APPENDIX OF DOCUMENTS

No. 1. No. 1. No. 1. Excerpt Charter of Confirmation by King Robert Bruce to Gilchrist Macymar M'Cay and to his younger son Gilchrist in heritage, with remainder to Ymar his elder son and his heirs, of two shanmarcate of land in Kintyre for the service of two bowmen in the king's army, given at Maynreth, Galloway, 31 Mar 1329: -

[Haddington Charters (translated from Latin)]

Robert, etc. confirms Gilchrist Macymar M'Cay, for his homage and service, of 2 ? of land in the Kentyr, viz., pennyrents of land in Arydermeile, Ballostalfis, Kyllewan and Seskamousky. To be held by Gilchrist and his eldest son Ymar and the heirs his body lawfully begotten or heirs in fee and heritage …
In witness whereof etc. Maynreth in Galway, 24 March

[Reay Papers (translated from Latin)]

Robert by the Grace of God king of the Scots, to all good men of his whole land, greeting.
Know that we have approved, ratified and confirmed this charter of our beloved son, Alexander Stewart … to Ferchard our doctor land in Mellen and the two parts of Hope with its appurtenances …
In witness whereof present charter of confirmation ordered our seal witnesses venerable in Christ fathers William and John, our Chancellor, church of St Andrew, John, Bishop of Dunkeld, our beloved son Robert of Fyffe and Menteith, and our blood relation William Douglas of Mar.
At Perth on the 4 September, in the 9th year of our reign.

TRANSLATION In the name of God, amen.
I, Macdonald, am granting and giving eleven marks and a half of land from myself and from my heirs to Brian Vicar Mackay and to his heirs after him for evermore, for his service to me and to my father before me; and this on covenant and on condition that he himself and they shall give to me and to my heirs after me, yearly, four cows fit for killing for my household, and should these cows not be forthcoming the above Brian and his heirs shall give to me and to my heirs after me two and forty merks instead of the foresaid cows. And for the said reasons I bind myself and I bind my heirs after me to the end of their lives these lands with their fruits of sea and land to maintain and to secure to the above Brian Vicar Mackay and to his heirs for ever after him in like manner; and these are the lands given to him and to his heirs for ever after him, viz., Baile Vicar, Machaire, Learga-riavach, Ciontragha, Graftol, Tocamol, Ugasgog, the two Glenastols, Cracobus, Cornubus, and Baile-nechton. And in order that there may be meaning, force, and strength in this grant which I make, I again bind myself and my heirs for ever under covenant this to uphold and to fulfil to the aforesaid Brian and to his heirs after him to the end of their lives by putting my hand and my seal down here in the presence of these witnesses below, on the sixth day of the mouth of Beltane and this year of the birth of Christ, one thousand four hundred and eight.

MACDONALD

JOHN T MACDONALD (his mark)
PAT III M'BROWN (his mark)
FERGUS MACBETH
IYE X M'CEY (his mark)

Comperit Sir Johne Polsoun, chanter of Caithness, servitor and actadom. con. procurator for Y Mcky, and gave in this charter underwritten and desires the same to be transumed and copied attently, of which the tenor follows:

"Know present and future that we Donald Lord of the Isles have given charter confirmed to the noble Angus of Strathnaver and to Nigel his eldest son, procreated with our sister Elizabeth of the Isles, and that of male heirs of his body legitimately procreated;
And if the son has no lawful male heirs of his body, a lawful daughter will have the lands of Strathalgadill and ferancostgrayg …
A testimony of which thing we have caused our seal to be affixed at the island Marcage [marginal note, "or in Arcaig"] 8 Oct 1415
Witnesses, Lauchlan Makgillane and Roderick Makcleod with several other people. "

The which desire the Lords understood juste and cousonand to reason decerns and ordans the said charter to be transumed attently and to be put in public form, and also meikille faith to be given to the said transumpt as to the principal charter in judgement and outwith in all times to come, notwithstanding the cancellation and revdn of the same recklessly and in the bak by evil disposed persons, because that public mandate and summonition of all parties hafand or traistant to have intress thereto to her. the same to be transumyt ordorly procedit as efterit.

[Acta Dom. Con.]

In the name of God, amen. This public instrument was created 2 Apr 1497 when the venerable master James Achlect was vicar-general Caithness. It witnesses the following letter regarding the noble man Odo M'Ky of Strathnaver, sealed with the King's red wax seal. This has been transcribed in the records of the Court in case anything should happen to the original letter.

"James, by the grace of God king of Scots, to our familiar squire and servitor James Douglas of Pittendrich, our chamberlain of our lordship of Moray, and to all others our chamberlains of Moray that shall happen to be for the time, Greeting. For the good and true service to be doing to us by our loved squire Y Mcky of Strathnaver, grants him the sum of twenty pounds of usual money of our realm in his fee yearly and termly to be paid to him … Wherefore we charge you, the said James our chamberlain and all other chamberlains that shall happen to be for the time, that you in our name pay and deliver to the said Y Mcky or to his factors in his name the said sum of 20 pounds at two times of the year, Whitsunday and Martinmass in winter; which said sum being paid be you, we shall make the same be allowed to you counted by the auditors of our Exchequer, and command and charge them to make allowance to you thereof … Given under our privy seal at Edinburgh the 18 Jul 1496, in the 9th year of our king"

After presentation and reading, the transcript has been made with due observance to prevent accidents and provide proof. The seal has been attached to the public instrument in the Cathedral church of Caithness in the presence of the following venerable and discreet men: Master Walter Fenton, Chancellor of Brechin and canon of Caithness, Adam Fern deputy of the Cathedral Church, Donald Swyne, James Wormet, William Achlect, Robert Fern of the same Cathedral of Caithness, William Mcky and John Kenachson, knights, witnesses.
And I, John Polsoune, presbyter of Caithness, in my own hand
John Polson, presbyter

James by the Grace of God king of the Scots and to all good men of the land, Greeting.
Know that, for good and thankful service to us by our beloved servant Odo (or Y) Makky in Strathnaver, both in times of peace and war, for the seizure of Alexander Sutherland of Dilrid and the other ten persons were complicit in rebellion to our existence. The present charter confirms the said Odo Makky and his heirs to hold all and sundry lands underwritten, viz., the lands of Farr, Armidill, Strathy, Rynivee, Kynald, Gollespy, Delrid, Cattak, Bronach, Kilchallumkill, Davach Lochnaver, Davach Ereboll, and the two pennylands in Stromay, with the mill Kynald with its appurtenances, lying in Caithness and Sutherland, within our sheriffdom of Inverness.

These were the late Alexander Sutherland's property, who was convicted of treason, and now are in our hands. The successors of the said Odo Makky and his heirs are to hold them in fee and heritage for ever of us.
In return, annually, and our successors, for us, of self, and heirs of the aforesaid Odo Makky, a dark red rose from the lands of Dilred on the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
The testimony of our great seal is appended to the charter. In witness whereof we command you, at Inverness, on the 4 November 1499, in the 12th year of our reign.

James, by the grace of God king of Scots, to all and sundry our officers, lieges and subjects whom it effects who have knowledge of our laws, shall come Greeting. Know you us to have given and granted to our loved Y Mcky in Strathnaver and his heirs for his good, true and thankfull service done and to be done to us, all profits of all of the lands of Strathnaver, Fermacostrig, Strathaliday, Creichnior, Assynt, Laidroigith, Gruyddech davach, and Edderachilis, with the little Isles of Strathnaver and Assynt, together with one part of the lands of Strathflete, being in his hands and possession with their pertinents for all the time that they have been in the hands of our predecessors and ours through non-entry of the rightful heirs thereto and of all times to come until the rightful heirs of the said lands be lawfully entered to the same and obtain lawful state and sasine thereof. To be holding and to be held the whole of the said lands with the pertinents being in our hands by reason foresaid with all profits thererof of all termes bygone and to come, until the entry of the rightful heirs to the same, to the said Y Mckay and his heirs with power to occupy the same with his own goods or to set them to tenants as you shall think most expedient, until the rightful heir or heirs of the said lands obtain lawful state and sasine thereof, freely, quietly, well and in peace without any revocation or again calling of us or our successours whatsoever.
Wherefore we charge straightly and command all and sundry of our officers, leiges and subjects foresaid that none of you take upon hand to do any thing against our laws, of gift made to the said Y Mcky and his heirs nor to make him nor them no manner of vexation, inquietation nor disturbance thereuntil, but that he and they may have the lands above written in all things according to this our said gift for all the time foresaid under all that after may follow.
Given under our privy seal at Edinburgh 15 Mar 1504, and of our reign the 17 year.

In the name of God, amen. A Public instrument dated 30 Sep 1511 in the 7th year of Pope Julius II, written by the notary public and personally signed by the witnesses underwritten:
I, Donald McDonchy of Melliness, not led by force or by fear nor in error but all of my own spontaneous will and deliberate mind, in the right form and the best way I could; and I empower the noble and potent lord Henry Sinclair to be my proxy in the business described below, who has the power to accomplish my resignation and letting go into the serene hands of the most high, our lord James, by the grace of God most illustrious king of Scots, the whole of my land, viz., Melliness, Mossell, and Hoip, together with that of the salmon fishing of the town of Hoip, and for the conferring of the same to Odo Mcky and his son John, by inheritance of himself and his heirs for ever, for a certain sum of money, that is to say, a hundred marks in gold and the silver, which I acknowledge to have received from the hands of the said Odo in payment in advance, and swore by the Gospels that the aforesaid Lord Henry the Sinclair, his agent, or his substitute must never contradict publicly or secretly, directly or indirectly under any pretext whatsoever, under penalty of law or civil law. We will confirm whatever Henry Sinclair promises to the aforesaid Odo Mcky.
I, notary public, have written this public instrument under the year, month, day labor and pontificate above, the discreet men Magno Feid, curate of Creich, Donald Reed, chaplain, John Kennedison, Robert Smyth, John Malcolm or McKennach, and Alexander Mowet, were present about 8 in the morning to witness and ratify.
And I John Polson, clerk of Caithness diocese, by order of the authoritative statements written down by the notary, together with that of the above named witnesses, I was present, I knew and heard and took a note, and signed at the request of all the particular men.
John Polson, Presbyter

[On the back of the parchment in the handwriting of about 1600 there is written, "This is Donald [otherwise] McCorrochy's letter of Procuratory as descended from Farquhar Leech, resigning all his lands of Strathnaver within written in our sovereign lord's hands."
A little lower in the handwriting of about 1670 this appears, "Proie. of resignation by Donald McCourchie of the lands of Melnes, Hope, and salmon fishing thereof in favours of Eye Mckey and his son, 1511".
In the body of the document Donald is said to have been a McDonchy, but in these two dockets he is described as McCorrichie. Evidently he was traditionally known as McCorriehie, i.e., the son of Murdo.]

[Reay Papers (translated from Old Scots)]

This indenture made at Inverness, the last day of July the year of God 1517, betwixt a noble and mighty lord, Adam, Earl of Sutherland on the one part, and Y Mckye on the other part, in manner and form as after follows:
That is to say, the said Earl of Sutherland shall with his kin, friends, tenants, and servants as well of property as tenantry, make and keep the said Y Mckye, his tenants, his kin, freinds, and men, and all others dependant on him unhurt, harmed, or skaithed in any manner of way, other than law will, by them or any dependants of the said Earl of Sutherland, from this day forth by word or deed; also the said Y Mckye shall keep the said Earl of Sutherland his overlord, and his free tenants as well of tenantry as property, unhurt or skaithed by him or any dependant on him by any way, other than law will, from this day forward, and for the lands he had of the said Earl of Sutherland in property, the said Y Mckye shall from Whitsunday furth discharge him thereat or apprise the said Earl therefore.
And this indenture to endure for all the days of their life, and failing, as God forbid, that either of the said parties break the other in any point above written, in that case the party breaking binds and obliges him, his heirs, executors, and assignies to that party keeping, his heirs, executors, or assignies in the sum of 1,000 merks usual money for hurts, skaiths, damages, and expenses made and sustained by the party keeping; and therefore binds and obliges them by all their goods, movable, unmovable, present, and for to come.
In faith and witness whereof the said parties have sworn their great oath, and signed this writ with their hands, year, day, and place foresaid, before the witnesses, William Keith of Inverugie; Alexander Irvine of Drum; Alexander Irvine; Master Robert Monnorgyn; Sir John Auchinleck; with others diverse.

