Royalty of Scotland and Ireland

[Ancient Princess]

Royal House of Ard Righ King Flann Sinna of Meath, Royal House of Alpin...I do have permission to post this from Heir of MacKinnon.

There is a genealogy that has come to light that traces directly back to the Ard Righ King Flann Sinna of Meath's daughter Princess Spontana of Crimthann that married into the line of the Royal House of Alpin down through King Alpins second son Donald I of Alpin and continued down through his direct descendents of MacFhingon's. There is a site on ancestry.com called Family Legacy Copyrighted & Registered 2008-2021 All Rights Reserved and a site on myspace called UNITE THE CLANS Deborahs Destiny that was put together by the direct heir of these lines. The detailed genealogy is on both of these sites. The genealogy will be presented to the Lord Lyon Courts in Edinburgh and the Chief Herald in Ireland for examination and approvel. Much attention was paid to finding out if there were other Clan lines that could claim this and from the research of their own proven genealogy's verified by each Chief of the differant Clans (both Irish & Scottish) no one came close to the current heir of MacFhingon. The MacFhingon name would be known today as MacKinnon. The Current Chief of MacKinnon is Madame Anne Gunheild of Antigua Mackinnons and is of a younger indirect line. The elder line however, is the Kilmorie/Mishnish line of MacKinnons and the heir is the owner of the above sites on ancestry and myspace. It will be interesting to see what will happen. Other royal lines came into the Royal House of Alpin, Alpins wife was the direct descendent of King Locene MacFhingon of Picts 645 A.D., Mary Haakonsdatter of Norway (Daughter of King Haakon IV of Norway) married Findanus MacFhingon/MacKinnon Great Elder Grandson of King Donald I of Alpin, MacFhingon's date back to Conn of One Hundred Battles and have a connection to St Columbas father and mother. The genealogy I will post here for you to examine for yourself. It is backed up by Historic Documentation as well as Legal Proofs, Y-DNA Study Markers, Verified by Genealogist and Attorney of the family to be correct and true. It is a very clean line of descent and the heir is the eldest in line left. That is what prompted the journey to have this line examined. It is a line that was around in the time of the Pictish Kings and it continued to King Alpin second son King Donald I of Alpin. It stayed within direct biological elder males till the current heir. Kenneth I of Alpins line stopped at Lulach that was not of original Alpin blood. MacKinnons , however continued silently through the years.

[Ancient Princess]

