[1] Mackenzie was for many years a successful agent in Inverness for the Bank of Scotland[2] ( and also Commissioner for the Redcastle and Flowerburn estates.
[3] He took a leading part in local Liberal politics and, following the passage of the Municipal Reform (Scotland) Act in 1833, was unanimously elected the first post-reform Provost of Inverness.
The Inverness Courier for 25 September 1833 records the presentation to him of a piece of plate, inscribed "by admirers of his public conduct and private character, residing in Inverness and neighbourhood; in acknowledgment of his strenuous and valuable services in support of popular rights during Earl Grey’s administration, a period of the highest importance to the political independence and welfare of the nation, September 1833".
[1] Mackenzie was widely urged to come forward as a candidate for Parliament and was later offered the Governorship of Ceylon and also of Mauritius, but declined to accept any of these invitations.
[1] Mackenzie’s overtly political activities did not find favour with his employers and he was instructed to desist or to retire from service.