and all his descendants were by the Highlanders called "Mac
Choinnich," or Kenneth's son, taking the patronymic from Mac Mhathoin
rather than from Cailean, whom they esteemed a stranger. Of the two
theories the Matheson one is by far the more probable; but they are
both without any real foundation.

The Fitzgerald theory has, however, until recently, been accepted
by all the leading Mackenzie families and by the clan generally.
It has been adopted in all the Peerages and Baronetages, and by
almost every writer on the history and genealogy of the Cabar feidh
race.

The main if not the only authority of any consequence in favour of
this Irish origin is the charter alleged to have been granted by
Alexander III. to Colin in 1266, of which the reputed original runs
as follows:-

"Alexander, Dei Gracia, Rex Scottorum, omnibus probis hominibus
tocius terre sue clericis et laicis, salutem sciant presentes et
futuri me pro fideli seruicio michi navato per Colinum Hybernum
tam in bello quam in pace ideo dedisse, et hac presenti carta
mea concessisse dicto Colino, et ejus successoribus totas terras
de Kintail. Tenendas de nobis et successoribus nostris in liberam
baronium cum guardia. Reddendo servicium forinsecum et fidelitatem.
Testibus Andrea episcopo, Moraviensi. Waltero Stewart. Henrico de
Balioth Camerario. Arnoldo de Campania. Thoma Hostiario,
vice-comite de Innerness. Apud Kincardine, IX die Jan.: Anno Regni
Domini, Regis XVI."

This is a literal translation of the document:-