King Locene MacFhingon of Picts to King Alpin to MacFhingon genealogy

King Locene MacFhingone of Cruithne of Picts b. d.645 AD
Princess Nim of Picts married Ard Righ King Eochaidh II of Lorn
King Eochaidh III of Lorn of Picts b 665 Pictavia, Alba d 721 buried at Reilig Oghran
King Aodh Hugh Fionn of Lorn of Picts b 695 Pictavia, Alba d 778 buried Reilig Odhran
married Ugaria Fergussa of Picts
King Eochaid b 735 d buried at Reilig Odhran Iona
King Alpin of Kintrye b. 784 Kintrye, Alba d. 20 July 841 buried at Reilig Odhran Iona
married to Princess Unuistic of n'Gabran
King Donald of Alpin b 811 Iona d 13 April 863 buried at Reilig Odhran Iona
married to Princess Malvina of Picts
Prince Girig b 835 Skye d 933 buried at Reilig Odhran Iona (not Giric)
married to Princess Dorgvigellia
Prince Doungallus b 900 Skye d buried at Reilig Odhran Iona
married to Princess Spontana of Crimthann of Ireland of Ard Righ King Flann Sinna of Meath Ireland
Prince & Chief Findanus MacFhingone b 930 Skye d 976 buried at Reilig Odhran Iona
married Princess Mary Haakonsdatter of Norway and daughter of King Haakon IV of
Norway.
Prince MacFindanus MacFingon/MacKinnon b 947 Dunnakin Castle d 1020 buried Reilig
Odhran Iona
Donald MacFingon/MacKinnon b Mull 964 d 1033
Cormac MacFingon/MacKinnon b 983 Mull d 1066
Lachlan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1031 Mull d 1096
Lachlan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1052 Mull d 1126
Kenneth MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1082 Mull d 1156 Strathardill, Skye
Donald MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1099 Strathardill, Skye d 1186
Lachlan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1126 Strathardill, Skye d 1216
Eowin MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1149 Strathardill, Skye d 1246
Alpin MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1166 Mull d 1252
Lachlan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1198 Mull d 1294
Donald MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1224 Mull d 1315
Eobhan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1261 Mulld 1351 Hanged
Lachlan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1328 Mull d 1392 buried Reilig
Odhran Iona
Lachlan Na Thiomlaidh MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1345 Mull d 1442 buried
Reilig Odhran Iona
Nial Budh MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1365 Mull d 1460
Lachlan Bhan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1402 Mull d 1501 Strathardill, Skye
Nial Bhan MacFingon/MacKinnon b. 1500 Strathardill, Skye d 1572
Ewen Rudh nan Cath MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1517 Strathardill, Skye d 1565 (Aug 5 1545 at Castle Fergus Carta Eugeni MacFhingone)
Lachlan Dubh Blackhaired MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1545 Mull d 1634 buried at Cill
Chriosod Iona.
Sir Lachlan MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1562 Mull d 1634 buried at Cill Chriosod Iona. He was Knighted by King Charles I Jan 15 1628.
Ian Balbhan of Kilmorie MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1579 Mull d 1642 Kilmorie Estate Strathardill, Skye buried at Dunara Castle. Married Catherine of Coll McLean
Sir Lachlan Mor MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1631 Kilmorie Estate Strathardill, Skye d Strathardill, Skye buried at Cill Chrisod. First marriage Mary McLean second marriage Moir of Uilnish McLeod.
Ian Na Mishnish MacFingon/MacKinnon b 1657 Erray House Mishnish Estate Mull d 1750 buried at Cill Chrisod. First wife Anne McDonald second wife Margaret McKenzie.
Lt. John MacKinnon b 1735 Erray House Mishnish Estate Mull d 7 Jan 1771 Tusket Island Sluice. buried at Townpoint Cemetery Yarmouth, Nova Scotia Canada.
Major John MacKinnon b 1752 Erray House Mishnish Estate Mull d 1841 buried Cill Chriosod. Married Dame Margaret Burgess Smithies Affleck. Marriage date Aug 15 1792 at Marylebone Church officiated by Rev John Harley.
Hugh I of Mishnish MacKinnon b Apr 5 1803 Glasgow, Scotland d 25 July 1885 lot 33 Prince Edward Island and buried Highfield Cemetery. Married Anna Elizabeth McDonald of lot 33.
William Alexander MacKinnon b 1822 Glasgow, Scotland d 1912 lot 23 Buried Highfield Cemetery. Married Mary McLean.
William Edwin MacKinnon b 8 July 1864 lot 23 Prince Edward Island Canada d 19 Sept 1951 Bellingham, Washington United States. Married Maude Iva Richards. Maude a descendent of King Richard I of England. Buried at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham Washington.
William Clarence MacKinnon b 9 May 1889 Bellingham, Washington United States d 18 Oct 1959 Bellingham, Washington United States. Married Esther Hamilton of Hamiltons of New York. Esther's mother was Marjorie Matilda Burdick direct descendnet of Robert Burdick of Rhode Island that was a direct descendent of Plantaganet ancestry.
Ardra Raye McKinnon b 6 Apr 1937 Bellingham, Washington United States. Married Jack Edward Kabela of Austrian descent.

The main sources used:The family (MacFhingon/MacKinnon) bible, Annuls of Ulster, Annuls of the Four Masters, Pictish King History,Poppleton Manuscripts,Book of Deer,Genealogy of St Columba, Memoirs of Clan Fhingon,Book of Durrough,History of Skye, History of Canada, History of Bellingham, History of Midi Kings of Ireland,Annuals of Albania. Castles of the MacKinnons that dated back to the Royal house of Alpin, Dun Ringill, Dunnakin

Let the Clan of Gray Fingon, whose offspring has given such hero's to earth, and such martyres to heaven, Unite with the race of renowned Rori Mor, To Launch the long galley, and the stretch to the oar.
The Gatherings of the Clans, at Glenfinnan 1745 AD

*Note Giric that killed Aed was a stepson to Malvina of Kenneths line and is not of Alpin blood, Giric should not be confused with Girig son of King Donald. BBC History of Scotland Last of the Free with Historian and Archialogist verified this.

