Mackays from across the world to converge on Bettyhill for inauguration of new clan chief
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An event of huge importance to members of the Clan Mackay worldwide is set to take place in north Sutherland this coming weekend.
The new chief of the Clan Mackay will be inaugurated at a centuries-old ceremony in the newly refurbished Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill on Saturday, August 19.
Aeneas Simon Mackay, 15th Lord Reay, a corporate financier who sits as a Conservative member of the House of Lords, will be officially appointed as the 29th chief of the Clan Mackay.
The chief and his family will be joined at the ceremony by hundreds of Clan Mackay members from across the globe, representatives of the local community, invited dignitaries and clan chiefs.
A weekend of celebration is to be held in the local area to commemorate the event.
Lord Reay (58) inherited the title and related responsibility following the death of his father, Sir William Hugh Mackay (14th Lord Reay) in 2013.
Organised by the Clan Mackay Society, the inauguration ceremony will be conducted in accordance with ancient Highland customs and traditions dating back to pre-Christian Scotland.
The ceremonial gathering will be centred on and incorporate the Farr Stone, which is an ancient standing stone carved with Celtic symbols. It has been a monument in Farr since at least the 9th century.
A procession of pipers and banner bearers will herald the start of the ceremony.
Commemorative events to take place include a meet and greet reception at Bettyhill Village Hall; a traditional ceilidh and music at Strathy Hall; a service in Melness church; and visits to Clan Mackay sites of historical interest.
Educated at Westminster School and Brown University, Lord Reay was a founding partner of the corporate finance firm Montrose Partners. He was admitted to the House of Lords in January 2019.
Married to Mia Ruulio from Finland, Lord and Lady Reay have three children of whom, Alexander, continuing the 500-year-old tradition, is the Master of Reay. Iona and Harry are his younger siblings.
Lord Reay said: “The role of the clan chief in modern times, although largely ceremonial, consists of representing the clan and its heritage to the wider world.
"The chief, as I see it, is responsible for ensuring that the next generation understands the importance of their ancestral history. As such, the role is somewhat ambassadorial in nature, representing the clan in a positive light whilst preserving and promoting its cultural heritage."
Sandra Mackay, president of the Clan Mackay Society in Scotland, said: “The inauguration of the clan chief is a special occasion and has attracted many from the UK and overseas to make the journey to their spiritual homeland in the heart of Mackay country.
"I hope that this historical celebration will enable all visitors and locals to share their stories and make this an event to remember for future generations."
John Grogan, national president, Clan Mackay Society, USA, said: “This inauguration is a historic event for Clan Mackay societies around the world. This kind of event only happens once in a generation, and I am proud and honoured to represent our society and its members in the USA.”
The Clan Mackay Society (CMS) was established in 1808 in Glasgow and revived in 1888.
It is one of the oldest clan societies in Scotland and was originally founded as a benevolent and funeral society. The CMS provides a sense of shared identity and ancestry to its members. With a rich and proud history, the specific aims of the CMS are to:
• preserve the Mackay heritage and records for future generations.
• create a community by bringing together those with the Mackay name.
• cultivate a sense of pride in belonging to the Clan Mackay.
The Clan Mackay Society’s global community of members comprises representatives from all corners of the world including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, Holland, France, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden.
Membership is open to anyone with the surname of Mackay (descended or by marriage) and its associated families or ‘septs’.
With origins in the far north of Scotland, it is claimed that the clan Mackay was descended from the Royal House of Moray in the 12th century and eventually settled in Sutherland in the north of Scotland.
In assuming the leadership responsibilities of Chief of Mackay, Lord Reay will ensure that the traditions and customs of clan Mackay which have been passed down for generations are respected and preserved for future generations.
