Kenneth III of Scotland

Kenneth III (Cináed mac Duib) was King of Scotland from 997 to 1005. He was the son of King Dubh, fourth cousin of the previous king Constantine III, and first cousin of his successor Malcolm II.

Related Topics:
Scotland - 997 - 1005 - King Dubh - Constantine III - Malcolm II

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Kenneth was the last king of Scotland to succeed to the throne through the system of tanistry, whereby the succession was shared between two family lines and the dying king named the person from the other family line who was to succeed him. The system was much discredited as it ensured that the two royal families of Scotland were in a constant state of war with each other.

Related Topics:
Throne - Tanistry - War

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Kenneth and his son Giric were both killed in the battle of Monzievaird, Tayside on March 25 1005. It was his first cousin Malcolm, succeeding him at the battle, who abolished the tanistry system by killing all of Kenneth's male descendants.

Related Topics:
Battle of Monzievaird - Tayside - March 25 - 1005

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However, Kenneth had a granddaughter, Gruoch, via his son Bodhe. Gruoch's first husband was Gillacomgain, Mormaor of Moray. They had a son called Lulach. She then married King Macbeth of Scotland (becoming Lady Macbeth). On the death of Macbeth, her son via her first marriage (Kenneth III's great-grandson), succeeded to the throne, becoming King Lulach of Scotland.

Related Topics:
Gruoch - Bodhe - Gillacomgain, Mormaor of Moray - Macbeth of Scotland - Lulach of Scotland

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