MacKay (McKay)
MacKay Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan MacKay with a Scottish tartan tied to Strathnaver and the far north of Sutherland — the fierce clan of the Reay country, under the bold motto Manu Forti, "With a Strong Hand."
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About the MacKay Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records MacKay as a Clan/Family tartan. The MacKay sett is a handsome design of green and blue crossed with black and lifted by fine lines, a cool and dignified pattern of the far north, worn in both ancient and modern shades.
Clan MacKay, from the Gaelic Mac Aoidh, "son of Aodh," held the great territory of Strathnaver in the far north of Sutherland, known as the Reay country. The clan motto Manu Forti means "with a strong hand," making MacKay tartan especially meaningful for family pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
MacKay Tartan Pattern and Colours
MacKay tartan is recognised for its green and blue ground crossed with black and lifted by fine lines — cool, dignified colours of the northern hills and moors of Strathnaver. Ancient shades appear softer and lighter, while modern shades are deeper and more formal.
MacKay Heritage
The MacKays were one of the most powerful clans of the far north, holding Strathnaver and the Reay country in Sutherland, able at their height to raise thousands of fighting men. They feuded fiercely with their neighbours the Sutherlands and the Gunns, and their fighting men were famous far beyond Scotland: in the 17th century, MacKay's Regiment served with great distinction under Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden.
The chiefs, styled Lord Reay from 1628, led the clan through war and, later, the hardships of the Highland Clearances, which fell heavily on Strathnaver. The name spread across Scotland and the world, from the Reay country to the Netherlands, where a branch became barons. The crest is a hand holding a dagger, the motto Manu Forti. The Bains are a noted sept of the clan.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for MacKay and McKay descendants, related septs such as the Bains, Sutherland and Reay country heritage lovers and anyone looking for a cool green and blue Scottish tartan with deep northern meaning.
- ✓ MacKay and McKay family
- ✓ Strathnaver and Sutherland roots
- ✓ Reay country heritage
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Green and blue tartan style
How to Wear MacKay Tartan
MacKay tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The green and blue palette is easy to style, making it suitable for everyday heritage wear, formal Scottish events and meaningful family gifts.
MacKay Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about MacKay tartan, the clan of Strathnaver and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the MacKay tartan?
MacKay is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan — a green and blue sett with black, typical of the far north.
What does the name MacKay mean?
It comes from the Gaelic Mac Aoidh, "son of Aodh" (Hugh) — an old name of the northern Highlands.
Where is Clan MacKay from?
From Strathnaver and the Reay country in the far north of Sutherland, where the clan held a great territory.
What is the MacKay clan motto?
The MacKay motto is Manu Forti, meaning "with a strong hand"; the crest is a hand holding a dagger.
Who are the chiefs of Clan MacKay?
The chiefs have been styled Lord Reay since 1628; the Bains are among the noted septs of the clan.
Who can wear MacKay tartan?
People with MacKay or McKay ancestry, related septs or a respectful connection to the clan and Scottish heritage can wear MacKay tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan MacKay
Discover MacKay tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Strathnaver, the Reay country and the bold motto Manu Forti.
View MacKay Tartan Clothing