Bridei son of Mailcon, Pictish king (r. 565–85)

In the year of Bridei son of Mailcon’s succession, Columba visited him at his stronghold near Inverness. Some historians believe Bridei was converted then, but he may have merely been receiving tribute. The exact location of Bridei’s fort is unknown, but Craig Phadrig is a popular contender. Aerial photo of Craig Phadraig

Bridei son of Beli, Pictish king (r. 672–93)

In 685, Bridei son of Beli led the Picts in a decisive victory over the occupying Northumbrian Angles at the Battle of Dún Nechtain, halting forever the Angles’ ambitions in northern Britain.


Nechtain son of Der-Ilei, Pictish king (r. around 706–32)

In the early 700s, Nechtain son of Der-Ilei waged war with the Scots, overrunning Dál Riata. In around 710, he sought advice from the Northumbrian church. He pledged to follow the customs of the Roman Church, and is said to have expelled the Columban clerics of the Celtic Church. From this time Pictish cross-slabs were being carved in relief, combining Christian cross and Pictish symbols. Meigle Museum has a magnificent collection of these stones. An elaborately carved cross surrounded by animals on Meigle no.4 stone.

Onuist son of Uurguist, Pictish king (r. 732–61)

		Onuist son of Uurguist united northern and southern Pictland and fought successful campaigns against its neighbours in Strathclyde and Dál Riata. He may have been responsible for refounding the church of Kilrymont (St Andrews) in Fife, which grew in importance as a centre of Christianity and learning. The elaborate St Andrews Sarcophagus may have been carved in his honour, though not during his lifetime.

Part of the St Andrews Sarcophagus, displayed in St Andrews Cathedral Museum.

Constantín son of Uurguist, Pictish king (r. c. 789–820)

Constantín son of Uurguist defeated the Gaels on Pictish territory, which may have led to his being elected king of the Picts and Gaels. He ruled for 30 years and established a 50-year dynasty. During his reign (or his brother’s) the royal estate of Forteviot was probably founded in Strathearn. He may also have established the important Pictish church at Dunkeld. He is honoured in the Latin inscription on the Dupplin Cross, which may a memorial to him. The Viking raids, which began during his reign, gradually eroded and ultimately overthrew the power of his dynasty.

Cináed son of Alpin, king of Picts and Gaels (r. 841–58)

Cináed son of Alpin may already have been king of Dál Riata when he took advantage of a power vacuum at the heart of Pictish politics to seize power in southern Pictland in 843. The battle depicted on Sueno’s Stone may be one in which Cináed finally overcame the resistance of northern Pictland to his rule. He was known as King of the Picts, and 14 of his descendants ruled over the next two centuries.

Sueno's Stone		The medieval cathedral of St Andrews, built on the site of an earlier Pictish monastery.

Domnall son of Constantín son of Cináed, king of Picts and Gaels  (r.889–900)

Three decades of turbulence followed Cináed’s death in 858. However, his dynasty was eventually restored by his grandson Domnall. Despite continuing Viking raids, Domnall was able to sustain his joint reign over both Picts and Gaels, laying early foundations for a united Scotland.