything they knew behind, Angus Mackay Sr. and his family embarked on a perilous journey aboard the James Moran, arriving in Australia in 1839.
Angus Mackay Sr., born in Farr in 1795, was a remarkable figure. At the age of twenty, he married Jane Clark and served as a drummer at Waterloo. After Jane’s passing, Angus remarried Christina Mackay and returned to Farr. He eventually took advantage of a Farmers’ Scheme for New South Wales and emigrated to Australia with his family. He lived there until his death in 1894.
However, I acknowledge that when people look at photos of the highlands and admire the wilderness and the open spaces without people, what I think of is the original inhabitants of these regions who were forced off the land and sent to places across the seas, like my family. I think of the stories of buildings being burnt so that people could not return. I think of people being killed if they did not move fast enough.
Discovering Durness
Our final stop on this day trip is Durness, a remote and rugged village on the north coast of Scotland. Known for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs, Durness offers a perfect ending to our journey through Mackay Clan territory. As we explore the natural beauty of this area, we feel a deep connection to the land and a sense of pride in our heritage.
Embracing Our Heritage
This day trip through Mackay Clan territory is more than just a journey through the Highlands; it’s a journey into our past. Jacqui and I are looking forward to uncovering the stories of our ancestors, walking in their footsteps, and connecting with the land they once called home. From the historical insights at the Strathnaver Museum to the breathtaking landscapes of Farr, Grumore, Tongue, and Durness, this adventure promises to be a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.