Siol Alpin facts for kids
Siol Alpin (pronounced "Sheel Al-pin") is a group of seven Scottish clans. These clans traditionally believe they are all related to a very old Scottish king named Alpin. He was the father of Cináed mac Ailpín, who was an important king in early Scotland. Many people think Cináed was the first King of Scots.
The seven clans that are part of Siol Alpin are:
Contents
How Clans Showed They Were Siol Alpin
For a long time, these clans showed their connection to Siol Alpin in different ways. They often helped each other and shared special symbols.
Clan Gregor and Clan Grant Connections
The idea of being part of Siol Alpin was very strong for Clan Gregor and Clan Grant. In the early 1700s, leaders from both clans met in a place called Blair Atholl. They talked for two weeks about possibly joining their clans again.
They agreed that if the government allowed the name MacGregor to be used again (it was banned at the time), the new combined clan would use that name. If not, they would use MacAlpin or Grant. However, they couldn't agree on who would be the main chief of the new clan, so the talks stopped. Even so, some members of Clan Grant added "MacGregor" to their names to show their old family ties.
Clan Gregor and Clan MacAulay Connections
On May 27, 1591, the chiefs of Clan MacAulay (Aulay MacAulay of Ardincaple) and Clan Gregor (Alasdair MacGregor of Glenstrae) made a special agreement. This agreement was called a bond of manrent. In this bond, they promised to help each other against anyone, except the King.
Ardincaple also agreed that his clan was a branch of Clan MacGregor. He promised to pay the MacGregor chief a "calp." A calp was a payment, usually of cattle or valuable goods. Giving a calp showed that you respected someone as your chief. The agreement clearly stated: "We understand ourselves and our name to be MacAlpins of old and to be our true surname." This shows that the MacAulays believed they came from Siol Alpin.
Clan MacKinnon and Clan MacNab Connections
On July 12, 1606, the chiefs of Clan MacKinnon (Lauchlan MacKinnon of Strathairdle) and Clan Macnab (Finlay Macnab of Bowaine) signed a "bond of friendship." In this agreement, they said they came "from one house and one lineage." They promised to support each other. This bond was seen as more proof that the MacKinnons were also part of Siol Alpin.
Clan Gregor and Clan MacKinnon Connections
Another agreement involving the MacKinnons also showed their Siol Alpin connection. In 1671, in Kilmorie, Lauchlan MacKinnon of Strahairdle and James Macgregor of Macgregor signed a bond. They stated that their clans came "from two brothers of old descent." This meant they believed they shared a very old family link.
Clan Grant and Clan MacKinnon Connections
After a rebellion in 1715, the chief of Clan MacKinnon, Iain Dubh, lost his lands. The chief of Clan Grant then bought these lands from the government. What's interesting is that the Grant chief then gave the lands back to Iain Dubh's family. Some historians believe the only reason a chief from far away would do this is because they believed in a shared family history. This act showed that the two clans felt they belonged to the same Siol Alpin family.
Siol Alpin Symbols and Mottos
The belief in their connection to Alpin is also shown in the special symbols and sayings of these clans.
Clan Badges and Mottos
All seven Siol Alpin clans share the Scots Pine as their clan badge. Clan badges were worn in hats by Highlanders to tell friends from enemies. This shared symbol highlights their common ancestry.
Many of the clans also have mottos that hint at their Siol Alpin roots:
- Clan Gregor's motto is S Rioghal Mo Dhream, which means "Royal is My Race" in Gaelic. This suggests a connection to royalty, like King Alpin.
- Clan Macfie's motto is Pro Rege, which means "For the King" in Latin.
- Clan MacKinnon's slogan is Cuimhnich bas Alpein, meaning "Remember the death of Alpin" in Gaelic. This slogan directly mentions Alpin, showing their strong connection to him.
