Donald Munro of Foulis facts for kids
Donald Munro (who died in 1039) is known as the first traditional chief of the Clan Munro. A "traditional chief" means he is believed to be the first leader based on old stories and family records. However, there are no records from his actual lifetime that prove he existed. His story comes from later family writings, like the Coul MS and Munro Tree 1734.
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The Story of Donald Munro
According to an old historian named Alexander Nisbet, Donald Munro came from Ireland. His father was O'Caan Ro's, a nobleman from a place called the Water of Ro. Donald came to Scotland with soldiers to help King Malcolm II. This was during a time when King Malcolm II was fighting against the Danes.
Donald's New Lands
King Malcolm II was very grateful for Donald's help. He gave Donald land in Scotland. Donald named these lands "Ferin-Donald," which means "Donald's Lands." This name comes from the Scottish Gaelic words Fearan Domhnull. Donald was also called Donald a Bunro. This name came from his father's home near the Water of Ro in Ireland. Later, the letter "B" changed to "M," and his family became known as the Munros.
The Munros also received other lands in Scotland. They called these lands "Foules." This name came from a place in Ireland called "Loch-Feul." Donald's father, O'Caan, was said to be a prince from a region in Ireland called Fermanagh.
Ferindonald: Donald's Land
The area of land that covers the parishes of Kiltearn and Alness is known as Ferindonald. This area is north of Dingwall. The name comes from the Gaelic Fearan Domhnull, meaning "Donald's land."
Who Was "Donald"?
Even though tradition says this "Donald" was Donald Munro, there is no proof. We do not see any evidence of the Clan Munro in this area before the 1300s. It is possible that the "Donald" in Fearan Domhnull was someone else. It could have been King Malcolm III's brother, who was also named Donald. Or, it might have been King Malcolm III's son, who was also named Donald. Either of these Donalds might have been the first Mormaer of Ross. A Mormaer was a powerful ruler of a large area in early Scotland. It was during King Malcolm III's time that eastern Ross likely came under the control of the Kings of Scotland.
Why Some Doubt Donald Munro's Existence
One reason some people doubt Donald Munro's existence is about surnames. Surnames, like "Munro," were not commonly used in Scotland in the early 1000s. This makes it harder to confirm if he truly existed as the first chief with that name.
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