Gille Coemgáin of Moray

Who was Gille Coemgáin of Moray?

Gilla Coemgáin was the King or Mormaer of Moray, a semi-autonomous kingdom centred around Inverness that stretched across the north of Scotland. Unlike his two predecessors, he is not called King of Scotland in his death notice, but merely Mormaer. This has led to some speculation that he was never actually the ruler of Moray, but merely a subordinate of Mac Bethad mac Findláich..

In 1020, he certainly participated in the killing of his uncle Findláech. The Annals of Ulster reports that Gille Coemgáin was burned to death, together with 50 of his men. The perpetrators are not mentioned in any sources. From circumstances, two candidates have been proposed to have led the atrocity: Malcolm II of Scotland or Gilla Coemgáin's cousin Mac Bethad, who then became the only ruler of Moray. Mac Bethad reportedly married Gille Coemgáin's widow, Gruoch - either as a conquered enemy widow or a widow of an ally and kinsman, depending on who was responsible for the murder. Both scenarios are entirely credible, knowing archaic medieval customs - nothing exculpatory can be concluded from the marriage, whereas the adoption of the stepson may be a weightier indication.