[No. 10 sealed a compact between the houses of Mackay and Sutherland the previous year, but meantime John Mackay of Strathnaver had succeeded his deceased father Iye, and by No. 11. takes up a similar friendly attitude towards his overlord for the specified lands which he holds within the Earldom of Sutherland.]

The indentures made at Abbirsco, the 16 Aug 1518, proposes and bears witness in this said indenture that it is agreed and fully accorded betwixt a noble and mighty lord, Adam Gordon, Earl of Sutherland, on the one part, and an honourable man called John McKy of Strathnaver on the other part, in form and effect as after follows:
That is to say, the said John Mcky is bound and obliged by the faith and truth in his body, the great oath sworn, the Holy Evangelist taught, to fulfill the points that after follows, that is to say, I, the said John McKy, has come man and servant, with my friends, kinsmen, servants, and allies, and all others that will take my part, to be loyal and true to the said lord for all the days of my life, the king's good grace excepted, the Governor [Regent], and my lord of Huntly; and shall be ruled with kinsmen and friends and all others that will take my part to be ruled and make service with all my power, as said is, to help, defend, and supply the said lord in all manner of things when ever I, the said John, is charged or may get known by the said lord or his servants.

And if any man comes in any part pretending to invade or do skaith to the said lord, men, servants, or lands, and also if Alexander Sutherland comes in any part pertaining to the said John, or in any other parts near the bounds of Sutherland, or in Sutherland, or any other man whatsoever he be, that I, the said John, shall do my diligence and power and take the said Alexander Sutherland or any other that takes his part, and shall bring their persons to the said Lord so that the said Lord shall defend me before the king and the Lords, if I the said John be called therefore, as law will; and it shall not be forfeiting to the said John of the lands that the said John has in his feu, that is to say, the 7 davachs in the height of Strathflet, that is to say, the lands of Larg, Schennis, Moy, Ryne, and Cragy; and also if the said John fails in any points before stated, that the said John shall forfeit the said lands of Larg, Schennis, Moy, Rynne and Cragy.

And also the said Lord binds and obliges me by the faith and truth in my body, the great oath sworn, to be a good lord and master to the said John McKy, kinsmen, and friends for all the days of my life, that I, the said Adam, Earl of Sutherland, shall be loyal and true, and all others that will take my part shall defend and mantain the said John McKy, kinsmen, and friends against all men that will take his contrary part, the king's good grace excepted, the Governor, and the Earl of Caithness who has my band; and I the said lord shall give to the said John McKy the 7 davachs before written for his good service to be done to me, the said Earl of Sutherland, for fulfilling of the poincts above written; and I, the said Adam, Earl of Sutherland, shall not reset nor yet agree with John Murray, nor yet his kinsmen, without consent and advice of the said John McKy, and in likewise the said John Mcky shall not agree with the said John of Murray, nor none of his kinsmen, without consent and advice of the said lord.

And if so happens that the said Lord or the said John McKy fails or breaks in the points before written, that the party failing or breaking shall pay to the party keeping the sum of 1,000 merks usual money of Scotland, that is to say, the one third to the king, one third to the kirk, and one third to the party; and if it be that the indentures be not sufficient in themselves, that it shall be left to the said Adam, Earl of Sutherland, and to the said John McKy to reform the writings until they be sufficient. And for the more security I, the said John McKy, have procured the seal of an honourable man, the laird of Skelbo, and have affixed to this present writ with my signature, the day, and place abovewritten, before the witnesses, William Bailey of Ardnele, William Gordon, son and apparant heir to James Gordon of the Cawbrach, Angus McKy, Donald Bane, Angus Kennochtson, Sir Laurence Smyth, Henry Sutherland, with others diverse and sundry.

Court held in the cathedral of Caithness the discretion of Lord Robert McRaith, vicar of Kilmaly, deputy commissioner of the same etc., on 6 July 1523.
On that day an honest man, John McKy of Strathnaver, according to his own confession, and of his own will, made an oath, touching the Gospel and the relics of St. Gilbert, swore homage, service and humility to an honorable man, Alexander Gordon, Master of Sutherland with a similar obligation the he pledged to the potent lord Adam, Earl of Sutherland in all its points and to perform the things under penalty of excommunication. Similarly the Master of Sutherland faithfully promised to defend, protect and maintain John McKy in the same manner in which the Earl was bound by the terms and effect of the contract, etc;
in the presence of Lord Thomas Murray, a cantor of Caithness etc.

[Shortly before this Earl Adam Gordon had resigned the lands of the Earldom of Sutherland in favour of his elder son, the Master of Sutherland, and the latter now as head of the house practically by this document renews his father's compact with Mackay of Strathnaver.

The copy of this deed lying at Dunrobin Castle is docketed as follows: - "Indorsed: An act where McKy gave his oath to Alexander, Earl of Sutherland, to do all things that he was obliged till do to Adam, Earl of Sutherland." See Sutherland Book, Vol III ]

James, by the grace of God king of Scots, to all good men of all his land, clergy and laymen, greeting.
I clearly understand that we are taking into consideration the land which was formerly the property of Odo McKy, (alias Y Mcky), the father of our wellbeloved Donald McKy in the Strathnaver, and his predecessors, in each and all of the following lands, viz., the lands of Farr, Armidill, Straye, Rynevie, Kynnald, Golesby, Dilrid, Cattack, Bronich, Kilchalumkill in Strabroray, Davach Lochnaver, Davoch Erebull, and two pennylands in Stromay, and the mill of Kynnald, the island of Sanday extending to threepennylands of Melliness and Hope, with mill lands, mills, and neighboring fisheries, within our sheriffdom of Inverness, which are now in our hands, through non-entry, under pain of forfeiture, bastardy, escheater … or any other cause of any past. We have granted these to Donald, his heirs and assigns, by inheritance, all and sundry, will receive the aforesaid lands of Farr, Armidill, Strath, Ryneve, Kynnald, Golesby, Dilrid, Cattack, Bronych, Kilchalumkill in the Strabroray, Davach Lochnaver, Davach Erebull, and your twopennylands of the Stromay, the mill of Kynnald, and the Isle of Sanday, and Isle of Hoga extending as aforesaid, Mellness and Hope, with mills countries, mill, fisheries and the same appurtenances within the sheriffdom our foresaid beloved kinsman Robert.
In the present charter, we give, grant, dispone, and confirm to the said Donald, his heirs and assigns, the entire stock the right, title, interest and jurisdiction, which our predecessors granted, or in any way either have or claim to be among the aforementioned lands etc. islands; the whole of the foresaid lands of Farr, Armidill, Strath, Rynevie, Kynnald, Golesby, Dilrid, Cattack, Bronich, Killchallumkill in the Strabroray, Davach Lochnaver, Davach Erebull, two pennylands of the Stromay, the mill of Kynnald, and the Isle of Sanday, the island Hoga, Melness, and Hope, with mill lands, mill fisheries and their appurtenances, Manors, woods, crofts, cottages, parts, pendicles, outsetts, annexes, and all their appurtenances into one integral and free barony, to be known in future as the Barony of Farr, and we have only to be taken now by the said Donald, and all future time through its successors and assigns, with a capital messuage of all of the lands of Farr, to be a sufficient sasine on behalf of all men, and of the lands. The said Donald will therefore render to us and our successors and assignees three times a year, in the sheriffdom of Inverness.
In witness whereof, the testimony of our great seal is appended to the charter at Stirling on 16 Dec 1539, in the twenty-seventh year of our reign.

In the name of God, amen. In this public instrument dated 16 Feb 1539, in the 7th year of Pope Tertius, the notary public and witnesses underwritten presentiis personally set an honorable man, Donald McKy, set over the messuage of land of Farr, lying in the sheriffdom of Inverness and the kingdom of our noble lord King James, at Stirling on 16 Dec 1539, in the 27th year of his reign, directed his great seal to be placed , honorable men ordered the bailiffs of Inverness and William Davidson of Stanestill and Keiss with that provision and severally, etc. said William presented.

William the same fate which it was becoming to his reverence for the hands of the strangers for me, and a notary public underwritten; to the same and the perlegendam delivered of which the tenor follows, and is the kind of James, by the grace of God king of Scots, to the sheriff, and to his bailiffs of Inverness, as well as our beloved William Davidson of Staynestill, and Keiss, and Inverness on our men together and also the sheriffs of Inverness, greetings.

What did they have conceded to our Donald McKy of Strathnaver, his heirs and assigns, all the following, viz., lands of Farr, Armidaill, Strathy, Rynew, Kynnald, Golspy-tour, Durr, Cattaucht, Broynocht, Killecallumkill the Strathbroray; davach Lochnaver, davach Ereboll and twopenny land of Stromay, mill Kynnald island of Sanday extending to three pennyland, and the island of Hoga extenden. the two pennyland of Melliness and Hoipe with mill lands, mill, fisheries and their appurtenances, lying within our sheriffdom of Inverness:

In all of the above-mentioned lands, Odo McKy, (alias Y McKy) , father of the aforesaid Donald McKy, inherited from his predecessors, but are now in means of our hands. Donald will have the same from us and our successors and their heirs and assigns of the said law and judgment: to preserve the meaning of the same in to punish them for a perpetual statute.

In addition, for the reasons described above, and other reasonable considerations we have erected, and incorporated all the aforementioned lands from Farr, Armidaill, etc. etc. with the mill lands, mill, water, fisheries, and their appurtenances, manor lands, tofts, crofts, other cottages, pendicles, outsets, annexes, into a single whole free barony to be called the barony of Farr.

And we want to be the one only seisin to be taken now, by the said Donald, and all time to come and by his heirs and assigns, with a capital messuage of whether it takes place of the aforesaid, of the lands from the FARE stand, and the suffieiens shall come to pass seisin to be taken on behalf of all and each of the above written in the earth, and the islands with his ward, that siinilis the same manner as if a single and the place where part of a special or individual type of seisin to be taken with the child having been born notwithstanding any of them.

Ac volumus quod unica sasina nunc per prefatum Donaldum et omni tempore affuturo per eius heredes et assignatos apud capitale messuagium sive locum predict, terrarum de Fare stabit et suffieiens erit sasina pro omnibus et singulis suprascriptis terris et insulis cum suis pertinent, siinili modo ac si unica specialis seu particularis sasina apud quamlibet ipsarum partem et locum suscepta fuisset non obstan.

quod prefate terre non jacent invicem contigue prout in carta nostra desuper confecta plenius continetur, vobis precipimus et mandamus quatenus prefato Donaldo vel suo certo actornato latori presentium sasinam predictarum terrarum, cum moleudinis terris, molendinariis, multuris, aquis piscariis, nemoribus, terris, dominicalibus, maneriebus, toftis, croftis, cotagiis, partibus, pendiculis, lie outsettis, annexis, et ipsarum connexis et omnibus suis pertints secundem tenorem diet, nostre carte quam de nobis inde habet juste haberi faciatis et sine dilatione et hoc nullo raodo omittatis.

Ad quod faciendum vobis et vestrum cuilibet conjunctim et divisim vicecoinitatibus nostris in hac de Inverness, committimus potestateni datum sub testimonio nostri magni sigilli apud Striveling, die decimo sexto mensis Decembris, anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo trigesimo nono, et regni nostri vigesimo septimo.