* King Kenneth of Alpin (King Donald of Alpins brother) moved his seat of power from Skye ( Western Highlands) to Scone in Perthshire, then later moved again to Dunfermline and lastly Edinburgh. King Fergus Mor ( son of King Erc) established a earlier Kingdom of Dalraiida before King Alpin of Kintyres sons in Skye and Mull. You will find the Isles of Skye and Mull are of original Pictish Stock. The MacKinnon lands consisted of Mull, Skye, Arran, Tiree, Perth, Ross.

* The First of the Grandsons and Great Grandsons (MacFhingon/MacFingon/MacKinnon) were given these grants of lands because they were of Royal Stock. Close enough to gain the throne back in that time.

* This genealogy was done by a experienced genealogist, verified by a attorney and posted on ancestry.com and myspace as well as this site. The owner did not use rootsweb or a public genealogical site to do this genealogy due to incorrect information or a chance a sour line would have attached itself to the clean line.

Cuimhnich bas Alpin

[Vasaborg]

Haakon IV ruled Norway in the 13th Century, not in the 10th Century.

[Ancient Princess]

Thank you for alerting me. You are right, should read Harald I of Norway and mother would have been third wife of Harald, Asa. Thank you

Prince & Chief Findanus MacFhingon b. 930 Strath, Skye d. 976 buried at Reilig Odhran on Iona married Princess Mary of Norway daughter of Asa third wife of Harald I of Norway...sorry for the mistake.

[Domhangairt]

I am a Mackinnon of Kyle. My family descends from Lachlan, 25th Chief of the Clan. My Y-DNA indicates that I am descended from the kings of Dalriada, ancestors of the early kings of Scotland. However, recent documentary research indicates that the Mackinnon Chiefs are descended from King Ferchar II "the Tall" of the Cinel Labhran, while King Alpin was from the Cinel n'Gabran. Both families are male-line branches of the same royal house descended from Caibre Riada, Prince of Munster, who founded the first Scots kingdom of Dal-Riada in northeast Ireland. MacBeth was also descended from King Ferchar. This lineage is also supported by a rare tombstone found on Iona with the names of five Mackinnon chiefs burried there. The tombstone found by the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland matches the pedigree of the Mackinnon chiefs given by the 11th century Irish annalist, Abbot Tigernach. The list of chiefs given by "Ancient Princess" above is also suspect, since the dates of birth and death were rarely recorded in the medieval highlands and islands. Most of the early lineages of the Chiefs were kept by the clan bards or sennachies- these were originally oral, but started to be recorded from about 1350 onwards. It is impossible at this point to say that the Mackinnons are descended from King Alpin. All that we can say for sure is that some of us carry the 37 marker DNA signature known as the "Dalriada Modal", which indicates Celtic royal descent. I would't take those old family trees too seriously- not before 1300 anyway.

[Domhangairt]

Originally Posted by James Frankcom

...There are at least three potential claimants to the Irish throne. In their own rights they are kings of Connaught, Munster and Ulster respectively...

Thank God someone has actually spoken some sense on this page. Well done James Frankcom. The O'connor Don probably has the strongest claim to the Throne of Tara, being descended from the last High King. The O'Neills also have a strong claim because of so many generations of Ui Neill monarchs. Hopefully, the Irish government will restore recognition to these families who ruled Ireland for more than a thousand years.

[Domhangairt]

Originally Posted by Ancient Princess

There is a genealogy that has come to light that traces directly back to the Ard Righ King Flann Sinna of Meath's daughter Princess Spontana of Crimthann that married into the line of the Royal House of Alpin down through King Alpins second son Donald I of Alpin and continued down through his direct descendents of MacFhingon's...

I am a Mackinnon cadet of the Chief's family descended from the 25th Chief, Lachlan Og. My Y-DNA indicates that I am descended from the Celtic royal house, however, the senior representatives family of the male line of the original Gaelic royal house of Scotland are probably the MacGregors of Glen Carnaig- led by Sir Malcolm MacGregor, 24th Chief of Clan Gregor. His DNA supports this claim. He is also descended in several female lines from the Stewart kings. Another candidate for headship of Scotland's original Celtic royal house would be Hugh Mackay, 14th Lord Reay, Chief of Clan Morgain or Mackay. His family claims descent in the male line from King MacBeth's uncle, Prince Donald of Moray, and in the female line from King Lulach, the last of the Celtic royal house to reign over the Scots, whose daughter married the great-grandson of the above Donald of Moray. Lord Reay's DNA has not been tested, however, but the DNA of those Mackays who have been tested indicate kinship with Sir Malcolm MacGregor, and descent from the kings of Dal-Riada and Alba (Scotland).

