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A Fine Edwardian Bronze Figure of the Rt. Hon Francis Mackenzie, 1st Baron Seaforth, who raised the 78th Seaforth Highlanders, modelled by G. Halliday for Elkington & Co, mounted on integral bronze base, circa 1910 Halliday’s model of Lord Seaforth was used as the master figure for the silver reproductions used as regimental presentation pieces by The Seaforth Highlanders. See the example presented to Lieutenant (later Field Marshal Sir) James Cassels Seaforth
Known as MacCoinnich Bodhar, (Deaf Mackenzie) in Gaelic, Francis Mackenzie was elected Member of Parliament for the County of Ross in1784 and again in 1790. In 1787 he offered to raise a regiment on his own estates to be commanded by himself. The government declined his patriotic offer but accepted his services in procuring recruits for the 74th and 75th. On 19 May 1790 he renewed his offer but the government again declined his services. When war broke out with republican France in 1793 he offered for a third time and a letter of service was granted in his favour dated 7 March 1793 empowering him as Lieutenant-Colonel-Commandant to raise a Highland Battalion to be called 78th Highland Regiment, known as "Seaforth's Highlanders". The original Mackenzie regiment had had its number previously reduced to 72nd Regiment of Foot. On 10th February 1794 the government agreed to his proposal to raise a second battalion, the Ross-shire Buffs. The two battalions were amalgamated in 1796. Another battalion was raised in 1804 (letter of service dated 17th April) and these were again amalgamated July 1817. In 1798 he was appointed Colonel of the Ross-shire Regiment of Militia. In 1808 he was made a Lieutenant-General. In 1794 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ross and was raised to the peerage of the United Kingdom as Lord Seaforth and Baron Mackenzie of Kintail 26 October 1797. In 1800-06 he was Governor of Barbados.
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