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Home » Early monarchs » King Duncan I, king of Scots: a short biography

King Duncan I, king of Scots: a short biography

Duncan I (Donnachad ua MaÍl Choluim) king of Scots was born c.1001, and following the death of Malcolm II, ruled between 1034 and 1040.

He was the son of Crinán, Abbot of Dunkeld and Bethóc, the daughter of Malcolm II.  He married a cousin (unnamed) of Sirward ,Earl of Northumbria and had three sons.


Duncan I (Donnachad ua MaÍl Choluim) king of Scots was born c.1001, and following the death of Malcolm II, ruled between 1034 and 1040.

St Oran's Chapel, Iona
Was Duncan I buried on Iona?

He was the son of Crinán, Abbot of Dunkeld and Bethóc, the daughter of Malcolm II.  He married a cousin (unnamed) of Sirward Earl of Northumbria and had three sons.

King of Strathclyde

Duncan was also installed, after the death of King Owain c.1018, as King of Strathclyde.

Following a devastating attack on Strathclyde by Earl Eadulf of Northumbria in 1038 Duncan responded by invading northern England and besieging Durham. It was an unsuccessful venture resulting in an overwhelming victory for the defenders of Durham.

Campaign against Macbeth

In 1040, Duncan was focused on campaigning the north against Macbeth the ruler of Moray. Again he was unsuccessful and was killed in battle at Pitgavney near Elgin. 

Following his death, he was succeeded by Macbeth. Some sources say he was buried on the Island of Iona.

  • King Duncan II (r. 1094)
  • King Malcolm II (r. 1005-1034)

The British royal family – more information

If your interest in British royalty goes beyond Scotland’s earliest kings and queens, see the official British Monarchy website for lots of additional information.


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