Neil Vass Mackay (abt. 1412 - abt. 1455)

Born about 1412 in Sutherland, Scotland

Ancestors

Descendants

Died about 1455 at about age 43 in Sutherland, Scotland

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Biography

Neil Vass (Wasse, so stated as a result of his imprisonment at Bass Rock) Mackay was born about 1413, +/- 2 years. His parents marriage likely occurring about 1412 and his mother dead about 1415. His record appears in the Book of Mackay between pages 63 and 66.^[1]

Not much is known of his early life. He was imprisoned on the Bass Rock, as hostage, at 16 (about 1429) and remained there until 1437 (stated as 1436 in Angus Mackay's work) when, on the death of James I, his escape was facilitated by a kinswoman, the wife of Lauder the governor. The clan, at the time, being led by his half-brother Ian Aberach Mackay. The clash over the lands of the Mackay now being taken up by the Earl of Sutherland. Sir Robert Gordon becomes an extremely unreliable source at this point and is confused with his dates and events. The events are portrayed in Robert Mackays work on page 67.^[2] Briefly; The Earl of Sutherland, at the time John Sutherland, 7th Earl, gathered a force and chased Ian Aberach. Clearly the Battle of Drumnacoub had drained forces on both sides but Ian Aberach is said to have left the mainland and lived in the Isles (although not where). He returned shortly after, before Christmas, and he invaded Sutherland at Helmsdale, and killed three of the Sutherlands at Dinaboll. This had predictable consequences and the battles continued until the death of James I., in 1437 and the return of Neil.

Ian Aberach Mackay was very popular with the Clan, having led then to a number of victories, while Neil Vass was relatively unknown. There was an attempt to place Ian Aberach as Clan Chief but Ian refused and handed the reigns to Neil. Neil sought to reward him with lands around Lochnaver (Achness, Truderscag, Corrihuran, Achoul, Rhihalavag, Clibrig, Mowdale, Tubeg, Grubmore, Grubeg) and also Braechat, but these grants were never ratified by the Crown, at the time, resulting in a number of future disputes. However Ian Aberach is the progenitor of the Sleaght-ean Aberigh (children of Aberach).

Although there is some discussion, regarding the validity of land claims by both parties to the dispute and the events of the day, in Robert Mackays work, he misses the point.^[3] It is certain, contrary to what Robert Mackay provides, that Ian Aberach (whom he calls John) was severely injured at the battle of Drumnacoub, possibly losing an arm as provided by Sir Robert Gordon, certainly badly disfigured. It is also correct to say that the Mackay, while winning that day, were severely tested and it could easily be supposed that Ian Aberach fled to the Isles, probably to Alexander MacDonald, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, his mother's family, and then later made his pardon to John Sutherland. While both Mackay historians struggle with this event it seems reasonable, with the Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross' backing that the Earl of Sutherland might succumb to the pressure. It is quite clear, from the public records of the day, that the Crown was of the firm opinion that the lands did not belong to the Mackay and saw the Mackay as usurpers.

Battle for Ruaig-Shansaid

His first experience as Chief appears to have been in Aug (?) 1437 when, at the head of the clan, he attacked the families of Caithness; predominantly Clan Gunn. The reason is not provided but it might be presumed that he was chasing down the killer of his father or was in retribution for the support provided by them againt the Mackay. The leader of the clan in the field is thought to have been Ian Aberach Mackay, his younger half-brother who had plenty of experience in clan warfare.

The Mackays entered Caithness by way of Reay, but took the precaution of leaving a strong body posted on Drum Holstein (now called Prospect Hill) to cover their rear. The main body advanced towards Thurso, plundering and burning as they went. They were met somewhere in the neighbourhood of Thurso, Downreay is provided by Robert Mackay,^[4] by the forces of Caithness, before which the Mackays fell back fighting and carrying their spoil. They retired in good order to Sandside (Reay), where they were joined by their reserves from Drum Holstein, and there the real battle began. Ian Aberach managed to corner the Caithnessmen in a loop of the bay below Sandside House, and to inflict a crushing defeat driving many into the sea. The survivors were chased for some distance along the shore towards Dunreay. The battle became known as The Battle for Ruaig-Shansaid (Sandside Chase).

Family

Neil Vass married a daughter of George Munro of Fowlis, the Munro having fought alongside his father at the Battle of Dingwall, by his wife, a daughter of Ross of Balnagown. The marriage likely occurring shortly after he escaped from Bass Rock and about 1438. They had two sons and one daughter:

• Angus Roy Mackay, likely born about 1440, who succeeded his father.

• John Roy Mackay, likely born about 1442, who had a son William Roy Mackay. The said William is mentioned in a decreet of the Lords of Council against the Mackays of Strathnaver, dated 27th July 1501, wherein he is designated "Wilziam Reed McKy."

• Elizabeth Mackay, likely born about 1445, who married John MacGillion of Lochbuy, chief of Maclean.

Footnotes

1. ↑ #S-1 Angus Mackay; page 63-66
2. ↑ #S-2 Robert Mackay; page 67
3. ↑ #S-2 Robert Mackay; page 69
4. ↑ #S-2 Robert Mackay; page 76

Sources

• Source S-1Angus Mackay. The book of Mackay. Vol. I. Edinburgh: Norman Macleod, 1906. Open Library

• Source S-2Robert Mackay. History of the house and clan of Mackay ...... Vol. I. Edinburgh: A Jack, 1829. archive.org