Clann Choinnich | A Highland heritage shared around the world

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Ross-shire to the world

Mackenzie means “son of Kenneth”. The clan’s early history is rooted in the Highlands of Ross and
Kintail. Its progenitors were associated with south-west Ross in the 13th century; in later centuries
the Mackenzies became a major power in the northern Highlands. [1, 2]
The chiefs allied themselves with the Scottish Crown as royal authority expanded in the Highlands.
They became Lords Kintail in 1609 and Earls of Seaforth in 1623. Later migration carried Mackenzie
families far beyond Scotland, and clan societies now bring that shared heritage together around the
world. [2]

Castle Leod: a living clan home

Near Strathpeffer in the Scottish Highlands, Castle Leod is the seat of Clan Mackenzie and the home
of John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Cromartie, the present chief. His family has lived here
for over 500 years. The castle welcomes visitors on selected open days and through private guided
tours; consult its website for current arrangements. [3, 4

Clan Mackenzie at a glance

CHIEF                   John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Cromartie [4]
CLAN SEAT          Castle Leod, near Strathpeffer [3]
MOTTO                Luceo non uro – “I shine not burn” [5]
WAR CRY             Tulloch Ard – named for a beacon hill in Kintail [5]
PLANT BADGE      Variegated holly [5]

 

Two distinct crest badges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are the two crest badges described by the clan historian. The chief’s full coat of arms is his personal heraldry.
[5]

 

Mackenzie tartans

 

 

 

 

 

The clan historian identifies these four basic variants. Colours and sett sizes can vary between weavers; these are the
samples shown on that site. [6]

 

Celebrate your Mackenzie heritage
The Clan MacKenzie Society in the United States grew from an idea presented by Gibson R. McKenzie
at Grandfather Mountain in 1974 and was incorporated in February 1988. It works to preserve clan
heritage and encourage an appreciation of Scottish traditions among children and adults. [1]

Society membership offers the quarterly Tulach Ard newsletter and invitations to special events.
Visit the Society’s website to explore membership, connect with its activities and learn more about
Clan Mackenzie. [7]

clanmackenzie.com | castleleod.org.uk | clanmackenzie.net | clanmackenzie.org

 

A further chapter in the clan’s story
In the 15th century, Alexander Ionraic (“the Upright”) strengthened the clan’s allegiance to the Stewarts. Mackenzie power spread east from Kintail across Ross-shire. In 1745, loyalties divided: the Seaforth heir supported the government, while the 3rd Earl of Cromartie raised Mackenzies for Bonnie Prince Charlie. The clan’s wider legacy includes explorer Sir Alexander Mackenzie and Inverewe’s creator, Osgood Mackenzie. [8]

 

Sources & image register

Editorial reference for the festival’s featured-clan page. Clan text and images are drawn exclusively from the four approved websites. The 2027 honored-clan designation was supplied by the Society. Source pages checked 3 November 2026.

[1] U.S. Society: background, name and heritage
https://clanmackenzie.com/
[2] Clan historian: historical overview
https://clanmackenzie.net/history.html
[3] Castle Leod: seat, family home and visiting
https://www.castleleod.org.uk/
[4] Castle Leod: Clan Mackenzie and the chief
https://www.castleleod.org.uk/who-we-are/clan-mackenzie/
[5] Clan historian: crests, mottos, war cry and plant badge
https://clanmackenzie.net/symbols.html
[6] Clan historian: four tartan variants and image labels
https://clanmackenzie.net/tartans.html
[7] U.S. Society: membership benefits
https://clanmackenzie.com/membership/
[8] Clan Mackenzie Initiative: origins and history
https://clanmackenzie.org/the-origins-and-history-of-clan-mackenzie/

Image identification. Page 1: Castle Leod, Richard Paxman, identified in the castle homepage image alt text; original file: home-slide.jpg.webp. Page 2: Cromartie and Seaforth badge images from clanmackenzie.com/badges/; Ancient, Modern, Weathered and Dress samples from [6]. Images retain their proportions and original colours; no generated or redrawn heraldry is used.