I am also a cadet of the Mackinnon chiefs. According to Rev Donald Dimsdale Mackinnon, author of the respected Memoirs of Clan Fingon, published in 1890 and again in 1899, Sir Lachlan "Mor", 28th Chief, had at least two sons by his first marriage to Mary Maclean of Duart and Morvern. The first of these, Iain, died vita parentis, but was the father of the famous Iain Dubh, 29th Chief, who fought for King James VIII and his son, Charles Stuart. The second son was Donald, who after a fall out with Sir Lachlan, emigrated to Antigua, where he became a member of the Legislative Assembly, and practiced (without licence) as a physician. He changed his first name to Daniel, and died in 1720. His son, or grandson, actually travelled to Edinburgh to record his family tree at the Lyon Court. It was Daniel's great-grandson, Wiliam Alexander who was designated 33rd Chief by Lord Kinoul, the Lord Lyon, in 1811, after a dispute of three years, following the death of John of Riachan, 31st Chief without heirs in 1808. Anne Mackinnon, 38th Chief is a direct descendant of William Alexander.

Ian of Mishinish, 1st Chieftain of Mishinish, was the only son of Sir Lachlan, above, by his second marriage to a daughter of The Macleod of Macleod, or the MacLeod of Uilnish. Ian died as late as 1759 in Mishinish, Isle of Mull. Therefore, his line could not possibly be senior to that of the present chief (his half-brother Donald/Daniel died in 1720).

I am, however, in dispute with the Lyon Court over the nomination of Anne's son, Andrew, as her heir. His father is an Englishman, Allan Jeffrey, who is not a Mackinnon. The true heir is Anne's nearest agnatic cousin (in terms of the Lyon Court ruling of 1811), who descends in the male line from Captain Lachlan Bellingham Mackinnon, 2nd son of the 33rd Chief. This elusive heir lives in America. I am still trying to track him down. He should succeed Anne as 39th Chief. She became Chief as a consequence of the death of her brother, Andrew, in a motor accident in September, 1964. Her uncle, Lt Col Ian Kroyer Mackinnon, resigned his rights to the Chiefship in her favour. He wrote a letter to me confirming this.

[boomkid]

So before British rule there were quit a few ruling families with some of the more popular being the likes of the O'Brien family/clan, and today these clans on some scale still operate many having webpages like the O'Brien clan at:

The O'Brien Clan Foundation

there wikipedia link: O'Brien dynasty - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

this family being popular for producing the first high king of Ireland Brian Boru, and the McMahon Clan have a webpage as well however they are really considered to be part of the O'Brien clan taking there name from the Brother of Brian Boru. The current head of the O'Brien clan has even taken the title of Prince of Munster (a region in Ireland)

The next prominent family would be the O'Conner family which had the last high king of Ireland and I believe the head of their family also has a title of prince.

My question is this would it be a good idea for Ireland to embrace and establish their own royal family or would it be a bad idea??

[boomkid]

sorry if this is the wrong forum Im new here

[boomkid]

YouTube - ‪O'Brien Clan‬‏

above link to youtube video on O'Brien Clan and below McMahon Clan

YouTube - ‪McMahon Clan‬‏

[annem1968]

I do know that my father is a direct decendent of Niall of the Nine Hostages

[Ancient Princess]

