Drest X facts for kids

Drest (also known as Drust in Scottish Gaelic or Durst in Latin) was an important figure in early Scottish history. He was a King of the Picts from around 845 to 848. The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what is now eastern and northern Scotland. Drest was a rival of another powerful leader named Kenneth MacAlpin.

According to old records like the Pictish Chronicle, Drest was the son of a man named Uurad. Drest's time as king was short. He was the very last king of the Picts.

Drest: The Last King of the Picts

Drest became king of the Picts sometime before 845 AD. He ruled for about three years, until 848 AD. During this time, he was in a power struggle with Kenneth MacAlpin. Kenneth MacAlpin would later become a very famous king. He is often seen as the first king of a united Scotland.

The End of Drest's Reign

Drest's reign ended in 848 AD. He died at a place called Scone. This event is known in history as MacAlpin's Treason. After Drest's death, Kenneth MacAlpin took control. This marked the end of the Pictish kingdom. It was also the beginning of a new kingdom, which would eventually become Scotland.

The Mysterious Stone of Drest

Even though we don't know much about Drest, there's an interesting clue about him. In an old graveyard at St Vigeans Church in Forfarshire, there's a special stone. This stone has a unique carving on it. It's one of the few ancient Celtic writings found in Scotland outside of Iona.

A scholar named Sir James Simpson read the inscription on the stone. It says: "The stone of Drost, son of Voret, of the race of Fergus." Many historians believe that "Drost son of Voret" is the same person as Drest, son of Uurad, the last king of the Picts. This stone helps us connect Drest to a real place and time. It gives us a small glimpse into his life.