The Anne Hay-Mackenzie Collection

“I am always searching for special and attractive products to sell in my shop and have been delighted to discover such a wide variety of beautiful things being made in Scotland. I will be featuring my special selection on this site. The collection is named after my great grandmother who did so much to develop Strathpeffer as an important Victorian spa”. Gilean Mackenzie

Anne Hay Mackenzie
Duchess of Sutherland, Countess of Cromartie.

Anne Hay Mackenzie was born in 1829, a period of great innovation and development within the United Kingdom. In 1849 she married the Marquis of Stafford (later Duke of Sutherland). The Sutherland and Cromartie estates were joined at that time and the springs, from which the healthy sulphurous water came, were situated on farmland close to Castle Leod, where she often stayed. Anne became much involved in the project and took a great interest in all aspects of its development.

A remarkable woman, Anne spoke fluent Gaelic among other languages, travelling extensively throughout Europe and becoming familiar with some of the great spas, including Baden Baden in Germany. As a close friend of Queen Victoria, and later her Mistress of the Robes, her many social connections helped her to put Strathpeffer Spa on the map as a much sought after destination.