Post cuiusquidem commissionis lectionem et eandeni in se acceptationem dictus Willielmus in hac parte vicecomes sasinam hereditariam suprascriptarum terrarum cum pertinent in dicto commissione et precepto contentarum secundum vim formam et effectum diet, commissionis et prccepti dicto Donaldo per terre et lapidis traditionem ut moris est contulit et donavit, ac eundem in eisdem investivit super quibus omnibus et singulis dictus Donaldus a me notario subscripto sibi fieri petiit instrumentum ac instrumenta acta erant hec super capitale messuagium terrarum de Farr,

hora undecima ante meridiem aut eo circa, sub anno, die, mense, indictione, et pontificatu quibus supra, presentibus ibidem venerabili viro Magistro AVillielmo Sinclaire, rector de Olrick commissarioque Cathanen., honorabili viro David Sinclaire, Hugone Kenzo-soune de Lyth, Donaldo de Milcomie, et domino Donaldo Willielmi, testibus ad premissa vocatis pariter et rcgatis.

Et ego vero Johanne Symsoun presbyter Sancte Andree diocessis publicus sacra auctoritate apostolica notarius, quia etc. etc.

[Reay Papers]

Mary by the Grace of God Queen of Scots etc., Sciatis nos etc., dedisse etc., delecte nostre Helene Sinclare, sponse Donaldi McKy de Far, in vitali redditu pro omnibus sue vite diebus tantum terris de Balneglis cum molendino multuris et pertinentiis eiusdem, Gallowall cum molendino multuris et pertinen. suis, Stray cum molendino multuris efc pertinen. ejusdem, Armidaill cum molendino multuris et pertinen. ejusdem, Ranowy cum molendino multuris et pertinen. ejusdem, Melness cum molendino multuris et pertinen. ejusdem, Dilbart Cattock et Broynocht cum molendinis multuris et pertinen. earundem, aquam de Far a lato vado ad mare usque cum piscatione salmonum solita et consueta, aquam de Hallodale a lie Beghouse ad mare usque cum piscatione salmonum solita et consueta, aquam de Straye cum piscatione salmonum ejusdem solita et consueta, ac etiam aquam de Hoip a lacu ad mare usque cum piscatione salmonum ejusdem solita et consueta, jacen. infra vicecomitatum nostrum de Inverness etc. Apud Edinburgh vigesimo secuudo die mensis Februarii, anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo quinto, et regni nostri quarto.

[Reg.Mag.Sig.]

[Reg.Mag.Sig.]

Donald McKy of Strathnaver to Thomas Scott of Pitgormo, justice-clerk, whereby the said Donald, conform to the law of Scotland by which landlords were made answerable for their tenants and followers, became bound to produce on fifteen days' notice ten persons therein named, viz., Keanzoch Farquharson, R. Peterson, John Angusson and his brother Rory Angusson, Patrick Farquharson, R. Peterson, Thomas Williamson and his brothers John and Gavin Williamson, and Rory Jameson, before the Lords Justice at Inverness, for alleged reset and intercommuniug with Donald and William Galdochson, rebels, accused of the slaughter of the late Donald Henryson and others.

[Blk. MS.]

[Blk. MS.]

A letter made to Donald McKy of Far, his heirs and assigns one or more, of the gift of all goods movable and immovable, dettis, takis, stedingis, obligations, sums of money and others whatsoever, which pertenit to Kenneth McKenneth McPherson, Donald Henryson, Agnes (sic) Henryson, Finlay Clerk, Caudicht McAndroye, Thomas Johnson, John Galioch, and now pertaining or any wiss shall happen or may pertain to our sovereign Lord, by reason of escheat through their being absent and remaining fra our sovereign Lord's oist and army convened and gathered at Lauder, incontrare the tennour of his hienes letters, proclamations, and chargeis made thereapon, with power etc. At Edinburgh the 28 day of Nov, the year of God 1542. Per signaturam

[Privy Seal Register]

Preceptum remissionis Y Makky de Far, pro ipsius proditoria iinportationc et conducione vetorum Anglic inimicorum ad burgam de Hadington, in niense Aprilis anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo octavo, et ibidem assistentia et manifesta participatione cum ipsis in fortificatione eiusdem ville, equitatione ambulatione consultatione et adinnatione ipsorum, ad combucendum occidendum et depredandum pauperos liegios regni nostri et idem regnuin sub obediencia et subiectione regis Anglie ducendum, Et sic a regina suam regnam coronem reginalem et authoritatem spolatione et abreptione et pro omnibus aliis actionibus etc., proditoria, traditionc in propriam personam reginalem duntaxat excepta. Apud Aberdene quinto die raensis Octobris, anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo secundo, et regni regine vicesimo. Per signaturam.

[Reg. Sec. Sig.]

In Dei nomine, amen. Per hoc presens publicum instrumentum cunctis pateat evidentur sit notuni quod anno incarnationis Dominice millesimo quingentesimo septuagesimo primo, mensis vero Aprilis die vicesimo, et regni supremi domini nostri principis, Jacobi Sexti Dei gratia Scotorum regis, anno quarto: In mei notarii publici et testium subscriptorum presentiis personaliter constitutus discretus vir, Johannes Dauidsoun, vicarus de Raa, procurator et eo nomine honorabilis viri, Odonis Makky, de cuius procuratoris mandato mihi notario publico subscripto luculenter constabat, habens et tenens in suis manibus quandam cartam et preceptum sasine in se continen. nobilis et potentis domini Georgii comitis Huntlie, domini Gordoun et Badzenach, baronis baronie de Straithnaver etc., pergamino script, eius subscriptione manuali cum appensione sui proprii sigilli roborat, accessit ad personalem presentiam honesti viri Willielmi Johannis Roberti, ballivi in hac parte specialiter constituti, prefatam cartam et preceptum sasine in se sic continen. eidem ballivo presentan. Ipsumque debita cum instantia requiren. quatenus ipse statim et sasinam terrarum in dicto precepto contentarum procuratorio, et in eo nomine ipsius Odonis daret quiquidem ballivus prefatam cartam et preceptum sasinae, ut prefertur ea qua decuit reverentia ad maims recepit et mihi notario publico subscripto easdem perlegendum tradidit quas etiam ad maims recepi, et alia ac intelligibile voce perlegi et valgarizavi, cuius precepti tenor sequitur et est talis. Insuper dilectis nostris Willielmo Johne Robsoun etc., ballivis nostris in hac parte, conjunction et divisim specialiter constitutis, stricti precipimus et firmiter mandamus quatenus visis presentibus indilate statum sasinam hcreditariam, possessionemque actualem realem et corporalem omnium et singularum predictarum terrarum de Broneach, Dibit, Cattack, et duarum denariatarum terrarum jacen. in insula de Stroma, necnon omnium ct singularum terrarum de Galdwall, Ballinhagles cum salmonum piscationibus earundem, Strathie et de salmonum piscatione eiusdem, Skerry, Borgybeg, Borgymoir, Armidaill, Farr ct de salmonum piscatione eiusdem, Invernaver, Ryndnowie, Skelpick, Carnachie, Ravigill, Syhir, Growbeg, Growmoir, Mowadaill, Torrisdaill et de salmonum piscatione eiusdem, Toung, Kirkebold, Scrabuster, Kennesed, Lettirlavell, Keandloch, Mellencs, Hoip et de salmonum piscatione eiusdem, Laxfurde et de salmonum piscatione eiusdem, Arnabold, Honleian, Erebokl, Straithurradaill, Keandloch bcrvie, Nahardin, Fenziedailles, Skowriebeg, Skowriemoir, Oauldstrom, insule de Hauda, insule de Chorie, inside de Gyld, inside de Rone, insule de Colme, Lang wall, Rosewall, Auchynnes, Clebrig et de foresta de Derymoir et pertinentiis, ac etiam omnium et singularum terrarum de Kynnald, Golspitoure, Gillecallumkill et de molendino eiusdem, et Edderachiles, terrarum de Skaill, Rigabolcl, Sandwatt, insule de Hall, Alcheleourebeg, Alcheleouremoir, et de pendiculis et pertinentiis earundem ut premittitur jacen.; necnon officii dicti balliatus et donationis dicte warde et nonintroitus dicto Y McKy secundum tenorem presentis nostre carte, tradatis et deliberetis seu alter vestrum tradat et deliberet salvo jure cuilibet ad quod faciendum vobis et vestrum cuilibet conjunctim et divisim, nostram plenarium ten ore presentium committimus potestatem sive revocatione. In cuius rei testimonium presentibus manu nostra subscriptis sigillum nostrum proprium est appensum apud Abirdonen. ultimo die mensis Julii, anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo septuagesimo, coram hiis testibus: Johanne commentario de Abirbrothock, Jobanne comentario de Coldinghame, Alexander apparente de Elphingstoun, Magistro Roberto Gordoune, cancellario Morrauien. germano nostro, Alcxandro Drummond de Medop, et Magistro Alexandra Skene advocato, cum diversis aliis, et sic subscribitur " George eric of Huntlie." Post cuiusquidem precepti pcrlecturam publicationem et vulgarizationem, prefatus Willelmus ballivus qui supra attendens eiusmodo rcquissitionem fore justam et rationi consonan. volens officium sui ballivatus in hac parte exercere, accessit tanquam filius obedicute ad messuagium et mansionem de Fair, cui omnes et singuli terre cum ceteris, earundem annexis et pcrtinentiis, molendinis, piscariis, insulis, silvis, et forestis, cum officio ballivatus eorundem in dicto £>recepto contentis sunt unito et annexe, Et ibidem statum sasinam hereditariam possessionemque actualem realem et corporalem omnium et singularum terrarum in dicto precepto contentarum, cum molendinis, multuris eorundem, piscariis salmonum, silvis, forestis, et insulis cum eorundem annexis et pcrtinentiis una cum officio ballivatus antedict. secundem tenorem prefati precepti sasine prefato Jolianne Dauidsoun, procuratorie eo nomine prefati Odonis McKy, per terre et lapidis fundi ly hesp et stapill messuagii seu mansionis eorundem traditionem, ut moris est, tradidit et deliberavit salvo jure cuiuslibet ipsumque Johannem, procuratorem et eo nomine Odonis McKy, in easdem induxit et investivit ac in pace dimisit nemine opponent aut contradicente. Super quibus omnibus et singulis dictus Johannes Davidsoun, procurator et eo nomine dicti Odonis McKy, a me notario publico subscripts sibi fieri petitt instrumentum, et instrumenta acta erant hec super solo dictarum terrarum de Far et principalae domus et messuagii earundem respective, horam circiter secundam post meridiem, sub anno, die, mense, et regno quibus supra, presentibus ibidem Johannem Tullidas burgen. de Abirdene, Thoma Cusnii burgen. eiusdem, Roderico McWilliam Makryrie, Nigello Mcleane MakWilliam, servis dicti Odonis, Johanne Stewart, et Paulo Factoure ibidem, cum diversis aliis testibus ad premissa vocatis et requisitis. Et ego vero Magister Thomas Brady, artium magister Sancti Andree diocesis apostolica authoritate notarius publicus etc. etc.

[Reay Papers]

[Reg.Mag.Sig.]

[Reg.Mag.Sig.]

Rex dedit literas remissionis Donald McKy feodatario de Far, John Gordon apparenti de Golspytour, John Gordon natural son of John Gordon de Bakeis, Adam Gordon in Dole, John Baillie, William McEan McEane, Murdo Neil Williamson, John William Alastir Williamson, Allaster his brother, William John Allester Williamsoun, Neil McAlaster Johne Neilsone, Murdo William Murthowson, Neil his brother, John Agnus Reidson, John Donald Rorie Reidson, Angus Henry William Alasterson, Rorie Reid William Alasterson, Donald Reid McEane Mclnnes, John Ross junior, John Donald John Williamson, Angus Henry William Henryson, William Donald Grierson, Angus McRorie McEane McFindlay, William Ouer, John McWilliam McAndrew, Donald Mclnnes Mclnnes, William John William Rorison, Angus John Hutcheonson, Murdo McAllastir McEan McNeill, Neil McMurdo McWilliam, Clericho McEan McPhail, Murdo Naverach, Donald McCruimien lie pyper, John McRorie lie pyper, William McDonnachie McHoutcheoun, Donald Dow Henrik, William William Thomas - essousone in Carnoichie, Donald Myllar, Angus Donald Murdoson, Thormet his brother, Neil Nachinarre, Donald Rob Gibberson, John McEane Mclntagartie, et John Buy, pro coram vita duraturas - pro arte parte interfectionis 1 John Sinclair de Stirkoke et Arthur Smith, necron pro mutilatione James Sinclair, brother of Sinclair of Dun, mense Maio, 1612.

