Niall, Earl of Carrick facts for kids

Níall of Carrick (also spelled Neil) was a very important person in Scottish history. He was the second person to hold the title of Mormaer, also known as Earl, of Carrick. This was a powerful position in a region of Scotland.

Who Was Níall of Carrick?

Níall became the Earl of Carrick after Donnchadh of Carrick passed away. For a long time, people thought Níall was Donnchadh's son. However, historians now believe he was more likely Donnchadh's grandson.

Níall's Family Tree

Níall's father was probably Cailean mac Donnchadh, Donnchadh's oldest son. Cailean, also known as Colin, died before his own father. This meant that when Donnchadh died in 1250, the title of Mormaer went to Níall.

It's thought that Níall's mother, Cailean's wife, might have been a daughter of Niall Ruadh. He was briefly a king in Tir Eoghain, a region in Ireland. Níall's grandfather, Donnchadh, owned land in Ireland. A marriage like this would have made his family's ties with Irish leaders even stronger. It also helps explain why Níall had that name. This connection also shows why Níall's grandsons had a strong friendship with the Ó Neill family in Ireland. Níall had one sister named Afraig. She married Gilleasbaig of Menstrie, who was the first person known to use the last name "Campbell."

Níall's Marriage and Daughters

Níall married Margaret Stewart. She was the daughter of Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland. Together, Níall and Margaret had four daughters. Their oldest daughter was named Margaret, but she was better known as Marjorie.

Passing on the Clan Leadership

On September 12, 1255, Níall made an important decision. He didn't have any sons to inherit his title. So, he gave the leadership of his clan to his nephew, Roland, and Roland's future children. This meant Roland would have all the powers of the ceann ceneóil, which means "head of kin" or clan leader. King Alexander III later officially agreed to this decision in 1276 at Stirling.

Níall's Legacy

Níall died in 1256. After his death, his daughter Marjory took over his title. She became the 3rd Countess of Carrick. Marjory then passed the title of Mormaer down to her own son, Robert the Bruce. He later became the famous King Robert I of Scotland.