Ancient Modern Crest
Gaelic Name: MacCoinnich
Motto: Leceo Non Uro (I shine, not burn)
Badge: Stagshorn clubmoss
Lands: Ross and Cromarty, Isle of Lewis
Origin of Name: Gaelic, ‘Son of the fair’
From the Gaelic “Maccoinneach” meaning “fair, bright one”, the MacKenzies are thought to descend from the ancient royal house of Lorn. The clan held lands in Ross-shire, stretching from the Outer Hebrides in the west, to the Black Isle in the east. The western stronghold of the clan MacKenzie was at Eilean Donan Castle at the mouth of Loch Duich. During the seventeenth century, the MacKenzies installed the clan MacRae as hereditary constables of the castle, and the MacRaes were to remain fiercely loyal to the family for many centuries.