[Reg.Mag.Sig.]

[The slaughter here referred to took place at Thurso, when Arthur Smyth, the suspected counterfeit coiner, was being apprehended by warrant of the authorities (Earldom of Sutherland) ]

Rex - cum consensu &c - concessit et de novo dedit Donaldo M'Cay de Arnegill, in vitali redditu, et post ejus decessum Euero lie Ewir M'Cay ejus filio legit, primogenito et heredi apparenti, et ejus heredibus, hereditarie - officium coronatoris insule et limitum de North Kintyre, et 4 mercat. terrarum de Arnegill et Vughedall in Mid Kintyre ad dictum officium spectantes, vie. de Tarbert: - que rex Jac. V. de novo dederat quondam Ewir M'Kay-moir de Arnegill, avo dicti Donaldi (see Reg. Mag. Sig., a.d. 1513-1546, cartam 1 2756), prout in extractu de registro per D. Alexander Hay de Quhitburgh, militem, clericum rotulorum, registri ac concilii subscripto contentum est; et quorum carte combuste et deperdite fuerant occasione multorum bellorum,' homicidorum, combustionum et depredationum lie hairschipis inter pravissima cognomina et gentes de et M'CIaine invicem perpetratarum, unde integre terre de Kyntyre sepenumero vastate exsiterant, - et que regni devenerant virtute acti parliamenti 19 Dec, 1597, ob non productionem cartarum.

[Reg.Mag.Sig.]

[The charter here referred to we give in document Appendix No. 16]

[Reay Inventory]

[The original charter was deposited by the 7th Lord Reay in the Register House, Edinburgh, about the middle of March, 1832. Sasine on this charter was taken 4 Nov and registered 12 Nov 1624.]

[Reg.Mag.Sig.]

Carolus Dei gratia Magne Brittanie Francie et Hybernie rex, fideique defensor, omnibus probis hominibus suis ad quos presentes litere pervenirent Salutem. Sciatis quia nos considerantes plurima bona et grata servitia per fidelem et dilectum nostrum Dominum Donaldum McKy de Farr, militem, avunculo nostro Danie regi in bello Germanico prestita, ubi non vitam suam et statum periclitatus est, sed quam plurimos generosos et alios infra illius regni partes ubi natus est ad hujusmodi periculum excitavit, consideratio quorum juncta cum nostra scientia ipsius probe indolis et penes alia sufficientiae, Ac quo melius omnes hujusmodi nostros dilectos subditos quorum bene meritum prosapia fortune et obseqium, erga nostrum servitium gratiosum nostrum favorem et respectum merentur ad honoratas virtutum vias incitemus tesseram aliquam nostre regie benevolentie in dictum dominum Donaldum conferre juste meretur, Igitur nos e regia nostra potestate et authoritate regali fecimus, crcavimus, et constituimus, tenoreque presentium facimus, creamus, et constituimus prefatum Dominum Donaldum M'Ky, Dominum Baroxem De Rea, infra regnum nostrum Scotie, dan. et conceden. sibi et heredibus suis masculis cognomen et insignia de M'Ky gerentibus, titulum honorarem gradum et dignitatem domini baronis parliament infra dictum regnum, necnon investivimus tenoreque presentium investimus prefatum Dominum Donaldum heredesque suos masculos predict, in prefato titulo et dignitate omni tempore futuro Dominos de Rea nuncupandos et indignandos fore, Tenendum et habendum prefatum titulum honorem gradum et dignitatem cum suffragio in parliamento ct cum omnibus aliis prerogativis pre- eminentiis dignitatibus et honoribus quibuseunque ad predictam dignitatem domini pertinen. prenominato Domino Donaldo heredibusque suis masculis predictis, in omnibus nostris et successorum nostrorum parliamentis publicisque statum dicti regni nostri comitiis, Ac etiam ut potestate loco ac jure suffragium inibi dandi cum omnibus prerogativis et dignitatibus fruatur in omnibus per omnia sicuti aliquis dominus baro temporibus retroactis gaudebat ct fruebatur vel pro presenti infra idem regnum nostrum fruitur et gaudet, et ut prefatus Dominus Donaldus heredesque sui masculi predicti et eorum unusquisque successive omni tempore futuro Domini Baroxes de Rea indigitentur et nominentur, Et ut omni dignitate ct respectu dominis baronibus dicti regni nostri competen. honorentur mandan. etiam Leoni nostro regi armorum ct fratribus suis fecialibus ut additionern signorum et insignium presentibus dicti Domini Donaldi armis tradant et prescribant prout in talibus casibus usitatem et consuetum est. In cujus rei testimonium presentibus magnum sigillum nostrum apponi prccipimus, Apud rcgiam nostram de Quhithall vigesimo die mensis Junii, a.d. millesimo sexcentesimo vigesimo octavo, et regni nostri quarto. Per sienaturam

[Reay Papers]

[Sir William Fraser surmised that this letter was written circa 1630, but that date is impossible. In 1630 Lord Reay was fighting in Germany, and there is nothing in the Privy Council Register before or immediately after that date to give countenance to his Lordship's complaint. Gordon of Sallagh, however, relates that his Lordship got into trouble before the Council in 1637 with reference to Mrs. Harrison, and that he was represented by Innes of Sandside, as stated here.
Besides in 1630, his 3rd son Hugh was only 14 years of age and unfit to go abroad as a soldier, whereas in 1637 he was of suitable age.]

"Very honourable and loving uncle, Yours I received from Torris the 12th … As for men to your son I had once some 30 in roll that we might want, and would do my company good, and I thought to have sent my son Hew with them. After meeting with my friends, they all in one voice absolutely have refused to suffer any men to go out of this country, till they see the events of these plots hatched by your brother, Sir Robert, for all our ruins, as is alleged; and I am sorry there is too much evidence thereof. I am but one, and let never the earth bear me, but I would do for your son as for my own; but I pray you uncle, excuse me that I must now follow part of the advise of them that thinks to die for my defence, and in defence of their father's lands. I am sorry that I know not in whom to trust, my own uncle betraying me. The world would not make me believe it if I had not seen his hand. The particulars were this: I was advertised that the letters I sent to the Council and to some councillors, being my friends, part were upholden and part written over, and my hand counterfeit, and closed with my own seal which I sent with William Innes, yet I did not accuse Sir Robert thereof at Dornoch, because I sent the letters with William Innes, and not with him; yet in Tongue I caused Sir John Gordon and Robert Munro of Assint to accuse Sandside. He first freed Sir Robert, but in the end confessed Sir Robert made him do it, and produced a draught or copy of a letter written all by Sir Robert's hands, which letter Sir Robert, as he alleged, made him write over and counterfeit my name to it. Then they closit up and delevered it to the Council as from me - a letter that confessed more than Mistress Herison herself alleged. What more he confessed then Sir John will show you, and time will try and show the rest. O miserable world ! where there is no faith, trust nor credit; to take a man his means, and then betray him ! The Lord forgive them. What could the Council do but as they did, having my letter as their warrant. I know you nor no honest heart will never believe there is so much falsehood in man, etc."

[Sutherland Book, Vol III]

[Sir William Fraser dated this paper as circa 1620, but we consider circa 1627 more likely. It was after Charles I had ascended the throne in 1625 that the surrender of the hereditary sheriffship of Sutherland became even probable, and it was not carried into execution until 1631. As this paper strongly points to such a contingency, it must have been compiled sometime after the accession of King Charles I, and before 1628 when Mackay was created Lord Reay. ]

Sir Robert Gordon proceeds: - " If you shall happen to buy or purchase any lands in Strathnaver, use kindly the natives you find upon the land, that thereby you may purchase their love and alienate their minds from Mackay. And be not too hardhanded to them at first, for by a little frienes and liberality you may gain them, which is the nature of all highlanders. Yet by progress of time, I wish you to send some of your own people to dwell amongst them …
"Have ever some trusty secret friend both in Caithness and Strathnaver whom you shall entertain as your secret pensioner, that he may still advertise you of all things either spoken or devised against you or yours …
"Make all diligence to settle and establish your sheriffship of Sutherland and Strathnaver, if I do it not to your hand, and cause distinguish the same from the sheriffship of Inverness, making your own accounts to the exchequer. And if at any time your prince be earnest to have your sheriffship, let him have it for payment, providing that his majesty will be pleased to settle your regality; else not. For seeing all Sutherland (for the most part) doth hold of you and your regality, you need not care much for the sheriffship. But dispone not to his majesty the sheriffship of Strathnaver without Macky his consent, seeing you are bound to warrand the same unto him …
"Keep a steadfast and perpetual amity with the house of Mcky. Use Macky rather as your vassal than as your companion; and because they are usually proud and arrogant, let them know that you are their superior. Let Mcky his pincell [banner] never be displayed where yours is, whether you be personally present or some other having your place, let him have his pincell folded up when yours is displayed. Suffer not any clan or family in Sutherland to be so bold as to make particular conventions and meetings of their own for any cause whatsoever without your special attollerance and command.
"There be two chief things that are likely to breed discord betwixt you and Mcky which you shall endeavour in all haste to remedy, if it be not done before your majority. The one is your marches; the other is the warrandice of Strathnaver, whereunto your father did tie himself in the infeftment granted by him to Macky the year JMV1C six years. I doubt not but Mcky by virtue of this warrandice will press to deprive you if he can of the superiority of Strathnaver, that he may hold of the king; which to remedy you shall urge the minute of Achindore, passed betwixt your father (Earl John) and Mcky the year of God JMVIC therteen years. It will compell Macky to renounce the warrandice if he refuse to do it willingly; which if he do not, then do you remove him from the lands of Durness, wherof he has no right as yet, but a little ticket of your father's subscribed by him upon his death-bed, which will not avail much by law - I suspect that the Lord Forbes lost this minute. Press to keep Macky himself rather than his countrymen; if you have Macky you shall have them; if you want him, they can little profit you. The contrary hereof you shall observe with Caithness. If you may purchase the love of the inhabitants of that country, you shall care the less for the earl's friendship or favour …
"There is one other matter which may breed a jar betwixt you and Macky, depending of the forenamed warrandice, which is this: - Houcheon Macky of Farr had a daughter by his first wife, the Earl of Caithness his daughter. Houcheon married also Jane Gordon, daughter of Alexander Earl of Sutherland by whom he had Sir Donald Macky. Houcheon having served himself heir to his father Iy Macky, by a precept of dare constat given him by Alexander Earl of Sutherland to that effect, he resigned Strathnaver unto his superior Earl Alexander his hands, for anew infeftment to himself and to his son, Sir Donald. This new infeftment was given by Earl Alexander without warrandice. Your father Earl John renews this infeftment to Houcheon Macky and to his son Sir Donald, with warrandice, wherethrow proceeds all this controversy. The question is, Whether Houcheon Macky was infeft in the lands of Strathnaver before he did renounce the same in his superior's hands. If he was infeft or served heir to his predecessores (as I am assured he was) you are safe enough; and this you may know by Henry Fermer his protocol, which is among your father's writs. If Houcheon Macky was not infeft, or that his s«asing cannot be found, then you are in danger thus: -
"The lawful heirs of Iy Macky (father to Houcheon) may serve themselves heirs unto the said Iy Macky whereby they may evict the lands of Strathnaver from the heirs of Sir Donald, who may return back upon you for warrandice; and Sir Donald his heirs agreeing with the heirs of Iy Macky, may so cause you renounce the superiority of these lands, for to be red of the warrandice. I can percieve no remedy to prevent this, but either to defend yourself with the minute of Achindore (if it can be found) against the heirs of Sir Donald, or else to reduce Sir Donald his last infeftment granted by your father; which may be reduced, because fas I think) his seasing and his infeftment do not agree. For his seasing is united and taken in one place, which union is not in the infeftment. If this cannot help you, then you must agree for some composition of money with the heirs of Iy Macky if they do appear; which I wish you rather to do than to renounce the superiority of Strathnaver. The heir of Iy Macky is either Christian Macky, daughter to the said Houcheon by the Earl of Caithness his daughter, which Christian died without children; or else the heirs of Angus Macky, the grandfather (or the great-grandfather) of the said ly Macky, who can hardly be found out; and tho' they were found, their claim is now lost by prescription I hope. Sir Donald Macky hath neither served nor doth not intend to serve himself heir to his father or grandfather.
"There is one other remedy which you may use to free yourself from Macky his warrandice, and this is it. Bishop Reid of Orkney obtained a gift of Strathnaver before the Earl of Huntly by reason of Donald Macky his bastardy, which gift of Huntly is the ground of Iy Macky his claim. This former right was bought by your father from Bishop Reid's heirs, and the gift was taken in my name. Keep this right quiet until you do see yourself straited by the other, and then defend yourself thereby as you can. If there be any defect in Bishop Reid his right by law, press to amend it before you have to do therewith. But I hope (God willing) to end these controversies with Macky if I can possibly …
"Use your diligence to take away the reliquies of the Irish barbarity which as yet remains in your country, to wit, the Irish language, and the habit. Purge your country piece and piece from that uncivil kind of clothes, such as plaids, mantles, truses, and blew bonnets. Make severe acts against those that shall wear them, etc., etc."

