J. F. Campbell Collection > Prophecies of the Brahan seer (Coinneach Odhar Fiosaiche)

68 THE PROPHECIES OP THE BRAHAN SEER.
Mackenzie, the Castle of Strome and all his lands in
Lochalsh, Lochcarron, and other places in the vicinity,
so long the bone of contention between these powerful
and ferocious chieftains. In 1607, a Crown charter for
these lands was granted to Kenneth, thus materially
adding to his previous possessions, power, and influ-
ence. " All the Highlands and Isles, from Ardnamur-
chan to Strathnaver, were either the Mackenzies' pro-
perty or under their vassalage, some few excepted,"
and all around them were bound to them " by very
strict bonds of friendship " In this same year Kenneth
received, through some influence at Court, a gift, under
the Great Seal, of the Island of Lewis, in virtue of, and
thus confirming, the resignation of tliis valuable and
extensive property previously made in his favour by
Torquil Macleod. A complaint was, however, made to
his Majesty by those of the colonists who survived, and
Mackenzie was again forced to resign it. By patent,
dated the 19th of November 1609, he was created a peer
of the realm, as Lord Mackenzie of Kintail. Soon
after, the colonists gave up all hopes of being able to
colonize the Lewis, and the remaining adventurers —
Sir George Hay and Sir James Spens — were easily pre-
vailed upon to sell their rights to Lord Mackenzie, who
at the same time succeeded in securing a grant from
the King of that part of the island forfeited by Lord
Balmerino, another of the adventurers. He (Lord
Mackenzie) now secured a commission of fire and sword
against the islanders, soon arrived with a strong force,
and speedily reduced them to obedience, with the ex-
ception of Neil Macleod and a few of his followers.