Elizabeth Sinclair (abt. 1550 - abt. 1600)

Born about 1550 in Caithness, Scotland

Ancestors

Wife of Hugh (Mackay) Mackay XIIIth of Farr — married about 1578 in Caithness, Scotland

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Biography

Elizabeth was a daughter of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness and his wife, Elizabeth Graham, second daughter of William, second Earl of Montrose.^[1]

She married firstly, Alexander Sutherland, younger of Duffus. This was arranged on 20 July 1559 with a matrimonial union between their families of Caithness and Duffus, it being agreed that Alexander Sutherland, then about five years old, the eldest son of the Laird, or his brothers, in succession, should marry Elizabeth Sinclair, eldest daughter of the Earl, or her sisters, in succession, until a marriage was completed.^[2]

Then secondly, where she is described as a widow, Hugh Mackay of Farr.^[3] The latter marriage occurred around 1578 when Hugh was still living with Lord Caithness. ^[4] In the source she is stated to have been the youngest daughter of Lord Caithness and widow of the "late Duffus". This statement is incorrect as Alexander Sutherland, while heir to Duffus and seen as Master of Duffus, did not actually inherit the title and the martimonial arrangements makes it clear she was the eldest daughter.^[5]

The marriage ended in divorce but they had one child, a daughter:

• Christina Mackay, likely born about 1587, married to John Macintosh of Dalziel, in Petty, son of Lachlan Macintosh of that Ilk. ^[6]

There is no notice of her after these events.

Sources

Footnotes:

1. ↑ Balfour Paul: Vol 2, Page 342
2. ↑ Balfour Paul: Vol 3, Page 200
3. ↑ Balfour Paul: Vol 2, Page 342
4. ↑ Mackay; page 145
5. ↑ Balfour Paul: Vol 3, Page 200
6. ↑ Balfour Paul: Vol 7, Page 166

Publications:

• Balfour Paul, Sir James. The Scots Peerage (David Douglas, Edinburgh, 1904-1914); in 9 Volumes. Vol 2 for Earl of Caithness, Vol 3 for Lord Duffus and Vol 7 for Mackay Lord Reay.

Research Notes

The thepeerage.com website confuses the two sisters Elizabeth and Margaet stating that "Lady Margaret Sinclair is the daughter of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness and Lady Elizabeth Graham.2 She married, secondly, Hugh 'Du' Mackay of Farr, Tongue and Strathnaver, son of Iye 'Du' Mackay and Christian Sinclair.1 She married by contract, firstly, William Sutherland, 9th of Duffus, son of Alexander Sutherland of Duffus and Janet Grant, on 13 October 1579.1 She and William Sutherland, 9th of Duffus were divorced". The lady that married Hugh Mackay was Elizabeth. She had married Alexander Sutherland of Duffus, who had died and she is stated as a widow when she marries Mackay. Margaret, her younger sister, married William Sutherland of Duffus.