This powerful clan was known as the Clan Morgan and as the Clan Aoidh, the former it is claimed from Morgan, son of Magnus in the early fourteenth century, and latter from his grandson Aodh or Hugh.

The Mackays hail from the north and west of Sutherland, in the Northern Highlands. Most of the northwest of Sutherland was controlled by Clan Mackay. It should be noted that the county name of Sutherland bears no connection to the clan of the same name, although the county of Sutherland is the home of Clan Sutherland. The 'Sutherland' in the county name comes from the Norse for "Southern Land", and is a crude english translation for this.

When Donald, Lord of the Isles, claiming the Earldom of Ross, invaded Sutherland, he was opposed by Angus Dubh and The Clan MacKay, but they were defeated and Angus was imprisoned by the Lord of the Isles. Angus, however, became reconciled and married Elizabeth, daughter of his captor, with who he received many lands. Angus was killed at the time of the Battle of Drumnacoup in 1429, at which the Mackays defeated the Sutherlands with devastation using their superior tactics and knowledge of their own lands. The Sutherland army of 1500 was completely obliterated.

Being a numerous clan their history is one of continual strife with their neighbours, including the Earls of Caithness and Sutherland. Their war-like spirit did not find sufficient outlet at home, and in 1626 Sir Donald MacKay of Farr raised an army of 3000 men for service in Bohemia, and afterwards in Denmark. Finally with a large force from the north of Scotland, he served under Gustavus Adolphus with great distinction. He was raised to the peerage with the title Lord Reay by Charles I., in 1628. He died in Denmark in 1649.

His grandson, Eneas, was colonel of the MacKay Dutch regiment and settled in Holland, where his family were ennobled with the title of Baron, and when the Scottish succession ceased Baron Eric MacKay van Ophemert, Holland, became 12th Baron Reay. The MacKays of Argyll, who can be traced back to the thirteenth century, are said to have no connection with the MacKays of the north.

The Mackays of Sutherland suffered badly during the Highland Clearances, and large numbers of the once powerful and numerous clan went overseas to the new world, where many of them were a great influence on modern countries such as Australia, America and Canada, among others.

Crest: A right hand grasping a sword paleways. Badge: Bulrush, Reed grass, Broom. War Cry: Bratach Bhan Chlann Aoidh ( The White Bannner of MacKay).

Pipe music: Mackay’s March.