Have you seen the genealogy of this woman Ardra Raye McKinnon? She has very convincing evidence. First of all if you are informed about the MacKinnons you would know that there has been found that this Donald or Daniel MacKinnon of Antigua was a second cousin to Sir Lachlan Mor MacKinnon and not a son at all and there have been others that have seen the evidence on this and agree with it. If Donald or Daniel is not the elder son would that not disqualify his descendents? I had seen you have put down you are a descendent from the 25th Chief of MacKinnon, namely Lachlan Og, could it be you are related to the youngest line of Lachlan Ruada MacKinnon & Janet McDonald? The eldest brother of Lachlan Ruada MacKinnon was Chief Ian Balbhan MacKinnon and is the direct line of this woman. Yes, Ian Na Mishnish MacKinnon was from second marriage to Sir Lachlan Mor Mackinnon, but; if the Elder son died that only left the Mishnish Line...the elder line according to what is in this womans genealogy. Now as far as Sir Malcolm MacGregor the 24th Chief of MacGregors you might want to go to his Offical site and see the history because the main line died out according to the Chief. This woman genealogy has put down Doungallus forth son as maybe being related to the MacGregor. Findanus the eldest of Doungallus. And on the Offical Chief of Clan MacKay you might want to check out what he does say about the original line dieing out. So that leaves the Ancient line of MacKinnon Mishnish Branch. This Mishnish Mackinnon genealogy has the documentation and further proofs showing her claim according to other Clan Lines and it is a cleaner line than any other I had seen. You also talk about Lulach, MacBeths stepson, thats just it he was a stepson and not of original Alpin stock. I do not understand why a person would insult someone that has a clean proven genealogy without first seeing the facts? I have seen her proofs and like I said before it is solid, but to be insultive is in bad form. Best Regards, Ancient Princess

[Ancient Princess]

The information this woman has was not passed down by word or story. The proofs are without a doubt solid. It will be up to the Lord Lyon Courts in Edinburgh and the Chief Herald in Ireland to examine and approve the genealogy. There is quite a bit of new information that is being presented that will help this woman in her quest and I as well as many others will support her efforts. I have been made aware how some people are insecure with this. First you need to see what it is that is being submitted then examine her proofs before passing such a negitive judgement call on this woman, she is not even here to defend herself. Like I said we shall see. Best Regards, Ancient Princess

[Ancient Princess]

On a happier note, it is an honor to welcome all the new people I have invited here. I am Ancient Princess and I would love to hear about any Irish, Scottish or Welsh Royal lines trying to have their genealogys examined and approved that happen to be from Ancient Royal Houses. I do not make judgements on your efforts and try to be positive. Good day to you all, Best Regards, Ancient Princess

[Ancient Princess]

Dear Friends, I have included a basic source for information on Dal Raida and the Royal House of Lorn, Royal House of Alpin and last but not least the Royal line of MacKinnons of Mishnish that became the elder line due to the other lines ending with no issue. I will include a detailed documented genealogy of Ardra Raye McKinnon of the Kilmorie Mishnish Mackinnon line instaed of the basic I have up. I bid you peace, Ancient Princess


Dál Riata




Dál Riata (also Dalriada or Dalriata) was a Gaelic overkingdom on the western coast of Scotland with some territory on the northeast coast of Ireland. In the late 6th and early 7th century it encompassed roughly what is now Argyll and Bute and Lochaber in Scotland and also County Antrim in Ireland.[1]
In Argyll it consisted initially of three kindreds: Cenél Loairn (kindred of Loarn) in north and mid-Argyll, Cenél nÓengusa (kindred of Óengus) based on Islay and Cenél nGabráin (kindred of Gabrán) based in Kintyre; a fourth kindred, Cenél Chonchride in Islay, was apparently considered too small to be considered a major division.

Name

The name Dál Riata is derived from Old Irish. Dál means "portion" or "share" (as in "a portion of land") and Riata or Riada is believed to be a personal name.



The Senchus fer n-Alban lists three main kin groups in Dál Riata in Scotland, with a fourth being added later:[10]

• The Cenél nGabráin, in Kintyre, supposedly the MacFhingone descendants of Gabrán mac Domangairt.
• The Cenél nÓengusa, in Islay and Jura, supposedly the descendants of Óengus Mór mac Eirc.
• The Cenél Loairn, in Lorne, perhaps also Mull and Ardnamurchan, the MacFhingone descendants of Loarn mac Eirc.[11]
• The Cenél Comgaill, in Cowal and Bute, a later addition, supposedly the descendants of Comgall mac Domangairt.[12]

The Cenel Loairn was the largest of the "three kindreds". Bannerman proposes a tie to the Uí Macc Uais.

