38337: History of the Mackenzies of Lewis

Mackenzie of Kintail bought the Isle of Lewis from Sir George Hay and Sir James Spence, the last of the Fife Adventurers, in 1610 for 10,000 merks, after their attempt at colonisation had failed. The island was in the possession of the Mackenzie family – the Earl Seaforth and his successors – from 1610 until 1844, when it was sold to James Matheson for 190,000.

The Seaforths suffered many misfortunes and early deaths, attributed to a curse made about 1670 by Coinneach Odhar, the Brahan Seer who is said to have come from Baile na Cille in Uig. The curse particularly affected the family of Lord Seaforth (FH Mackenzie). The adherence of the 4th and 5th Earls to the Jacobite cause also did little to advance their fortunes.

Mackenzie proprietors

1610 Kenneth, Lord Mackenzie of Kintail

1611 Colin Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth. Built Seaforth Castle in 1623.

1633 George Mackenzie, 2nd Earl of Seaforth

1651 Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Seaforth

1678 Kenneth Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Seaforth. Built the Seaforth Lodge in 1690.

1701 William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth

1740 Kenneth Mackenzie, Lord Fortrose

1761 Lord Fortrose, Baron Ardelve, Viscount Fortrose, Earl of Seaforth

sold to his cousin

1779 Lt Col Thomas Mackenzie Humberston

left to his brother

1783 Francis Humberston Mackenzie, Lord Seaforth, Baron Mackenzie of Kintail

latterly in the hands of trustees, and passed to his daughter

1815 Mary Frederica Elizabeth, Lady Hood, later Hon Mrs Stewart Mackenzie

sold by auction in Edinburgh to

1824 James Alexander Stewart Mackenzie

latterly in the hands of trustees, sold in 1844 to James Matheson.