| Notes |
- Ruled 1005 - 1034.
The MacAlpin dynasty came to an end with Malcolm II and at the end of
his reign Scotland had become a much more clearly defined national
unit. To begin with, however, it looked like Malcolm's reign would be
as bloodthirsty as many of his predecessors - he won the throne by
murdering Kenneth III and his son near Perth. Following this he
attacked England and was defeated by Uhtred, Earl of Northumbria at
Durham. This meant that Lothian remained in English hands.
After finding no luck to the south Malcolm then turned his attentions
to the north. He was defeated by the mormaer of Moray near Forres in
1008 but two years later he defeated a Viking army at Carron. In a
more diplomatic attempt to subdue the north his daughter was probably
married to Findlaech, the mormaer of Moray. Another daughter was
married to Sigura 'the Stout', Earl of Orkney.
Malcolm then turned his attention south once more, this time with more
success. In 1018, assisted by Owen the Bald, King of Strathclyde, he
defeated Uhtred at Carham on Tweed. King Cnut had Uhtred assassinated
on hearing the news of his defeat and Northumbria was given to Eadulf,
who ceded Lothian to Malcolm.
As the last of the House of Alpin, he did not have any sons to succeed
him. He, therefore, arranged good marriages for his daughters. One
daughter married Earl Sigurd of Orkney and their son Thorfinn brought
the lands of Caithness and Sutherland under the control of the King of
Alba. His elder daughter, Bethoc, married the Abbot of Dunkeld and
their son became Duncan I(c.1010-1040), who succeeded Malcolm upon his
death in 1034.
Having no children of his own Malcolm named Duncan as his successor
and to make sure Duncan became king and Malcolm had all of Kenneth
III's male decendants killed.
Conquered Lothian 1018. King of Alba, King of Strathclyde. Was said
to have married an Irishwoman from Ossory. Killed by his kinsman. He
was murdered at Glamis at the age of 80, by his grandson Duncan, ruler
of Strathclyde.
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Abt 954 - 1034 (80 years)