[Sutherland Book, Vol III]

At Newmoir the 20 day of Sep, and at Durness the 8 day of Dec, the year of God MVIC 35 years, it is contracted appoyntit finally endid and agreed betwixt the parties following, to wit, a noble Lord, Donald Lord Reay, taking on and upon him and his heirs the full burden of Dame Marie McKy, his lawful sister and spouse to Colonel Sir Hector Munro of Fowlis, Knight. baronet, to ye effect underwritten, in the one pairt, And the said Colonel Sir Hector Monro with consent of Robert Monro, Obsdaill, apparent heir male and of tailzie to the said colonel, and the said Robert for himself, on the other part, in manner and effect as after specified. That is to say, forasmuch as there was a contract of marriage of the date at Tongue the 29 day of Decembre, MVIC 18 years, made endit and subscribed betwix the said noble Lord, herein styled Sir Donald McKy of Strathnaver, Knight, for himself and taking the burden on and upon him of the said Dame Marie McKy his youngest sister with her oin consent on the ane part, And the said Colonel Sir Hector Monro of Fowlis, herein styled Hector Monro of Alynes, on ye other pairt, Be vertue thereof the marriage then contracted and thereafter solenmized betwix the said Colonel Sir Hector and his said spouse, the said colonel infeft the said Dame Marie McKy, his said spouse, in liferent in all and sundrie the lands of Meikle and Little Alynes, with the mill thereof, mini croft, multures, and sequelles of the same, with all of the parts, pendicles, and pertinents of the said lands, lyimng within the regality of Spynie Earldom of and sheriffdom of Inverness, as the said contract of the date foresaid and infeftments following thereupon purports. Since the making of the which contract of marriage and infeftments following thereupon, the said Colonel Sir Hector Monro sold and disj^onit the foresaid lands of Alynes Meikle and Little, with the mill thereof and yr. pertinents, to the which disposition the said Dame Marie McKy gave her consent and renounced her liferent right in the favor of the person qr' into the said lands and mill were disponit, in recompence and satisfaction of the qlk renunciation the deceased Colonell Robert Monro of Foullis and the said Colonel Sir Hector Monro his brother, be the band subscribed with yr. hand, oblest them conjoincly and severally, yr. heirs, exers., successors, and assignis, to content and pay to the said Dame Marie McKy the sum of 1,000 merks usual Scots money yearly, during her lifetyme after the said Colonel Sir Hector's decease, in case at the pleasure of God she outlive him, in manner and form meutioned in the band made thereon as the same more fully proports. And now seeing at the pleasure of God the said Colonel Sir Hector Monro succeeds to his said deceased brother in all of the lands, leiving and barony of Foulis, sua that resone Avoid he should provide his said spouse to a reasonable and competent living effering to her estate, rank and place; Therefor for the love and favor the said Colonel Sir Hector pntlie. carries towards the said Dame Marie McKy his said spouse, and in satisfaction and contenting of all benefite she may claim or crave of her said spouse, his heirs, and successors, alsweil by vertue of the said contract of marriage and infeftment of the said lands of Alynes following thereon with the band given to her by the said deceased Colonel Robert Monro and by the said Colonel Sir Hector her spouse, as of all terce of whatsoever the said Col. Hector's lands, baronies, fishings, and heretages wherein he shall happen to dccis cast, vest, and seasit, which in law may befall to her by or through her husband's decease in case she shall happen to outlive him. The said Col. Sir Hector be thir presents binds and obleiss him his heirs male and successors, with all convenient diligence, to purchase procure and obtain themselves duly and lawfully infeft and seized in all of the lands and baronies of Foulis with the pertinents thereof whatsoever, and to secure the teind sheves of the same . The said Col. Sir Hector hereby obleys him and his frinds immediately thereafter to duly and lawfully infeft and sease by charter and sasine, titulo in due and competent forme, the forsaid Dame Marie McKy in liferent for all the days of her lifetime in all of the lands of Carbystell and Teaninver, with the coble fishing of Teaninver , lyand in Strath-Okell, within the barony of Foulis and sheriffdom of Inverness, etc.

[Reay Papers]

Be it known to all men by yr. present letter, We George Earl of Seaforth, Lord of Kintail, of heir male served and retoured to the deceased Colin, Earl of Seaforth, our brother, forasmuch as according to a contract and appointment of the date at Cromartie ye 28 day of Septembre, the year of God 1626, made and subscribed betwix my said deceased brother on the one part and a noble lord, Donald Lord of Rae, therein designated Sir Donald McKy of Strathnaver, knight, lord, colonel, on the other part, for the sum of 7000 merks usual money of the realme restand awand by the said noble lord as prnill., and by my said deceased as cautioner to the persons underwritten, each one for their own parts thereof in manner after devydit; To deceased James Haliburton, merchant, burgess of Edinburgh, the sume of 1000 pounds money; and to Mr Robert Munro, minister at the kirk of Far, therein designated minister at Duranes, the sum of 5500 merkes foresaid. My said deceased brother at least be ane band given to the said noble lord, Donald Lord of Rae, bound and oblej r st him to stent and pay the said several sums to the foresaid two persons, each one for their own part thereof as is before devydit, and that at the terme of Whitsunday next thereafter following, in the year of God 1627 zeirs, and to report and deliver to the said deceased lord the said bands, at least sufficient dylrances thereupon as yr. band in and be my said deceased brother yranent proportis. The said Donald, Lord of Rae, for security to my said deceased brother of the said sums of 7000 merkes, by his charter containing therein precept of sasine with instrument of sasine following thereon infeft and seast ray said deceased brother his heirs male and assignies whatsoever in all of the the said noble lord's lands of Skelpick, extending to two davach of land, and in all of the lands of Reyndvie, extending to one davach land, with houses, etc., lying within the barony of Farr and sheriffdom of Inverness, Redemabill always fra my said deceased brother his heirs male and assignies on payment making of the said sum of 7000 merkes, and the whole byrune duties of the sum of 700 merkes contained in a tack of the saids woodsett lands, pertaining to the said noble lord, qlk should happen to be restand awand time of the redemption, as the said contract of the date foresaid charter and instrument of sasine following thereupon sicklyke mair fnllie proportis. And now seeing since the decease of our said deceased brother the said noble lord has by his precept of sasine with instrument of sasine following thereupon infeft and seast we as heir male to our said deceased brother in all of the said woodsett lands, we have good and undoubted right to grant the redemption and renunciation underwrittin, and lykwayes that the said lord has substantlie at the making hereof payed and delivered to Mr Murdo Mackenzie, person of Contane, as our nomine, for the lawful redemptioning of the said woodsett lands all of the said sum of 7000 merkes money forsaid, together with the yearly tack duty of 700 merkes money furth the forsaid woodsett, Of the whick sum principal and tack duty we hold us well contcntit satisfied and paid the 27 Jun 1637, before the witnesses, Kenneth Mackenzie of Skatell, Mr Murdo Mackenzie, parson of Contene, William Lauder, sheriff-clerk of Ros.

[Reay Papers]

At Thurso the tenth day of April, the year of God 1638, It is agreed betwixt the honl. partys following, they are to say, ane reverend father Johne, by the mercy of God Bishop of Caithness, with consent of the dean and chapter of the Cathedral kirk, for the love and zeal which the said parties lies and carries to plant the Gospel, and for the better edificatione of the people remaining and that shall be hereafter within the country of Strathnaver; And although that there has been but two parishes of old in the country in time of poperie, and since of late in our own time there are bot two ministers serving the said twa kirks, we find it a work impossible for two pastors to thrine (sic) that wide and spacious bounds so far separate from other by mountains, rocks, waters, creeks, and loches, of salt as fresh water, And albeit the valuation of the whole country was given up by the said Donald Lord Raye to the commissioners as two parishes, to witt, Farr and Ardurnes, and the sume of 500 merks Scots the said kirks present, and at any rate we think it meetest both to the glory of God and for the well of the people as also for the better and ministering of the sacraments, that part be taken of the parish of Farr and part from the parish of Ardurnes, and that there shall be a third parish erected in the midst of the country in Kintaill, and the kirk of Kirkeboll to be the parish kirk of the said parish to be erected as said is. And that the said kirk shall be furnished with a sufficient minister with all possible diligence, and he to have the sum of 500 merks Scots money of stipend together with a glebe and a manse, the which 500 merks money to be paid as follows, viz., 250 merks to be taken of the stipend of the said parish of Farr, and the other 250 merks money as said is to be taken of the stipend of the parish of Ardurness, to witt, the sum of 29 merks money foresaid of each davache land, as they were valued and tinen up, with the devision that the said Donald Lord Ray and the three ministers shall devide equally and finally the same up under their hand wreat. And the said reverend father for himself and his successors, and the said Donald Lord Raye for himself and his heirs and successors consents that any shall compeir in ther name before the lords of commissioners for or before the lords of parliament, to crave and obtain ther decree and act of ratification of the said division of the two parishes of Farr and Ardurnes into three parishes, and partition of the stipends thereof, as said is; consenting this present act be insert registrat in the presbytery books of Caithness, therein to remain ad futuram rei memoriam, as that at the first sinod there may be ane act made upon the premises in forme as effeires. J[ohn] B[ishop] of Caithness.
Johne Sinclair of Assery.
D. Reay.
Hector Munro, Eriboll.

