Eòin (John) Mackay, of Dilred & 1st of Strathy

IV. The Strathy Mackays

I. John Mackay, son of Huistean Du XIII. of Strathnaver by Ms wife, Lady Jane Gordon, was the first of this branch. He had a disposition from his brother, the 1st Lord Reay, of the lands of Braegall in Caithness, viz., Dilred, Cattack, Dalniore, Knockdhu, Daluachrach, Dalreith, etc., 23rd September, 1626, which was duly confirmed by charter afterwards (Blk. MS.). The said Lord Reay also granted to the said John Mackay of Dilred in life-rent, and to Hugh Mackay his eldest son in fee and heritage, the lands of Strathy, Armadale, Portskerray, and Glen of Kinloch-Strathy with fishings of the river, 2nd May, 1631.

He m. in 1618 Agnes, dau. of Sir James Sinclair of Murkle, and d. in 1645 leaving the folloAving five children :—

• Hugh, of whom follows ;
• John of Skerray, of whom afterwards as IIa. ;
• James of Kirtomy, of whom afterwards as lIe.;
• Elizabeth, m. (contract 20th February, 1640) Patrick Sinclair, eldest son of John Sinclair of Brims, and had issue (See Henderson's Caithness Families) ; and
• Jane, m. William Mackay III. of Bighouse (See Bighouse Mackays).

pg 310-311

THE BOOK OF MACKAY BY ANGUS MACKAY, M.A. (St. Andrews University) Minister at Westerdale, Caithness EDINBURGH : NORMAN MACLEOD, -25 GEORGE IV. BRIDGE CANADA : EDWARD MACKAY, ST. PETER'S MANSE, MADOC, ONT. M DCCCC VI

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Hugh Mackay's memory is much revered in his own country to the present day, as one who in a high degree possessed all the nobler qualities of a highland chieftain.
He is still known by the term, Haistane-Doze, en tuagh. Tuoagls, signifies a battle-axe; a weapon be generally had used in the field. He left a noble estate to his son, situated not only in his own country, but also in Caithness and Sutherland. His son John, ancestor of the family of Strathy, obtained the lands of Dirlet, Cattack, and others in Caithness. He was designated John Mackay of Dirlet, or as it was anciently called Dilred. pg. 166-167

Lord Caithness and Sir Donald having held a meeting at Downreay, to consult regarding their respective interests,...It was also agreed that John Mackay, Sir Donald's brother, should marry his lordship's niece, daughter of James Sinclair of Murkle, sheriff of Caithness, afterwards Sir James, by his wife, who was daughter of Patrick, Earl of Orkney : which marriage was consummated in the year 1619 ; about which time Sir Donald gave to his brother, the lands of Dirlet and others in Caithness, and the fine estate of Strathy in Mackay's country ; and thenceforward he was called a John Mackay of Dilred." pg. 202-203

HISTORY THE HOUSE AND CLAN MACKAY,BY ROBERT MACKAY, 1829

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THE STRATHY BRANCH OF MACKAYS.

JOHN MACKAEY of Dilred or Dirlet and Strathy, second son of Hugh Mackay of Farr by his wife Lady Jane Gordon, eldest daughter of Alexander Earl of Sutherland, was the first of this branch.

He had a disposition, dated 23d September 1626, from his elder brother Donald, first Lord Reay, of the lands and barony of Dilred and others in the county of Caithness, of which he obtained a charter of confirmation from his cousin-german, John, Earl of Sutherland, dated 5th day of September 1633. 

In 1619, he married Agnes, daughter of Sir James Sinclair of Murkle, county of Caithness, by his wife Lady Elizabeth, third daughter of Robert Stuart, Earl of Orkney issue three sons,

• Hugh,
• John, and

his second son, John, obtained the lands of Skerray and others

• James ;

and his youngest son, James, those of Kirtomy and others

and two dauqhters, C

• Elizabeth, who married Patrick Sinclair of Ulbster, son of John Sinclair of Brims, as appears by their marriage contract, dated 20th February 1640 ; and
• Jane who married the second William Mackay of Bighouse.

He was succeeded by his eldest son, Hugh ;

Pg 571 .HISTORY THE HOUSE AND CLAN MACKAY,BY ROBERT MACKAY, 1829