Findanus facts for kids

Findanus was a very important person in the history of Clan MacKinnon. He is believed to have been their fourth chief. Many people also think the MacKinnon clan name came from him.

Findanus was a great-grandson of a person named Alpin. He lived a long time ago, around the late 800s and early 900s. His home was on the beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Who Was Findanus?

Findanus is a key figure in the stories of Clan MacKinnon. He is remembered as a strong leader. The clan believes he helped shape their early history.

Findanus and Dunakin Castle

Findanus was the second son of a man named Doungallus. He gained control of lands in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. He also took control of Dunakin Castle on the Isle of Skye. This castle became very important to the MacKinnon clan.

Dunakin Castle was the main home for the MacKinnon chiefs. They lived there until the 1300s. After that, they moved their main home to Strathardill, which is also on Skye.

The Story of Saucy Mary

Findanus married a Norse princess. She was known by the nickname 'Saucy Mary'. Findanus and his bride are famous for a bold idea. They are said to have stretched a heavy chain across the water. This chain went from Skye to Lochalsh.

They used this chain to collect a toll. Any ship passing through the water had to pay them. This story shows how powerful Findanus and his family were. It also highlights their control over the sea routes.

How the MacKinnon Name Began

The Gaelic name for the MacKinnon chiefs comes from Findanus. A patronymic is a name that comes from a father or ancestor. So, the clan's name is linked directly to him. This shows his lasting impact on the clan's identity.