[Reay Papers]

Be it known to all men by thir present Ires., Us George, Earl of Seaforth, and Donald, Lord Reay, considering how warrantable it is by the word of God and laws of this kingdom that his Majesty's good and loyal subjects may legally unite and join themselves together in friendship, and being persuaded that our connection and keeping of friendship may every mutche tende to the advancement of religion, the king's Majesty's service, and the keeping of peace and tranquillity in the places where we live and have our being; Considering lykeways that our mutual friendship under God and our sovereign lord the king's Majesty may very much conduce to the particular well and standing of either our houses and families and to the good of all our friends vassals and tenants, Therefor out of the good and legal considerations and for conservation of true and solid friendship betwixt us our heirs and successors in all time coming, Know you us to have entered and become, lykas we be the tenour hereof enters and becomes, in the real true and legal bond of amity love and friendship together, faithfully obliging us our heirs and successors foresaid upon our faith and honour hinc hide to others to keep the same remain and continue thereuntill in all time coming, And to that effect by our selves, our kin, friends, vassals, tenants, followers, and dependers, and by our best airte and counsall to legally efectually truly and faithfully assist, mantain and defend others in all and whatsoever our lawful honest just and righteous affairs business actions and quarrells whatsoever, in so far as law will allcnarly and no otherways (all matters which may concern the king and his Majesty's successors being always excepted), And yt. Ave shall heer nor see any trouble, prejudere, harm, or skaith intended or done against any of us our kin, friends, our vassals, in our persons, honour, lands, country, goods, or gear bot shall in a lawful manner make others foreseen thereof with all dilligence, and legally impede and obviate the same according to our power. And to the effects that this band of friendship may be the better observed in succeeding ages, it is our will and pleasure that after our decease the same shall be lawfully renewed by our heirs and successors from time to time; promising hereby that in time convenient we shall make the premisses known to our kin and friends to the intent the same may be the better observed. At Chanonrie the 7 day of Jun, JMVIC 39 yeers, before thir witness, Hugh MacKy of Edrachilis, and Mr Murdoch McKenzie, minister of Contane. Seaforth Jo. Mky of Dilrett. D. Reay. William Macky of Bighouse Jo. McKeay. Hew Macky, son to Johne Macky. H. Macky, witness. Murdo McKenzie, witness.

[Reay Papers]

Strathnaver the 22 April, 1654. Most Sacred Sovereign, Upon your Majesty's Lieutenant-General's landing in Scotland, I did immediately apply my self to him, and for the security of his person and advancement of your Majesty's service, I did immediately raise in arms with such a power as was not only sufficient for a guard to him, bot likewise served to promote your Majesties service in the adjacent parts by raising forcses till my Lord Glenkarne's did come, being at a great distance. It has, and shall ever be my chiefest zeal without private ends to advance your Majesty's interest, in which the well being of all your subjects is wrapped up. There is nothing under heaven so much coveted by me as your Majesty's presence in this your ancient kingdom of Scotland. I shall leave perticulars which may induce your Majesty to make us happy by appearing amongst us to those whome it concerns to give an account, and whom I know will do it with much faithfullnes. Having not as yet received your Majesty's former commands sent with Normande M'Cloude, I shall only say that none of your Majesty's subjects heas pout one a more fixed resolution to seiff you then, Most Sacred Sovereign, Your Majesty's most fathfull and most obedient subject and servant, Reay. Addressed … For the King's most sacred Majesty this.

[Scot. HHist. Soc. Vol 31]

Articles of Agreement made and concluded the 18 day of May 1655, between the Right Honourable General Monck, commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland, for and on behalf of his Highness the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland on the one part, and Hugh Mackey, for and on behalf of the Right Honourable John, Lord Rea, and his party on the other parte: -

"It is agreed and concluded that the Lord Rea shall, together with all horsemen of his party included in this capitulation, repair or come to such place near Inverness as Colonel Fitch shall appoint within 28 days next after signing of these present articles, and then and there deliver up their arms to Colonel Fitch, to whom they are to give notice 24 hours before their approach.
"That the Lord Rea shall give security of 2,000 pounds bond to the said Colonel Fitch within 14 days after his parties delivering up their arms, for his and his friends and followers peaceable deportment to his Highnesse the Lord Protector and the Commonwealth of England and his successors. And that Hugh MacKey of Dilred, Hugh McKey of Scoury, Robert McKey, Donald McKey, and William MacKey shall be bound in the bond, and shall have protection from arrests whilst they come in to enter in to bond as aforesaid. And that George, Master of Rea, son to the said Lord Rea, shall, when the commander-in-cheif in Scotland shall desire it, be sent to and reside at such of the universities in Scotland as the Lord Rea shall choose for the performance of these articles; and that such others included in this capitulation of the said Lord Rea's forces or party as have estates in land or were officers under him, shall give good security for their peaceable deportment, a lieutenant-colonel in the sum of £ 300, a major £ 200, a captain in £ 100, a lieutenant or cornet in £ 60, and an ensigne in £ 50, and the private soldiers shall give their engagements to the like purpose.

"That the officers shall be at liberty to march away with their horses and swords, and the private soldiers with their horses, to their respective habitations or places of aboade, where they are to sell their horses within three weekes to their best advantage; and both officers and soldiers are to have passes from Colonel Fitch to go to their homes. And that the said Lord Rea and his friends and followers shall have liberty to carry their arms for their own defence against broken men and theives within their own bounds.

"That the said Lord Rea, together with all those of his party included in this capitulation, whether officers, private soldiers, or servants under his Lordship, who have not killed men in cold blood, shall enjoy their estates, both real and personal, without any trouble or molestation, any act or thing by them formerly done in reference to the late wars between England and Scotland since the year 1648 notwithstanding, they submitting to all common burthens equal with others of the nation. Provided that such of Lord Rea's party as have any lands in Ireland that are already disposed of by Act of Parliament, his Highness, or his Council, or the Lord Deputy and Council in Ireland, are not to have or claim them by vertue of these Articles, but what lands of theirs are not disposed of they are to have and enjoy.

"That the Lord Rea shall be remitted his whole by-past sesse till the first of September last, from which time he is to pay it in according to his proportion. And that whensover Colonel Fitch, or other officers commanding in Caithness or Inverness, shall have occasion to send for the Lord Rea about public affaires, his Lordship shall pass and repass without arresting or molestation by messengers at arms.

"That all such horsemen of the said Lord Rae's party who shall conceal or willingly imbezzle their arms, and not bring them in to Colonel Fitch according to this agreement, shall lose the benefit of these Articles.

"That in case there be any house or houses of strength within the Lord Rea's bounds that the commander-in-cheif in Scotland shall require to be guarrisoned, the Lord Rea shall by these articles be engaged to deliver up the same.

"That these Articles shall be ratified by his Highness the Lord Protector and his Council, and delivered to the Lord Rea, or whom he shall appoint, within three monthes after the date hereof.

George Monck.
Hugh MacKey.

Sealed and signed in presence of: - Thos. Pride; William Clarke; Mathew Lock."

[Scot. Hist. Soc. Vol 31]

We Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth, and John Lord Reay taking to consideration that the great ty of so uere a relation by blood as we have to other, together with the constant kindness and good correspondence that was still betwixt us and our predecessors, for further securing and establishment of these bonds and as suitable affection thereupon, we do hereby bind our selves on faith and honor mutually to maintain and entertain the said friendship in all points and on all occasions (with submission and obedience to his Majesty's authority and laws always); And in prosecution thereof to one anothers interest faithfully and cordially, and that we shall cause our kinsmen friends and vassals and followers to observe the like friendly correspondence, and particularly that none of us shall buy pleas or debts nor have we bought any against other, nor entertain theives or robbers thst wrongs either of us or our kinsmen friends vassals or followers, nor afford shelter in our country to any who is declared or behaves as enemies to either of us; But on the contrary to prosecute the enemies of these or. friends and to apprehend them and to deliver them to those offended by them on representation made to either of us by the party offended, and in general to do and carry wt. other in time of peace or war as faithfull friends with submission to his Majesty's authority on our souls and honours. Witness these written at Achmore in Assynt the 4 of July, Jaivic 72, before these witnesses, Sir Donald McDonald of Sleat, Archibald McDod. of Borrinescittack, Thomas Fraser of Beaufort, Hugh Fraser Belladrum, Hector Monro of Obstell, Hector Monro of Killein, Hugh Monro of Ereboll, Alexander McKenzie of Garloch, Colline McKenzie of of Reedcastle, Kenneth McKenzie of Sudily, Angus McKy of Mealeness, Hugh McKy of Bighouse, Capt. William McKy tutor of Scoury, Robert McKy in Aclines, and Sir George McKenzie of Tarbatt. Sic subscribitur

[Reay Papers]

Me Murdo MacKy in Carnach, heritable proprietor of the lands and grassings under described with their pertinents: Forasmuch as be contract matrimonial made ended and perfected betwixt me on the one part, and Captain William MacKy of Borley for himself and as burdentaker for Jane MacKy, his lawful daughter now my spouse, on the other part, of the date 167_ ycirs, I was obliged to infeft and saise by charter and sufficient title the said Jane MacKy my spouse in liferent during all the days of her lifetime, and the heirs lawful. to be gotten betwixt me and her in fee, in the principal sum of 2000 merks usual Scots money, as the said contract of the said date foresaid containing several heads, articles and clauses in itself at more length bears. Wherefore (bot prejudice of the said other 1,000 merks contained in the said contract), and for the love and favour which I have and bear to the said Jane MacKy and Robert MacKy, my oldest lawful son procreate betwixt me and her of the said marriage, and for other good causes and considerations moving me hereto, Witt ye me to have sold and anuailzied and disponed, Lykas be thir pnts., under the reservations underwritten and no other ways, sell anailzie and dispone to the said Jane MacKy, my said spouse, in liferent during all the days of her lifetime, and the said Robert by my said spouse his heirs and assigns, in fee heritably and irredeemably all of the lands and grassings of Coulnafearn and west side of Strabegg, the lands and grassings of Drimrinnie, Tobbernanuiskeach and Anloane, parts and pendicles and pertinents of the same, Lying within the sheriffdom of Sutherland and baronies of Kintail and Durness respt. etc. At Farr the 17 day of Sep., 1681. Witnesses, Master Donald Macintosh, minister at Farr, Donald Macmarcus, schoolmaster there.

[Reay Papers]

"Donald Master of Reay [father of 3rd Lord Reay] gave to Mr. Donald Macintosh, his governor, when he was settled minister of Farr a tack of several lands whereof Ardbeg was a part, and the Master dying soon thereafter Mr. Macintosh kept possession of all these lands till he was transported to Strathspey. Mr. John Macpherson succeeded him at Farr when the Lord Reay was abroad and a minor, and took possession of Ardbeg on pretence that Mr. Macintosh told him he had it as his glebe … "A tack is found between Mr. Robert Munro, first minister of Farr, and Donald, Lord Reay, the first possessed heritor, by which he sets to the Lord Reay during his incumbency his glebe and manse in Skaill which are church lands, which plainly shows that Ardbeg never was the glebe. Probably while the Lord Reay's predecessors were sole heritors of that parish they might have given the minister lands near the church in exchange of his glebe, which was at a distance from him. And here it is worth notice that in the time of popery the priest resided at Skaill etc."

[Reay Papers]

My Lord, Your Lordship's letter in April last directed to me and another from the Rev. Presbytery of Caithness concerning the design not only of erecting diverse new parishes, but also a new presbytery in your country and giving a geographical description of the bounds, was read in the General Assembly and the same gave great satisfaction to them, and it is hoped will very much encourage such as have not contributed to that excellent design yet to do it. The Assembly ordered me in their name to write a return to you in their name, as now I do, thanking and commending your Lordship for your christian charity and great zeal for promoting the interest of religion, and assuring your Lordship that they will do all they can on their part to encourage your Lordship's noble and excellent design in this matter.
And as your Lordship's proposal about the parish of Assynt's being a part of the new presbytery in your country, it seemed very plausible; and though that parish be declared a part of the Presbytery of Gairloch, yet it is only temporary till the General Assembly should consider the matter.

I pray the Lord may abundantly reward your Lordship and noble family for your pious and exemplary appearances for promoting religion. What your Lordship is doing in this matter will make your memory savoury to the godly in after generations as well as the present, and I hope the Lord will make up what you are pleased to bestow this way. And your Lordship will have much satisfaction and comfort upon a reflection of what you have done for the house and service of God and good of precious souls etc.