Dunadd Hill, Scotland upon which the Dal Riata hill fort stood

Among the royal centres in Dál Riata, Dunadd appears to have been the most important. It has been partly excavated, and weapons, quern-stones and many moulds for the manufacture of jewellery were found in addition to fortifications. There are no written accounts of pre-Christian Dál Riata, the earliest records coming from the chroniclers of Iona and Irish monasteries. Adomnán's Life of St Columba implies a Christian Dál Riata.[19] This is als recorded in MacFhingons/MacKinnons genealogy as being descended from St Columba family. The figure of Columba looms large in any history of Christianity in Dál Riata. We are fortunate that the writing of saints' lives in Adomnán's day had not reached the stylised formulas of the High Middle Ages, so that the Life contains a great deal of historically valuable information. It is also a vital linguistic source indicating the distribution of Gaelic and P-Celtic placenames in northern Scotland by the end of the 7th century. It famously notes Columba's need for a translator when conversing with an individual on Skye.



Madonna and child, folio 7 v of the Book of Kells.


As well as their primary spiritual importance, the political significance of religious centres cannot be dismissed. The prestige of being associated with the saintly founder was of no small importance. Monasteries represented a source of wealth as well as prestige. Additionally, the learning and literacy found in monasteries served as useful tools for ambitious kings.[25]
The illuminated manuscript Book of Kells was probably at least begun at Iona, although not by Columba as legend has it, as it dates from about 800. Whether it was or not, Iona was certainly important in the formation of
The Duan Albanach tells that the three sons of Erc— Fergus Mór, Loarn and Óengus— conquered Alba (Scotland) around 500 AD.

[Ancient Princess]

From the Offical Clan MacKinnon release:
The distant ancestors of the Clan MacKinnon were among the second wave of Celts to settle in Ireland. This group called by contemporaries, Goidels, Melesian or Scotti and by modern scholars, Q Celts, may have left Spain for Ireland in about 100 BC. Once firmly settled in Ireland they founded a new Celtic kingdom. The capital, established on the sacred hills of Tara, by a warrior named Tauathal was to become the royal stronghold for many generations. This kingdom was to gain power and influence over the years, first rivalling, and then overcoming its neighbours; Munster, Leinster and the old Ultonian Clans of the north. It is now thought that by the 3rd and 4thcenturies C.E. these Scots had developed extensive contacts by raiding, commerce, and settlement with mainland Britain.

The earliest written tradition concerning the Scots settlement in western Scotland dates from about the 10thcentury. The tradition relates how one of the descendants of the ancient Kings of Tara, Fergus Mor, led his brothers Lorne and Angus along with their followers across the Irish sea to settle the west coast of modern Scotland. This story however, has been discredited by recent archaeological research. It is now thought that it was the interactions of two separate migrations which formed the Kingdomof Dalriada. The first settlement may have been lead by Cairpre Riata c 330 C.E.and would have been the folk that would later be known as the cenel (people of) Lorne and Angus. These tribes were well established long before the second migration occurred. The cenel Lorne settled Tyree, Coll, Iona, Mull, Colonsay, Ardnamuchan and modern Lorne. The cenel Angus had Islay and Jura. The second migration, led by Fergus occurred at least 125 years later and was made up of the cenel Grabhrain who settled Kintyre, Cowell, Bute and Arran.

The tribe of Lorne from whom the MacKinnons are ultimately descended claimed the largest land area of all of the kindreds of Dalriada. Because various territories of the cenel Lorne were separated by water they may have developed a substantial maritime ability very early in their history. The fortress of Dunollie, the ruins of which are in the vicinity of modern Oban was probably the district capitol. For approximately 200 years the tribe of Lorne agreed to rule by the descendants of Fergus Mor and the cenel Grabhrain as the High Kings of Dalriada. Due to internal bickerings and disputed successions the cenel Gabhrain lost their hold on the kingdom in the 7th century C.E.. Dalriada dissolved into small unruly and competing tribal groups, the control of which was fought over by at least seven powerful families. In 677 Ferchar Fada of Lorne seized the throne and reunited the kingdom. The tribe of Lorne was not to hold the crown for long, however, as shortly after Ferchar Fada=s twenty year reign ended, his sons fought over the kingship losing it in 723 to the descendants of Fergus Mor and the cenel Grabhrain.

