(Music intro: Driving drums, roaring bass, electric guitar with Celtic folk flourishes. Fiddle and pipes rise beneath the storm.) “Manu Forti” – Clan Mackay Anthem (Verse 1) From the far north Highlands where the wild winds cry, Clan Mackay stands eternal beneath the northern sky! Strathnaver’s proud mountains, our ancient sacred land, With dagger raised to heaven and courage in our hands. From Caisteal Bharraich standing hard by Tongue’s cold shore, “Manu Forti!” echoes now forevermore! Bulrush on our banner, white standard flying high, Bratach gheal Chlann Maccaoidh! Hear the eagle’s cry! --- (Chorus) Oh, Manu Forti! With a strong hand we rise! Celtic thunder rolling underneath the Highland skies! Like an eagle soaring free above the raging sea, The spirit of Clan Mackay will live eternally! Bratach gheal Chlann Maccaoidh! Hear our battle cry! For the pride of all the Highlands will never die! --- (Verse 2) In sixteen thirty-eight when the Covenant was sworn, Donald, Lord Reay, stood loyal through the storm. For King Charles he marched through Newcastle’s bitter fight, Till Leslie took the city in the darkness of the night. Imprisoned down in Edinburgh till Montrose won the day, Then home again to Strathnaver in the ancient Mackay way. When Charles faced execution and the royal cause was slain, Lord Reay died in exile, but his honour still remains. --- (Verse 3) At Worcester for King Charles, Mackays crossed the sea, William of Borley fought for Stuart destiny. Then General Hugh rode north in sixteen eighty-nine, Holding Brahan Castle for King William’s line. At Steinkirk blood was shed, brave Aeneas took the blow, Yet the Mackays served through Europe where the northern cold winds blow. From Bath Cathedral’s silence to the Netherlands today, Still the blood of Clan Mackay refuses to fade away! --- (Bridge) Through Jacobite rebellion and the fires of seventeen-fifteen, The Mackays stood for freedom where the battle smoke was seen. At Inverness and Glen Shiel, at Tongue and Littleferry shore, We fought for crown and country and asked for nothing more! --- (Verse 4 – McCoy Connection) Now hear the name McCoy ringing proud and strong, From Mac Aoidh, the fire-born roots where we belong! From Highland glens to Ulster, across the Irish land, The Mackays journeyed westward with a strong and steady hand. In Armagh and Monaghan, in Limerick and Cork, The McCoy name carried onward from the ancient Highland stock. Though the spelling may be different, the spirit is the same, For the fire of Clan Mackay still burns within the name! --- (Final Chorus) Oh, Manu Forti! With a strong hand we rise! Celtic thunder rolling underneath the Highland skies! Like an eagle soaring free above the raging sea, The spirit of Clan Mackay will live eternally! Bratach gheal Chlann Maccaoidh! Let the pipes resound on high! For the blood of Clan Mackay will never die! (Outro: Extended guitar and fiddle duel over thunderous drums and droning pipes, fading into the sound of Highland wind.)
