Blair Collection > Celtic monthly > Volume 7, 1899

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.
WITH THE CLAN MACKAY.
DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF THE RECENT
TOUR IN THE REAY COUNTRY.
(BY ONE OF THE DEPUTATION).
^/^LAN sentiment is a most powerful and con-
M^ tagious influence. Sufficient proof is the
phenomenal success which has attended the
resuscitation of the numerous clan societies, of which
the Clan Mackay was the earliest. By this senti-
ment alone, individuals, families, districts, and
clansmen, not only in the Highlands but the whole
world over, have been brought together and welded
into one.
For the second time within nine years, a deputa-
tion of the Clan Mackay last month completed an
extensive tour throughout their much beloved Reay
Country. Their visit was no raid of war nor rapine,
it was not political nor ecclesiastical, but one of
benevolence and beneficence, to increase and stimu-
late interest in the language, literature, and music
of the Gael, particularly in Buthaich Mhic Aoidh.
The deputation — which consisted of John Mackay,
C.E., Hereford (convener); John Mackay, editor of
Celtie Monthly, Glasgow (secretary) ; James II.
Mackay, London, vice-president, originally from
Kildonan ; Ur. Alexander Dingwall, Renton ; Adam
Mackay, Dunbeath ; Roderick Macleod, Inverness ;
Rev. Angus Mackay, M.A., Westerdale, Caithness;
Alexander Mackay, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh
— travelled to Thurso from Oban, where several of
the party took part in the Gaelic Mud. Lord and
Lady Reay, but for their unavoidable absence at the
coronation of the Queen of Holland, were to have
been with the deputation. They sent messages and
valuable prizes. At Lairg the deputation was joined
by the Rev. Dr. James Aberigh- Mackay, chief of
the Abrach branch of the Clan. In the absence, on
urgent business, of Provost Mackay, Thurso, the
deputation were met at Georgemas Junction by his
son, Mr. Donald Mackay, and
were hospitably entertained
for the night. The many
places and things of anti-
quarian interest were visited
and examined. Throughout
the tour facts anent the
Bratach Bhan controverey
were specially kept in view,
and several important dis-
coveries were made which
will, it is expected, once and
for all settle this question for
the Mackays, and be a con-
clusive reply to the ill-natured
and offensive reflections as to
its authenticity, recently made
by a certain Inverness rector,
who has made himself the
"universal dictator" on all
Highland antiquarian sub-
jects. His dogmatic assertions
are likely to create some
amusement in the light of the
evidence which the Clan are
now preparingfor publication.
Next morning the deputation proceeded to Mel.
vich. At Forss House, an ancient seat of the
clan, we were welcomed and entertained by Mr,
Alex. Mackay and the Misses Mackay. The menu is
surely worthy of publication : — •
" Thoir dubhlan agus dion, 's bi firinneach gus a' chrioch-"
Skus Gearr.
lasg-geal bruich agus Cucumber,
Coinnean.
Miiilteal E6iste.
Eiragean.
Butiit, Peasair, P6nar, C41.
Ponar Frincach, Smiromheaa.
Cearcan fraoich r6i3te.
Gimeach.
Ubhlan, Ao.
Toraidhean.
Uisge-beatha.
After visiting the house and grounds, we went
westwards. At Reay a halt was made, and the old
churchyard, church, and other places of interest
were visited. Long before we reached Melvich we
were assured of the cordial welcome we were to
receive throughout our visit. Before we could see
the crowd we could hear their hearty cheers, and
flags were flying everywhere. After a brief halt,
the beautiful Mackay banner, presented to the
deputation by Councillor Angus Mackay, Wick,
was unfurled amidst the greatest enthusiasm, and
the whole crowd marched to the strains of the bag-
pipes by Pipers Macleod, Mackay, and Macdonald to
Bass-nuag, a beautiful grass-lined hollow near the sea.
Hereford, who was chief of the deputation, briefly
and eloquently explained the object of the meeting.
He was followed by Rev. Angus Mackay and Mr. J.
H. Mackay, London, aud others. The speeches
were cordially received, and listened to most atten-
tively.
The competitions were numeroi^s, particularly in
Gaelic reading. Deciding the prizes was no easy
matter. Nearly every competitor could read the
Gaelic Testament and Bible correctly, and it was
quite impossible to differentiate until the songs of
Donnachadh Ban and Alastair Macdonald were
put before the competitors. This equally applies
to all the centres visited. We were extremely
MELVICH VILLAGE,