Family Card - Person Sheet
Family Card - Person Sheet
Misc. Notes
Fergus I (Scottish Gaelic: Fergus Mòr Mac Earca) was king of Scottish Dál Riata from about 500 until 501. He is sometimes referred to as the Father of Scotland, and was sometimes traditionally (and erroneously) considered to be the first King of Scots, a role usually traditionally allocated to the much later Kenneth MacAlpin.

Much of his reign is controversial due to the sources available. The Annals of the Four Masters state he was the son of Muredach son of Owen son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland. His name implies he was son of Earca, the daughter of Loarn, the king of Dál Riata. His brother was Muircheartach, High King of Ireland from 504 until 527.

He was responsible for an invasion of Scotland to aide his maternal grandfather, Loarn, king of Dál Riata, who was being oppressed by the Picts. Fergus and his five brothers: Ferdus, Loarn, Loarn, Aeneas, and Aeneas, defeated the Picts in 498 and secured the independence of Dál Riata. The king died soon after and Fergus, being of royal blood on at least his mother's side, was elected king by the Milesians. One legend states that Fergus brought the Stone of Destiny from Ireland where Saint Columba would establish Scone. Most Dál Riatan and Scottish kings have been crowned, seated on that stone until Edward I of England captured it in the 12th century.

Fergus is the paternal ancestor of the House of Alpin and the Scottish royal family. He is, therefore, also an ancestor of the British Royal family through Matilda of Scotland and the House of Stuart. He only reigned a short while then was succeeded by his son Domangart.

Representation as the first king of Scotland
The Great Gallery of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is decorated with eighty-nine of Jacob de Wet's portraits of real and legendary Scottish monarchs, from Fergus I to Charles II.
Spouses
Unmarried
ChildrenDomangart I (-507)
Last Modified 23 Mar 2006Created 12 Oct 2023 using Reunion for Macintosh
Created Thursday, October 12, 2023 by Mike Perry

using Reunion for Macintosh