Let me share with you the fascinating saga of your family, the MacKintoshs, a lineage intertwined with leadership and valor. The term ‘toisech’, echoing ‘leader’, captures the essence of your family’s heritage, often translating to ‘chief’ or ‘captain’. According to the Mackintosh seanachies, your ancestral journey is said to trace back to Shaw, the second son of Duncan Macduff, Earl of Fife, hailing from the esteemed royal house of Dalriada. Shaw’s story unfolds as he ascended to the role of constable of Inverness Castle around 1163, coupled with the bestowment of lands in the scenic Findhorn valley.

The tapestry of your family’s legacy further flourished with the likes of Farquhar, the 5th chief. In a display of unmatched valor, he led his clan against King Haakon of Norway’s forces at the Battle of Largs in 1263. While his life met its end in a duel in 1265, his infant son Angus stepped into the role of heir. Raised at the court of his uncle, Alexander of Islay, the Lord of the Isles, Angus’s destiny intertwined with Eva, daughter of Dougal Dal, chief of Clan Chattan in Lochaber, as they married in 1291. This marriage solidified the foundation of Clan Chattan, a confederation that became a collective of future independent clans, often guided by Mackintosh chiefs.

The 6th chief’s legacy is etched in history as a staunch supporter of Robert the Bruce during the War of Independence. Another chapter in the MacKintosh journey involves Ferquhar, the 9th chief, who made a significant decision to relinquish the chiefship, both for himself and his successors, in favor of Malcolm, son of William, the 7th chief, from a second marriage. Malcolm’s leadership prowess extended the clan’s influence, with his lands stretching from Petty to the heart of Lochaber.

The MacKintoshes stood valiantly with Montrose during his campaigns for Charles I. Their steadfast loyalty endured during the tumultuous year of 1715, where Lachlan Mackintosh rallied his clansmen to support the Jacobite cause under the command of his cousin, Brigadier William Mackintosh of Borlum. The course of history saw the aftermath of the Battle of Preston, as many clansmen were exiled to the Americas.

Angus, the 22nd chief, embodied the family’s unwavering spirit. Even while serving as a captain in the Black Watch Regiment, he stood firm when Prince Charles Edward Stuart set foot in Scotland in 1745. His absence was filled by his wife, Lady Anne, whose efforts gathered forces for the prince under the leadership of MacGillivray of Dunmaglas. The resounding victory at Falkirk echoed the Mackintosh name, and Lady Mackintosh herself welcomed the prince at Moy in 1746. The shadows of Culloden, though heavy, could not extinguish your family’s valor.

The years that followed saw transitions in leadership, yet your family’s resilience remained steadfast. On the passing of the 28th chief in 1938, the mantle shifted to Vice Admiral Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh, followed by Mackintosh of Torcastle in 1942. As you journey through your heritage, remember the courageous footsteps of your ancestors. The legacy of the MacKintoshs is one rich with leadership, devotion, and honor, a legacy that lives on through you.