Donald Mackay, Royal Naval Reserve

Donald MacKay, born 12 May 1878 Blaremore, Eddrachillis, son of Hector MacKay and Barbara Gunn or MacKay, Kinlochbervie, and husband of Jemima MacKay, Achriesgill. Seaman Royal Naval Reserve. Service Number 1738C. HMS ‘Viknor’ Died 13 January 1915. Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial and Kinlochbervie War Memorial.

Interestingly his younger brother Jesson Gunn Mackay, known as Jesse, served with army during World War One and continued to be involved throughout his life.  He died in 1959 and his obituary reads:  “Mr. Jesson Mackay, 7 Strathnaver has died in Cambusavie Hospital at the age of 76. Mr Mackay was officer in charge of Bettyhill Observer Post during the Second World War. He served with the Lovat Scouts during the First World War and continued service with the Territorial Battalion attaining the rank of RSM. On his retirement from the services twenty five years ago he became an MBE Military Division. He continued his services with the Observer Corps until very recently. An enthusiastic member of the local British Legion he was for many years vice chairman. Mr Mackay was unmarried”. (NT 1/1959)