Iona, the island located off the west coast of the Ross of Mull had been considered important to both the Picts and the Scots long before St Columba founded his monastery there. On the west side of the island just above Port nan Duine Mhairbh is the site of Dun Cul Bhuirg a fort that was occupied for several hundred years during the early mediaeval period, the time during which Dalriada was being formed. On the south end of the island are the remains of a settlement and some 50 cairnsfrom the same period. To claim that these sites were occupied by predecessors of the MacKinnons would be speculation, but they were almost certainly used by early members of the cenel Lorne. The first Christian site on Iona was established by St Oran who also established a chapel on the island of Colonsay some time before his death in 549. St Columba founded his monastery onIona twelve years later in 561. Columba=s monastery first built of wattle and mud was to become one of the most important Christian centres of learning in all of Europe.

We know that this early society was determined by kinship. The basic unit being the durbfine, a family unit of four generations which included the common ancestor. Groups of interrelated families, or durbfine, would form a Tauth. Each Tauth was headed by a righ or chief. Several righ would have been subordinate to the Ur-righ (over chief) several of these groups in turn would have followed anArd-righ (High King). The positions of both chiefs and kings would have been hereditary only within their respective durbfines. The titles were not necessarily handed from father to son but rather given to the most capable candidate, who could have been a brother, nephew, or other relation to the office holder. The successor was chosen by the chief while he was still alive and called the tanaire-righ (second to the chief). The Gaelic word righ which is often translated into English as king , does not have the same sovereign implications. A king is said to rule by sovereign right, a righ would rule by the consent of his council and the people.

Airbertach of Lorne, from whom the MacKinnons are direct decedents, held land on Mull, Iona, Tyree and Coll in about c.1160. That Airbertach was an important chief can be inferred from his mention in the annals. Generally only the kings or most important chiefs are given the space in these ancient records.

By the early thirteenth century, the MacKinnons were solidly established in Mull. When Doungallus died the MacKinnon estates would have been distributed in the Celtic manner, between the his four sons. Finguine (or Fingon of MacKinnon) received Gribun and possibly the Ross of Mull, Guaire ( MacQaurrie) from whom sprang the MacQuarries, took Ulva and the adjacent coast of Mull, Grllecrist inherited land in the north of Knapdale and Gille-Adomnan is thought to have had estates in northern Cowal. The extent of these lands was covered the breadth of ancient Lorne from the islandof Coll in the west to the northern shores of Loch Lomond in the east.

It is from Finguine that the Clan MacKinnon derives its name. The English word clan is borrowed from the Gaelic, clann which means children or descendants.Clann Finguine (Clan MacKinnon) simply means the descendants of Finguine. Mac is from the Gaelic meaning son. Thus Mac Fionghuine is literallythe son of Finguine. In Gaelic a female member of the name would be called NicFionghuine or the daughter of Fionghuine.

[Ancient Princess]

In Antrim, the remaining Dál Riata, led by Colla Uais’ son Earc, allied themselves with the Dál n’Araide, thus further establishing their affiliation with the Alban Gael. Local tradition in Armoy asserts it was the home of Earc, and that his son, Fergus Mhór, gave land there to Saint Patrick for a monastery after the Saint intervened in a dispute with Fergus' brothers over their inheritance. The petty kingdom they founded around their fort of Dun Sobhairce, between the Antrim mountains and the sea, became known as Dalriada. A narrow strip of coast land, it looked east toward "I Lagh" (Isle of the Law - modern Gaelic - Ile, English - Islay), "Ceanntir" (Headland - Kintyre) and the mountains of Loarn (Lorne) on the far horizon, where their progenitors had made their home. The name of the Kingdom of Dalriada, as in so many other instances in Gaelic history, originated from its tribal roots in its progenitor, "Conchobar Mhór Riata" (Great Connor, Victorious King), or Conn Cétchathach (Conn of a Hundred Battles). The name was first expressed as two words, "Dál Riata" (descendants of the Victorious King). Other translations are "Tribe of Riata," "Riata’s Share," and "People Of The Ridge," perhaps a reference to their connection with Cashel. But in Old Irish, "Ri" meant king and "Ada" meant victory, so that "Riada" could be translated as Victorious King, an apt description of a king known to have won so many battles. Whatever its origin, over time the name evolved into its contracted form "Dalriada."

