Máel Coluim II, Earl of Fife facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Máel Coluim II mac Donnchaidh Mac Duibh (Malcolm II, son of Duncan, Macduff)
The Mormaer of Fife as depicted at the inauguration of Alexander III in a late-medieval manuscript of Walter Bower's Scotichronicon
Born	Early 13th century
Died	1266
Other names	Maol-Choluim or Malcolm II of Fife
Title	Mormaer ("Earl") of Fife
Term	1228–1266
Predecessor	Máel Coluim I
Successor	Colbán
Spouse(s)	Elen ferch Llywelyn
Children	Colbán; unknown son stylled MacDuibh ("Macduff")
Parent(s)	Donnchadh (Duncan), son of Donnchadh II, Earl of Fife
Relatives	Máel Coluim I (uncle)

Máel Coluim II, also known as Malcolm II, was an important leader in Scotland during the 1200s. He was the Mormaer (or Earl) of Fife. This meant he was a powerful ruler of the region called Fife. He led Fife from 1228 until 1266. Máel Coluim II was the nephew of the previous Earl, Máel Coluim I. His father was Donnchadh.

A Powerful Scottish Leader

Máel Coluim II was a very important person in Scotland. His name was on the Treaty of York in 1237. This treaty helped create peace between Scotland and England.

He also took part in the special crowning ceremony for King Alexander III of Scotland. This happened at Scone in 1249. The Earls of Fife had a very old and important role in these coronations.

Máel Coluim II helped guide King Alexander III when the king was young. He was named one of the king's guardians in 1255. This meant he helped make big decisions for the country.

Coronation of King Alexander on Moot Hill, Scone. He is being greeted by the ollamh rígh, the royal poet, who is addressing him with the proclamation "Benach De Re Albanne" (= Beannachd Dé Rígh Alban, "God Bless the King of Scotland"); the poet goes on to recite Alexander's genealogy. By Alexander's side is Máel Coluim II, Earl of Fife holding the sword.

Máel Coluim II seemed to have a good relationship with King Henry III of England. He was also likely friends with Alan Durward in Scotland. In 1256, he had to pay a fine in England. This was because he didn't show up for a court meeting.

He disappeared from records for a few years after 1256. This was after some political changes while the king was still young. But he came back into public life later. In 1260, he promised Henry III to support the young King Alexander and Queen Margaret. Queen Margaret was Henry III's daughter.

Family and Legacy

Máel Coluim II passed away in 1266. He was married to Elen ferch Llywelyn. After his death, she married Domhnall, the Earl of Mar.

Máel Coluim II had two sons. His older son was Colbán. Colbán became the next Earl of Fife after his father. The leadership of Clann Meic Duibh went to another son. We don't know his name, but he was known as MacDuibh. Máel Coluim had given land to this younger son. Later, a bishop tried to take this land away. MacDuibh asked King Edward I of England for help. Sadly, MacDuibh died fighting alongside William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk.