From the Gaelic “Maccoinneach” meaning “fair, bright one”, the MacKenzies are thought to descend from the ancient royal house of Lorn. The clan held lands in Ross-shire, stretching from the Outer Hebrides in the west, to the Black Isle in the east. The western stronghold of the clan MacKenzie was at Eilean Donan Castle at the mouth of Loch Duich.