Earc, King of Irish Dalriada, contemporary and nephew of Niall, according to tradition, had been described by the Bards as being of the formerly pagan sacral Ulaidian or Fir-Bolg royal house descended through the semi-legendary "Peace-King" Conchobar Mhór or Conn Cétchathach from ritual incarnations of the Celtic godspirit of the sun; and from his son "Eochu" or "Eochaidh" (the Horseman of the Heavens), equated with a male manifestation of the ancient Belgic goddess-spirit of lightning, Bolg. These references in folklore to the legendary "Tuatha de Danann" and "Fir-Bolg" people are the primary known links between Cineal ua Dhomhnuil and those possibly pre-Celtic Irishmen. These and other sources also show that Earc, who died c.502, was a son of Colla Uais, and establishes the direct royal line from the Dál Cuinn, as well as the name "Cineal Cholla," (The Descendants of Colla).

There is a consensus that Earc’s son and successor, Fergus Mhór mac Earc (d. 501), with his brothers Loarn (Lorne) and Oengus (Angus), perhaps with the actual blessing of Saint Patrick, who is said to have prophesied the event, extended their realm across the North Channel to Alba, according to one source, taking 150 men with them. Some confirmation of this is provided by Bede (d.735), writing in the 8th Century, who believed that Argyll was colonized "by friendship or the sword" by a certain "Reuda" in the 3rd Century. It is probable, as discussed, and even though there is no concrete proof, that there was already an Irish colony in Alba when they arrived. Bardic tradition and the Irish sagas, as well as archeological remains, do point to an existing Irish presence, as discussed in our Feature on the Alban Gael, and as claimed in the legends of the three Collas, although most Sasunnach scholars refuse to give any credence at all to Gaelic Tradition. Perhaps they would be more inclined to accept the record of the Irish whom Tacitus had reported to have fought for Calgacos at Mons Graupius in 84 AD.

Fergus established his principal stronghold at Dunadd in the Crinan Isthmus in Kintyre. Tradition says that he drowned at Carrickfergus (Rock of Fergus) on a return voyage to Ireland. His clan, the Cineal Gabhran, taking the name of Fergus’ grandson, settled in Kintyre, Knapdale and Arran, with other principal duns at Tairbeart and Dun Abhartaidh; while Loarn settled his people around his fortress of Dun Ollaigh on the shores of Loch Linnhe. The Cineal Oenghusa occupied Islay, Jura and probably Colonsay, while Cineal Comghall settled Cowal. It is at this point, when the Kingdom of Dalriada shifted its center to Alba, that Cineal ua Dhomhnuil's line first touches that of the Alban kings, they being cousins of Fergus, who also descended from Colla Uais, their common grandfather.

[Ancient Princess]

The seven branchs of MacFhingone or known today as MacKinnon. The Mishnish MacKinnon, according to new evidence is now the elder line left of the Ancient Royal Line of MacFhingone or MacKinnon.



Branches

• Mackinnon of Borreraig
• Mackinnon of Corriechatachan
• Mackinnon of Elgol
• Mackinnon of Gambell
• Mackinnon of Keanouchrach (Chinn Uachdaraich), Scalpay
• Mackinnon of Kyle
• Mackinnon of Mishnish, on Mull[31]

[Ancient Princess]

Clan Mackinnon


Clan Mackinnon or Clan Fingon is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the islands of Mull and Skye, in the Inner Hebrides.

A Victorian era, romanticised depiction of a member of the clan by R. R. McIan, from The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, published in 1845.



Arms of the Chief and the Mackinnon of Mackinnon


Popular tradition gives the clan a Dalriadic Gaelic origin. The 19th century historian W. F. Skene named the clan as one of the seven clans of Siol Alpin - who according to Skene could all trace their ancestry back to Alpin through his son King Donald I of Alpin with a direct connection to MacKinnons as being the eldest in descent.[1] Popular tradition has been until recently to consider Cináed mac Ailpín the first King of Scots and a Gael, however recent research has shown he was actually a Pictish king and likely a Pict himself.[2] Sir Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk speculated that Clan Mackinnon also belonged to the kindred of Saint Columba, noting the Mackinnon Arms bore the hand of the saint holding the Cross, and the several Mackinnon abbots of Iona.[3] And newer evidence has proved their connection to The Royal House of Lorn through Pictish Ard Righ Kings before the Royal House of Alpin.

[Ancient Princess]

It has been found that the seven lines of the Royal House of Alpin only two are left because of the other lines stopping with either no issue or it transfering to younger lines making them not of the original elder lines left. When I get some time I will put down in graph form what it is that I am trying to get across. I will also put down what each and every Original Clan went back to. It will become clear only two Clans are left of the original Royal House of Alpin.