Colin Mackenzie was born in 1802 as the son of Colin MacKenzie and Emilia Fraser.

Colin married Janet Mackenzie, daughter of Kenneth MacKenzie 3rd Dundonell and descended from Sir Roderick Mackenzie Knight of Corgeach and Tarbat.

Colin died in Jamaica on 1 December 1837 at the young age of 35. In the cathedral at Spanish Town, the following description is placed:

'Sacred to the memory of COLIN MACKENZIE, Esquire, of Mount Gerald, Ross Shire, North Britain, and of Spanish Town in this Island, who departed this life on the 1st December 1837 aged 35 years. The honourable conduct the kind disposition and the amiable manners which distinguished this gentleman through life endeared him to many friends in this Island who have erected this monument to his memory as a testimony of their regard and esteem.'