Dùthaich Mhic Aoidh What Is It?

 

As with any historical territory the extent and boundaries of Mackay Country have changed over the years.  At times it has included all of what we now know as the County of Sutherland bar the parish of Assynt and the east coast lands from Dornoch to Helmsdale.  In old formal maps and documents the term normally used is ‘Strathnaverne’ or ‘Province of Strathnaver’.  The term Dùthaich ‘Ic Aoidh is a more colloquial or everyday description of these lands which were home to Clan Mackay.  Dwelly gives the meaning of ‘dùthaich’ as “Country, native-land, district, territory.”