Collie and Mackenzie

Their Story

John Mackenzie was born at Sconser on the Isle of Skye, about three miles from Sligachan, which has been the centre for mountaineers and other visitors to the island. When he was 10, Mackenzie climbed Sgurr nan Gillean,and when he was 14, he was with a Mr Tribe on the first recorded ascent of Sgurr a'Ghreadaigh.

In 1874, with Alexander Nicolson, he made the first ascent of Sgurr Dubh. In due course Mackenzie,Known locally as Morton,became a professional guide, the first native Scot to do so.

Mackenzie's greatest client, and later life -long friend was Norman Collie, who was described as one of the four greatest mountaineers of his time.

Collie climbed extensively in the Canadian Rockies and was involved in twenty one first ascents

Collie led the first ascent of Mount Victoria. The group's route included traversing the mountain's long arete (the summit ridge), which is seen from the Chateau at Lake Louise, to the southern and highest summit.

Being the first to explore much of the Rockies, he took the opportunity to name in excess of thirty peaks. He has a peak named after him, Mount Collie, which lies on the western edge of the Wapta Icefield in the northern portion of Yoho National Park.

Together they were the first to climb another unique piece of rock on Skye - the Cioch, a pinnacle which juts out from the cliffs of Sron na Ciche.

Mackenzie has a Cuillin peak named after him - Sgurr Mhic Coinnich,or Mackenzies peak. In 1887 he was a member of the first ascent party.

His friend Collie also has a peak named after him - Sgurr Thormaid - Normans peak.

Their friendship lasted until Mackenzies death in 1933.He was buried in Struan cemetery on the west coast of Skye. Collie was later laid to rest in the lair beside his life long friend.