Cailean of Carrick facts for kids

Cailean of Carrick or Cailean mac Donnchadh was a Scottish nobleman who lived in the 13th century. His name means "Colin, son of Duncan." He was the son of Donnchadh, Earl of Carrick, a powerful leader who died around 1250.

Cailean was expected to become the next Earl of Carrick, a very important title and land area. However, it seems he died before his father, sometime before 1250. This meant he could not inherit the earldom.

Who Was Cailean of Carrick?

Cailean of Carrick was a key figure in the history of the Earldom of Carrick. This earldom was a large territory in what is now South Ayrshire, Scotland. The Earl of Carrick was a powerful lord, almost like a local king.

Family Connections

Cailean was the son of Donnchadh, Earl of Carrick. Donnchadh was a very important person in Scotland during his time. He was one of the first Scottish nobles to support King Alexander II.

The Question of Niall's Father

For a long time, people thought that Donnchadh's son and the next Earl was Niall, Earl of Carrick. Niall became Earl after Donnchadh died.

However, some experts, like genealogist Andrew MacEwen, have a different idea. A genealogist is someone who studies family histories. They believe that Niall was not Donnchadh's son, but actually his grandson.

According to this idea, Cailean was Donnchadh's true son and the one meant to inherit the earldom. Cailean even signed an important document, called a charter, while his father was still alive. This shows he was seen as the future Earl. But, as mentioned, he likely died before his father.

Irish Connections

Some historians also suggest that Cailean's wife, who would have been Earl Niall's mother, was a daughter of Niall Ruadh Ó Neill. He was a king from Tir Eoghain in Ireland.

This idea helps explain a few things:

• It connects to Donnchadh's activities in Ireland.
• It explains why the name "Niall" became important in the family.
• It shows why Niall's grandsons later had strong friendships with the Ó Neill family.

Cailean's Daughter: Afraig

Cailean also had a daughter named Afraig of Carrick. She married a baron named Gilleasbaig of Menstrie. A baron was a type of nobleman who held land directly from the king. Gilleasbaig lived in Clackmannanshire.

Gilleasbaig was the first person known to use the surname "Campbell." This is a very famous Scottish family name. Afraig and Gilleasbaig had a son named Cailean Mór. He became the ancestor of the later Earls of Argyll, another very important Scottish noble family.