Mackenzie of Kintail, then between sixty and seventy years of age,
when he might fairly consider himself exempt from further military
service, duly appeared with all the followers he could muster,
prudently leaving Kenneth, his only son, at home and when
remonstrated with for taking part in such a perilous journey at
his time of life, especially as he was far past the stipulated
age for active service, the old chief patriotically remarked that
one of his age could not possibly die more decorously than in the
defence of his country. In the same year (1547) he fought bravely,
at the head of his clan, with all the enthusiasm and gallantry of
his younger days, at the battle of Pinkie, where he was wounded
in the head and taken prisoner, but was soon afterwards released,
through the influence of the Earl of Huntly, who had meanwhile
again got into favour received a full pardon, and was appointed
Chancellor for Scotland.
The Earl of Huntly some time after this paid a visit to Ross,
intending, if he were kindly received by the great chiefs, to feu
a part of the earldom of Ross, still in the King's hands, and to
live in the district for some period of the year.
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