History of Clan Mackay in Art

Story and Artwork by Bill Mackay, 
Linlithgow Bridge, Scotland

THE KYLE OF TONGUE, 1746

In 1715 the Jacobites raise their standard at Braemar and start the rebellion.  By the end of 1716 the Jacobites are in disarray and many estates are forfeited.  In 1719 the Jacobites get help from the Spanish.  On June 10, 1719 the Highlanders with 3,000 Spanish troops fight at Glenshiel and are defeated.
 
In 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stewart, "Bonnie Prince Charlie",  lands at Moidart and raises his standard at Glenfinnan on the 19th of August and starts the Great Rebellion.  Up to this time only the few Mackays who lived outside Clan country had been armed.  Now the clan was raised for the government.  The Mackay regiment along with Louden's regiment held Sutherland and Caithness for the Crown.
Kyle of Tongue,  March, 1746, a vital consignment of gold in a French Brig, destined for Prince Charlie, was forced ashore.  The ship was captured by the Mackay Independent Company and some of Louden's Highlanders under a Lt. John Reid.  They capture £1,200.00 (pounds Sterling) in gold.  On the way back, by Loch Loyal, they were attacked and threw the gold into the loch.  (That was the official line given).