William Wishart

[Reay Papers]

My Lord, It was one of the principal maxims which I laid down at my first settling in this country for my conduct of civil life, that I should maintain an inviolable attachment to the honour and interest of the family of Sutherland. Your Lordship's grandfather and father were so well satisfied of my zeal to serve them that they always trusted to my fidelity and friendship and never was disappointed; I expected in like manner to have shared in your Lordship's friendship and confidence, and did all in my power to deserve it on every occasion wherein either your Lordship's honour or interest required it, until I found that some of these, whom your Lordship favoured most, pursued measures inconsistent with the interest of my family, and in my weak judgment not altogether calculated for the interest of the family of Sutherland or your Lordship's honour and quiet. It was these persons and these measures which I found myself obliged to oppose, and not the Earl of Sutherland nor the interest of his family. For I always looked upon myself not only as a relation but the first friend of the family of Sutherland, as being most capable to serve them in all events; and whenever your Lordship is disposed to consider me in that light you'll find me as firmly attached to your honour and interest, and that of your family's both at home and abroad, as I have been in your grandfather and father's time. I heartily wish that all our differences were buried in oblivion, and to that end I have made some proposals which I think are equall and honourable, and for the real interest of your Lordship's family, as well as my own, and which my son George will lay before you whenever your Lordship pleases. I have the honour to be, with great respect,
my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient servant,
Reay.
Tongue House 1 Jul 1745.

[Reay Papers]

At Tongue and Dunrobin the 18th and 20th Jul 1745, It is mutually agreed and condecended upon between the parties following, viz., the Right Hon. William, Earl of Sutherland, on the one part, and the Right Hon. George, Lord Reay, on the other part as follows: That is to say, forasmuch as some differences and disputes have arisen between us to our mutual leison and prejudice on occasion of the late election of members to serve in Parliament for the shire of Sutherland and for the district of the Northern Burrows, And now seeing we are on both parts very sensible that the honour and interest of both our families will be better promoted and secured by our acting in concert and mutual agreement than by our pursuing our separate political courses, And considering especially how highly necessary it is that there should be a firm union and confidence between our families in the erent of any public disturbance by an invasion or rebellion either or both of which calamities there are but too just grounds to apprehend from the restless malice of foreign and domestic enemies in the present critical conjuncture of the affairs of Europe, Therefore and to secure our acting with mutual harmony and uniting the whole strength of both our families and adherents, so as to be able in any public danger to render the more considerable and effectual service to his present Majesty, King George the Second, for supporting the succession in the Protestant line of his most illustrious house, and for seeming the present happy establishment in Church and State, and for defeating the designs of his Majesty's enemies both open and secret, We do for these and many other weighty considerations mutually agree, and by the sacred tie and pledge of our word and honour on both sides bind and oblige ourselves and our families and followers to each other in manner and to the effect aftermentioned, to witt: -

Primo, That from henceforth we shall bury in everlasting oblivion all differences and misunderstandings that may have unhappily taken place between us before the date of these presents, And we promise from and after this date to cultivate a firm and inviolable friendship for the mutual support of the honour and interest of both our families for the future in conjunction with the defence of the present government in Church and State. And in order to perpetuate such mutual friendship we do agree and promise to each other that in the event of any jealousy or differences arising in the future betwixt us or our successors and families, from whatever cause or occasion and on whatever points of honour or interest, that in such case neither party shall act upon surmise or suspicion to the prejudice of the other, but on the contrarie that the partie thinking himself aggrieved shall communicate the whole matter of his jealousy to the other and that both parties sincerely endeavour to have all suspicion of one another and all differences removed in the way of friendly communing and correspondence, and if any difference shall happen to subsist and that the method of removing it is attempted in vain that then it shall be submitted to the arbitration of friends hinc inde.

Secundo, Whereas by an act of Parliament anno primo Regis George I, entitled an act for the more effectual securing the peace in the Highlands of Scotland, we the said George Lord Reay are freed from all services commonly called personall attendance, hosting, watching, warding, etc. that were formerely due and prestable by us to the family of Sutherland by virtue of our charters from them, yet considering that in the event of any public disturbance the said noble Earl and we with our vassals and tenants and adherents would be in condition to render more considerable service to his present Majesty, as well as better promote and secure the mutual interest of both our families, by acting in concert and agreement with one another than by taking separate measures in the prosecution of those ends as is above observed, Therefore we the said George Lord Iteay do by these presents bind and oblige ourselves and successors, that in the event above mentioned we shall raise all our vassals and tenants and others capable to bear arms on our estate and employ them in conjunction with the said noble Earl and his successors and their other vassals and friends and tenants and adherents for the defence of his Majesty, King George the Second and his successors, and the present establishment in Church and State, and for the mutual defence and support of both the families of Reay and Sutherland and our several properties and legal interests.

Tertio, It is mutually agreed upon by us the said William, Earl of Sutherland, and George, Lord Reay, and we solemnly promise one to another for ourselves and for our successors and our friends and adherents that we shall employ and influence and use our best endeavours in all future elections of representatives in Parliament in the way of mutual concert among ourselves, so as best to secure the foresaid ends of promoting and securing the mutual interest of both our families in conjunction with our duties to his Majesty and successors, and our subserving to the present establishment in Church and State. In testimony whereof both parties have subscribed these presents at the places and times above written before these witnesses rexiv., viz., to the subscription of us George Lord Reay at Tongue the 18 July and year forsaid, Major Hugh Mackay of General Oglethorp's regiment, Master George Mackay our second lawful son, and Mr. James Gilchrist minister of Thurso, writer hereof; And to the subscription of us the said Earl of Sutherland at Dunrobin the said 26 Jul and year forsaid, the said Major Hugh Mackay, and Mr. James Gilchrist, witnesses.

[Reay Papers]

[For the transcript of this letter we are indebted to Jas. Macdonald, Esqr., W.S., Edinburgh]

Sir, As I have the right settlement of the Highlands much at heart, I beg leave to hint to you whether it would not be for the interests of the Government, and a means to establish these wild people in peace, that his Majesty should not give any of the forfeited estates in property to any subject. But all to depend on the sovereign, right factors employed with power to grant long leasses, to use the people well, promote the industry and ever to plant colonies of old soldiers among them, and thereby make them taste the sweet of being free of tyrannical masters. And for promoting the scheme of erecting new parishes more speedily and with less expense to the government, I am persuaded if there was a free collection over all the nation for that purpose it would have the desired effect, and prove in time a means to civilize these people, as I have found by experience. As his Royal Highness has been our glorious deliverer by his valour and conduct, I hope by his prudent and wise direction he'll fall on proper methods to make these idle ignorant people useful subjects, which will make him famous to posterity, as it is easier to conquer than to civilize barbarous people.

I design soon to go north. If there's any thing wherein I can be in the least useful, if his Royal Highness honours me with his commands they shall be cheerfully obeyed. I hope you will be so good as to forgive this trouble, which use as you see proper, at least so as I told you here.

I have the honour to be with great respect, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant,
Reay.
Edinburgh, 2nd Sep 1746.

[Record Office, London]

It is contracted agreed and finally ended betwixt the parties after mentioned, viz., Sir Hew Dalrymple of North Berwick, Baronet, John Hamilton of Bargeny, George MacKy of Skibo, David Ross of Inverhasley, and Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander MacKy, of Colonel Lambton's regiment, Trustees named and appointed by the deceased George Lord Reay (with consent of Donald, now Lord Reay, his son) for managing the said George Lord Reay his estate and affairs after his decease, conform to a Trust Right and Disposition executed by the said George Lord Reay with consent of his son in favour of the now deceased Hugh Dalrymple of Drummore, one of the senators of the College of Justice and the forenamed persons his Trustees (except the said Colonel Alexander MacKy), bearing date 1 Oct 1741, and registered in the Books of Session the 17 Jul 1742; and another deed executed by the said late and present Lords of Reay 1 Nov 1743, constituting and appointing the said Colonel Alexander MacKy (therein designated Captain Alexander MacKy of Strathtongue) a trustee for the purpose above mentioned along with the said other trustees of the one part, and Hugh MacKy of Bighouse of the other part in manner following. That is to say, Whereas by contract or tack bearing dates 11 Oct, 3 and 16 Nov 1743, entered into between the said deceased George Lord Reay with consent aforesaid, sett and in tack and assedation lett to the said Hugh MacKy, during the space for the tack duty and with and under the several provisions reservations and declarations therein written, All and whole the mansion house of Tongue with office-houses, gardens, parks, and enclosures thereto belonging, together with all and sundry the towns, lands, baronies, mills, teinds, woods, fishings, feu-duties and others with the pertinents therein specified all lying as therein mentioned. By which tack it is expresely provided and declared that it should be in the power of the oldest son of the said Donald now Lord Reay, procreated betwixt him and Mrs. Marion Dalrymple his first lady, or the second son of the said marriage succeeding to the said lands and estate through his elder brother's demise, with the consent of the said trustees upon his attaining the age of 21 to take possession of the said mansion house and pertinents and the forsaid lands and estates into his own hands, and the said tack should from thenceforth cease and determine, and the said Hugh MacKy should be bound to remove therefrom upon the premonition of six months to be made to him in legal form. Like as by a subsequent tack bearing date 21 Oct and 25 Nov 1748, entered into betwixt the said trustees and Hugh MacKy, they (for the causes therein mentioned) not only ratified and approved of the forsaid tack granted by the said George Lord Reay and them to the said Hugh MacKy and declared the same binding upon all parties, but also, with and under the exceptions variations and provisions therein contained, did of new in coroboration of the said tack let to the said Hugh MacKy during the space and for the tack duty therein mentioned the whole lands and estate and others set in lease to him by the tack above recited, as in and by the said two tacks reference being thereunto had will more fully and at length appear. And whereas it was provided by the forsaid tacks that upon George, now Master of Reay, eldest son of Donald Lord Reay, his attaining the age of 21 years, he the said George Master of Reay with consent of the said trustees might have resumed and taken into his own hands the whole premises set by the tack above recited; and the said trustees and the said George Master of Reay by their sederunt bearing date 28 Aug 1755, were of opinion it was proper a new lease should be granted to the said Hugh MacKy for 15 years from and after Whitsunday 1756, with a break as to the houses, gardens, parks, and Mains of Tongue, as mentioned in the said sederunt; and they recommended to Donald Lord Reay, John MacKy of Strathy, Robert MacKy of Islandhanda, John MacKy of Clashneach, and James MacKy of Skerray to take into their consideration the situation of the trust estate and state of affairs of the family of Reay. And they, having accordingly done the same, were of opinion that the granting of a new tack to the said Hugh MacKy of the lands estate and others above mentioned would tend to the utmost advantage of the family and estate, as the forsaid sederunt with the report of the said Donald Lord Reay and the other gentlemen above named insert in the sederunt books of the said trustees more fully reports; therefore in pursuance of the forsaid opinion and resolution the said trustees do hereby of new sett and in tack and assedation for the yearly tack duty and with and under provisions, exceptions, reservations, and declarations after written, sett to the said Hugh MacKy himself, secluding his heirs executors and assignies, all of the mansion house of Tongue with the office-houses, gardens, parks, and inclosures thereto belonging, together with all and sundry lands, baronies, towns, mills, multures, sueken, knaveships, and sequels thereof, salmon fishings of the waters of Hope, Laxford, and Polla, also the salmon fishings of the water of Kinloch, in so far as the deceased George Lord Reay had right thereto, As also the feu-duties of the estate of Strathy and Lower Halladale, the surplus wadsett and tack duties payable by William MacKy of Melness and John MacKy of Borgiemore or their successors in their tacks and wadsetts, and the vicarages of the parishes of Tounge, Durnes, and Edderachilis, which all pertained and belonged to the said deceased George Lord Reay, lying within the parishes of Tongue, Durnes, Edderachilis, Farr, and Reay, and the sheriffdom of Sutherland, with all the houses, biggings, corfhouses, cruives, parts, pendicles and universal pertinents thereto belonging, kains, customs, casualities, and services thereof of whatsoever kind payable for or furth of the lands, teinds, milns, fishings, and others aforsaid all lying as above mentioned. With liberty and power to the said Hugh MacKy during the continuance of this tack to keep as many fishing boats and to make kelp on any part of the said estate, and use as much ware for dunging the corn-lands as he and the tenants thereof shall think necessary; excepting and reserving always furth and from this tack the towns and lands of Balnakeil, Galduell, Idenfarct, Sangoes, Keinabein, Eispin, Islandhoan, Portchammul, Durin, Miln of Durness, multures, knaveships, sucken, and sequels thereof, both Ballvulichs, Knockbreac, Keoldale, Sartigram, Polmore, Clashneach with Auldychladich, Borley, Slaness, Nuibeg, Achowmore with the mains, parks, and grazings thereof, viz., Shinnish, Firrach, and salmon fishing and other fishing on the water of Durnes, being a part of the barony of Durnes, all which is allocate to the said Donald Lord Reay and presently in his possession, and which he is entitled to during his lifetime for the support of himself and family etc.

