Neil Mackay, 8th of Strathnaver was the eldest son of Angus Du Mackay, 7th of Strathnaver and his wife Elizabeth, sister of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles [REF].
Neil Mackay remained in captivity for some years after his father's death and in the meantime maintenance of the Mackay interests devolved upon his brother, John Mackay of Aberach [REF].