Níall of Carrick (also Neil) was the second man to bear the title

Mormaer In early Middle Ages, medieval Kingdom of Scotland, Scotland, a mormaer was the Scottish Gaelic, Gaelic name for a regional or provincial ruler, theoretically second only to the Kings of Scots, King of Scots, and the senior of a ''Toísech'' (chi ...

, or

Earl Earl () is a rank of the nobility in the United Kingdom. The title originates in the Old English word ''eorl'', meaning "a man of noble birth or rank". The word is cognate with the Scandinavian form ''jarl'', and meant "chieftain", particular ...

, of Carrick. He was successor of

mormaer In early Middle Ages, medieval Kingdom of Scotland, Scotland, a mormaer was the Scottish Gaelic, Gaelic name for a regional or provincial ruler, theoretically second only to the Kings of Scots, King of Scots, and the senior of a ''Toísech'' (chi ...

Donnchadh of Carrick. Originally he was believed to be the son of Donnchadh, however, it is now believed that he was more likely his grandson, the son of Donnchadh's oldest son and heir Cailean mac Donnchadh. Cailean, also known as Colin and Nicholaus of Carrick, predeceased his father and therefore upon Donnchadh's death in 1250, the title of Mormaer came to Niall. It has been suggested that Cailean's wife, Niall's mother, was a daughter of Niall Ruadh, briefly king of Tir Eoghain. Niall's grandfather Donnchadh held lands in Ireland, such a marriage of his son would have reinforced Donnchadh's Irish alliances and would account for the use of the name Niall. It would also explain the strong alliance with the Ó Neill held by Niall's grandsons.Barrow, ''Robert Bruce'', pp. 34–35;, 430, n. 26 As the son of Cailean, Niall had one sister, Afraig, who married

Gilleasbaig of Menstrie Gille Escoib or Gilleasbaig of Menstrie is the earliest member of the Campbell family to be attested in contemporary sources, appearing in royal charters dating to the 1260s. His existence is confirmed by later Campbell pedigrees. According to t ...

, a baron of Clackmannanshire who was the first attested man to bear the surname "Campbell". Niall married Margaret Stewart, daughter of

Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland Walter Steward of Dundonald (died 1246) was 3rd hereditary High Steward of Scotland and Justiciar of Scotia. He was the eldest son of Alan fitz Walter, 2nd High Steward of Scotland but which wife of Alan's was his mother is not clear. He was ...

and together they had four daughters, the eldest of which was Margaret, better known as Marjorie. On 12 September 1255 Níall, having no male heirs, granted the chiefship of the clan to his nephew Roland and his heirs, giving them all the powers in respect to the ''ceann ceneóil'' (head of kin). This grant was confirmed by King Alexander III at

Stirling Stirling (; sco, Stirlin; gd, Sruighlea ) is a city in central Scotland, northeast of Glasgow and north-west of Edinburgh. The market town, surrounded by rich farmland, grew up connecting the royal citadel, the medieval old town with its me ...

in 1276. Niall died in 1256 and was succeeded by his daughter

Marjory Marjory is a female given name, a variant spelling of Marjorie or Margery. It is sometimes shortened to Marj. Notable people with the name include: *Marjory Allen, Lady Allen of Hurtwood (1897–1976) * Marjery Bryce (1891–1973), British suffr ...

, who took the title 3rd Countess of Carrick. The latter passed the mormaerdom on to her son

Robert the Bruce Robert I (11 July 1274 – 7 June 1329), popularly known as Robert the Bruce (Scottish Gaelic: ''Raibeart an Bruis''), was King of Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. One of the most renowned warriors of his generation, Robert eventual ...

, who became King

Robert I of Scotland Robert I (11 July 1274 – 7 June 1329), popularly known as Robert the Bruce (Scottish Gaelic: ''Raibeart an Bruis''), was King of Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. One of the most renowned warriors of his generation, Robert eventuall ...

Notes

References

* Barrow, G. W. S., ''Robert Bruce and the community of the realm of Scotland'', 3rd ed., (Edinburgh, 2005) * MacQueen, Hector L., "Survival and Success: the Kennedys of Dunure," in Steve Boardman & Alasdair Ross (eds.) ''The Exercise of Power in Medieval Scotland 1200-1500'', (Portland, 2003), pp. 67–94 {{Earls of Carrick People from Dumfries and Galloway 1256 deaths Year of birth unknown Mormaers of Carrick 13th-century mormaers