Clan McAlpin(e) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MacAlpin(e) |
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| MacAlpin(e) has no chief, and is an armigerous clan | |
| Commander | Michael T. McAlpin |
Clan MacAlpin(e) is a Scottish clan with a long history. A clan is like a big family group, often sharing a common ancestor and a specific area in Scotland. This clan does not currently have a traditional leader, called a Hereditary Chief, who is officially recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The Lord Lyon is the person in Scotland who deals with coats of arms and clan matters.
However, the MacAlpin(e) family decided to choose a temporary leader. They held a special meeting called a Family Convention (or Derbhfine) at Abbotsford House on September 10, 2016. This house was once the home of the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. At this meeting, the family chose Michael Todd McAlpin Senior to be their Commander. On April 19, 2017, Michael officially received his role as Commander of MacAlpine from Dr. Joseph Morrow, who is the Lord Lyon. This means he can lead the clan for ten years, or until a permanent Chief is chosen.
History of Clan MacAlpin(e)
Many people believe that the MacAlpin(e) clan is one of the oldest and most truly Celtic of all the Scottish Highland clans. Celtic refers to the ancient people and cultures of parts of Europe, including Scotland.
The clan is thought to be descended from royalty, specifically from Kenneth MacAlpin. He was a very important figure in Scottish history. Around the year 850, Kenneth MacAlpin united two groups of people, the Picts and the Scots, into one kingdom. The Picts were an ancient people who lived in eastern and northern Scotland. The Scots were a people who came from Ireland and settled in western Scotland.
Kenneth MacAlpin also moved his capital city from Perthshire to Dunadd. Dunadd is an ancient hill-fort located near Loch Crinan in a region called Dál Riata. The MacAlpin surname is still quite common in Scotland today.
It is believed that the former chiefs of the MacAlpin(e) clan had their main home on lands near what is now Dunstaffnage Castle in Argyll. This area was an early capital for Kenneth MacAlpin. He was known as the King of the Picts and, according to old stories, he was the very first King of Scots.
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