Fionnla Dubh mac Gillechriosd

[2] Alexander Macrae was of the opinion that these events probably took place sometime in the first half of the 14th century, before the Mackenzies became firmly established in the Kintail area.

[4] The Macraes are known to have been constant supporters of the Mackenzies in recorded times; in 1520, and for many years onwards, they were constables of Eilean Donan Castle.

Because Alexander was still a minor, he was sent to school in Perth, and in his absence, Eilean Donan Castle has held by its constable who was a Macaulay.

The most powerful Highland chiefs were summoned to parliament, and when they reached Inverness Castle they were apprehended and imprisoned; several of the mightiest were condemned to death and executed, others were eventually released.

Unwilling to leave his post at Eilean Donan Castle, Macaulay was anxious for the return of the Mackenzie chief, and so ordered Fionnla Dubh to go to Perth to bring him home.

Fionnla Dubh successfully found and retrieved the chief,[10] and as they made their way back to Kintail they detoured from a direct journey home and stayed with Macdougal of Lorn to avoid being pursued.

When the young chief arrived in Kintail, the oppressing uncles were brought under subjection, and order was re-established in the area.

Alexander Macrae stated that Fionnla Dubh's younger son, John, was educated at Beauly Priory, and in time became the priest of Kintail in Sutherland; he married and had a daughter named Margaret.