[All the lands of the estate held in wadsett were excepted from this tack, as were also those directly occupied by Lord Reay]

[Reay Papers]

After giving a minute definition of the boundaries, it proceeds: - "What is called the Reay forest forms almost the centre of this great extent. It consists of mountains hills and precipices full of excellent pasture, these mountains appearing green up to their very tops. As they are dry and well sheltered they must be particularly adapted for sheep. There are at present in the forest about 1000 deer. These are shot and hunted down by the foresters and people in the neighbourhood for their own use, except such as are sent at times to the factor and his friends and to others who choose to call for them. The appearance of the estate is altogether mountainous with great promontories going into the sea, such as Cape Wrath, the Whitten Crail, and Farrethead. The places of Glencoul and Glendow at the head of Kyleseone have in their appearance a wild and savage beauty that is not possible for any person to conceive that has not seen them. Indeed the parish of Edrachilis has all much the same look. Durness is a dry pretty spot; the soil sandy, well peopled for its extent. It lies upon a bed of limestone which is here found in the greatest abundance. It is considered the best grass and pasture ground in the north of Scotland, and it was of old the Bishop of Caithness' sheiling or pasture farm. The parish of Tongue is of the three parishes the most habitable, and in which there is the most arable ground. It is likewise the most accessible, there being a road from the parish of Farr, to the east of it, to the Mansion House of Tongue. There is at the north end of Loch Loyal, a little above the beach, a most beautiful romantic situation for a sporting house or quarters. It has the loch in front, four great hills rising above the loch, one of them full of birch-wood, rising like an amphitheatre with the green top of the mountain above it.

"The rent of the estate of Reay a few years ago was only £1297. The principal tacksmen or leaseholders of it are, first, George MacKay of Bighouse. His father Robert MacKay granted about 50 years ago to Lord Reay a bond for £500 at 5 per centum, he at the same time got possession as a tenant of a great part of the parish of Edrachilis, including Scoury the principal place in it, where he lived. It was stipulated between him and Lord Reay that he should have possession of these lands as long as his bond for £500 remained unpaid, but that as soon as it was paid up a lease should then commence for 19 years of these lands. This lease might not have commenced yet but for the dispute which arose in the year 1786 between General Alexander MacKay and the present Bighouse, about cutting wood on the grounds of this lease. Bighouse disputed Lord Reay's right to cut the wood, at which the general was so displeased that he offered him payment of the £500 bond and obliged his lease to commence at, I think, Whitsunday 1787.

"William Munro of Achany has a lease of Auldinrinnie in the same parish for much the same duration. By it he is allowed £5 yearly for taking care of that part of the forest. This gives him a privilege to shoot deer with his friends. Bighouse has a privilege of the same nature to the extent, I think, of 12 deer yearly.

"Mrs. Macleod, widow of Roderick Macleod from the Isle of Skye, has a lease of Balnakiel, the principal place and farm in the parish of Durness, and indeed the best farm not only of the estate of Reay, but perhaps in the north. She has it for about 19 years from Whitsunday 1788 or 89. Donald Lord Reay lived here, and there is on it a good large mansion house.

"James Anderson and John and Thomas Arbuthnot, of Peterhead, have a lease of the fishings and kelp-shores of the estate for 4 nineteen years from Whitsunday 1789. I think there is a break (as it is called) in this lease at the end of the first 30 years, Lord Reay paying them the expenses they may have been at in building houses, piers, and other accomodations; a good deal of which they have done.

"Donald Forbes has a lease of Oldshoars in the parish of Edrachilis for 19 years, of much the same duration as those mentioned. He wished to get a lease at the same time of Rehisell, where his mother lives. It was I believe drawn out, at least in scroll, but never signed.

"Donald MacKay has a lease of Eriboll, parish of Durness, for I believe somewhat more than 19 years from much about the same date with the rest - his rent rises progressively as a certain number of years in his lease elapses. I think his is the only lease on the estate that does so.

"John Scobie has a lease of 31 years of Melness, granted by the late Hon. Mr. Mackay about the year 1775. He was obliged to build a good house there and to enclose it, which was done.

"James MacKay of Skerray is the only wadsetter residing in the country. His wadset consists of about £400 infefted on the lands of Ribigill. He is allowed to retain the rent of Skerray, where he lives, for the rent he should receive from Ribigill; and he got before General MacKay's death a lease of Skerray and some places near it, I believe, the same as the rest got.

"The services on the farm of Tongue were converted in the year 1789 - their value came to about £30. The tenants who formerly performed these services paid these £30 yearly to the person who farmed Tongue, who only himself paid £30; so that he paid no rent for it in a manner, unless he gave credit for the £30 in his account.

"The estate of Reay may be equal in extent to the county of Fife, or any of the Lothians. It is very compact considering its great extent, no other estate interfering with it, and its marches are well and neatly ascertained by the sea, the sea-loch of Kylscow, the great mountain of Ben Hee, Loch Loyal, and the water of Torrisdale. It may well be called one of the great estates of Scotland; and if the present lord lives to the age of his father or grandfather he may in the course of his life bring it to £5000 yearly rent, and at the same time have the satisfaction to see his tenants live happily enjoying plenty, the natural fruits of honest industry."

[Reay Papers]

1790	Dingwall to Ullapool	£7,825	19	3
1790	Ullapool to Portnaleek Ferry	£4,622	15	0
1790	Portnaleek to Dingwall	£2,106	2	1
1792	Inverness to Bernera Barracks, Kyle-rea, by the north side of Lochness and Glenmoriston	£9.493	3	6
1792	Fort William to Pitnain in Badenoch	£6,700	19	9
1793	Dingwall to Polewe	£7,388	14	4
1793	Invermoriston to Fort- Augustus	£307	18	4
1793	Strome upon Lochcarron to Auchensheen	£3,943	15	6
1793	Lochinver to Portinleik	£6,039	10	2
1794	Culrain to Tongue	£5,373	5	5
1794	Scoury to Lairg	£4,429	11	10
1794	Tongue to the kirk of Farr	£1,258	6	8
1794	Kirk of Farr to the head of Lochnaver, at Inver-bagistie	£2,800	5	10
1794	Burigill on Inver-bagistie to Helmsdale	£3,796	0	9
1795	Culrain by Strath-flete to Dunbeath	£7,789	13	1
1795	Beauly to Loch Duich	£7,882	19	0
1796	Fort-William by Loch Ell to Loch na Gaull	£6,436	10	0
1796	Loch Nevish to Auchnacarry	£5,882	16	2
1796	From the road joining Fort-Augustus and Fort- William, at the head of Loch Lochy, to Kilmallie	£3,092	4	0
1797	Kirk of Farr to Thurso	£4,485	17	3
1797	Thurso by Mybster to Dunbeath	£3,774	18	4
1797	Portinleek to Tain	£1,528	7	0
1798	Culrain through the interior of Sutherland to Rumsdale, on Strathmore, in Caithness	£9,613	1	10
1798	Kirk of Durness to Mudale	£6,968	12	0
1798	Wick to John O'Groats	£2,192	2	6
1798	John O'Groats to Thurso	£1,759	10	6
1799	Kyle head near Barners, through Sky to Dunvegan	£15,220	10	0
1799	Thurso to Wick	£3,393	0	0
1799	Thurso to Rumsdale to join the Portnaleik Road	£4,907	15	10
	Total	£151,014	4	11

[Many of the roads were not formed for a considerable number of years after the survey. For instance, the road from Durness to Mudale was begun in 1825, while that from the kirk of Farr to the head of Lochnaver was under construction sometime between 1850-60. And one at least of the surveyed roads was never constructed, viz., that from Portinleik to Rumsdale in Caithness.]

[Reay Papers]

My Lord, I am under the necessity of troubling your Lordship once more regarding the small heritable bond that falls to my family upon the Reay estate. Curators are now procured for my son James by all the necessary forms of law, and at a court at Kirkiboll some weeks ago Captain MacKay John Scobie, and the Rev. Mr Hugh MacKy MacKenzie were appointed. I trust therefore your Lordship will have the goodness to order your agent at Edinburgh to have the amount of the bond ready for the curators, who must immediately draw for it from the pressing state of my credit.

I do not wish to trouble your Lordship with a long account of my complicated distresses since I did myself the honour of addressing you before, but between family affliction and bank expenses few had such reason to be distressed in mind and encumbered in circumstances as I have.

In April last my late worthy son Hugh departed this life at Sutherland upon his way home from college, and it being his dying request to have his body carried over to this country it was attended to with the greatest Highland enthusiasm. In less than six months after, my dear Isabella died likewise, who never recovered his death. But I must have done and beg your Lordship pardon for indulging my feelings so much, but I had no less than three promising children taken from me in less than two years' time, and I doubt not but one of your Lordship's humanity will forgive me. With great reluctance I must now return to my subject, as matters in this weary world must be attended to, while in it. By a letter from the gentlemen that act for me there I find that your Lordship's agent there proposes keeping from me ,£28 of the amount mentioned in the bond, from the circumstances of your late hon. father's wadsetts being overburdened that much; but I cannot think that your Lordship will allow that loss fall upon me as I can but ill afford it. If, therefore, the above sum is kept from me at Edinburgh I trust Mr Anderson will be ordered to give me credit for it in my rent, as surely the whole amount in the bond was given.

Caroline MacKay.
Skerray 24 Feb., 1817

[Reay Papers]

[]

My Lord, Sometime ago your Lordship's brother wrote me that Mr Forbes had not removed one of his subtenants, whom as dependents or servants he keeps doing mischief and ploughing in the winter land of Ben Hope - a thing which in the face of his written promise to your Lordship I thought very surprising. I saw Mr Forbes soon after, and was assured by him they should all quit along with himself at Whitsunday 1820 and leave the ground unploughed. But to my great surprise I received a letter from him again on the 16 Apr in quite a different strain, maintaining that he would plough and keep undertenants as he pleased. Now my Lord that no misunderstanding may possibly arise between your Lordship and me by silence, as was the case with Mr Houston, I give your Lordship timely notice of all this to intimate that if the banditti presently kept on Ben Hope farm are to have possession until Whitsunday 1821, on the pretext that they have ploughed 1820 and must consume their straw on the ground up to Whitsunday 1821, and if there be of consequence no access for flocks to the safe and peaceable use of the wintering, then I cannot enter into possession at Whitsunday 1820, as was intended by the missives entered into betwixt your Lordship and me, on such stormy ground without the wintering, for with flocks mixed among sheep-stealers and their dogs no stockman could calculate on possessing the farm. If I can get access I will in 1820 follow up my plan, and if I cannot I will put Strathnaver under cheviot stock under a different arrangement, etc.
Pat. Sellar

[Reay Papers]

[On the strath of the Naver Mr. Sellar had already smoked out the inhabitants as we showed at page 231, but mercifully he failed to effect an arrangement with Lord Reay, and thus the banditti of the Reay estate escaped the application of the torch.
A little later when his Lordship was making arrangements for the sale of the estate he wrote to his friend, W. J. Denison, Esqr., M.P., a letter dated 17 Aug 1828, in which Reay referred to his smaller tenants as follows: - "The small rents have upon the whole been well paid, perhaps better than any other of this class of tenants in Scotland… I feel confident .... they only require a little support to make them the most valuable class upon the estate." Reay Papers.]

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