Gilleasbaig of Menstrie facts for kids

Gille Escoib, also known as Gilleasbaig of Menstrie, was a very important person in the early history of the Clan Campbell. He is the first member of this powerful Scottish family that we know about from official records. These records, called royal charters, date back to the 1260s. Family trees, known as genealogies, also confirm that he existed.

Discovering Gille Escoib's Story

Gilleasbaig's story begins to appear in official documents from the 1260s. These documents are like important papers signed by the king. His name, Gilleasbaig, is an older form of "Gilla Escoib." You might also see it written as "Archibald," "Gillespie," or "Gillespic" in English.

Gille Escoib's Family History

According to old family records, Gilleasbaig was the son of a man named Dubhghall, or "Dugald." However, we don't know much about Dubhghall or the generations before him. Gilleasbaig is the first person in the Campbell family line that we have clear historical proof for.

Gille Escoib's First Official Appearance

Gilleasbaig first appears in history in 1263. He was named "Gilascoppe Cambell" in a special document from King Alexander III of Scotland. This document, a royal charter, gave him land. He received the areas of Menstrie and Sauchie. These lands were in Clackmannanshire, which was then managed by the sheriff of Stirling.

Gille Escoib's Later Life and Family

Gilleasbaig's last known appearance in records was in 1266. He was a witness to another royal charter in Stirling. This document granted special favors to Lindores Abbey. Family records tell us that Gilleasbaig was the father of a famous son, Cailean Mór. It is believed that Cailean Mór's mother was Afraig of Carrick, a noblewoman from Carrick.