Description McKay Settlers of Beauly

The Eastern Chronicle, 3 May 1883, page 2

Correspondence.

Mr Editor: -

In your paper of the 19^th are some traditions in regard to the McKay family.  These are interesting and I think that efforts should be made to preserve the memory of events of this kind in the history of the pioneers of settlements.  But I venture to question the accuracy of one statement viz, that Alexander McKay, while on his passage to America in 1757 was pressed into the British service.  There as at that time no impressment for the British army.  My information is that he served in the celebrated “Fraser Highlanders,” raised by the influence of Simon, son of Lord Lovat, who was executed for his share in the expedition of Prince Charlie, and himself afterward having the title restored to him.  The men were enlisted as those in Highland regiments were at that time, by the influence of their chiefs.  The “Fraser Highlanders” embarked on the expedition to Louisburg and Quebec 1400 strong and to their distinguished service at these places is largely due the establishment of British power in those Provinces.  Mr McKay served through the whole campaign having it is said, been seven weeks at Louisburg without changing his clothes.  At the conclusion of the war he returned to Scotland, where the regiment was disbanded.  He then married, and with his family emigrated to Pictou, in the year 1784, and settled near Fish Pools, or Riverton.  - GP