Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 32 on 13/04/2007.

This article is 14 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

The Scottish King (Macbeth)

Mark Nicholls sets off on the trail of the ancient Scottish king, Macbeth, to discover his true character

Macbeth is one of the greatest and most mysterious characters in Scottish history; his reign shrouded in myth, folklore and misinformation.

As an 11th century Scottish king, his reign was relatively long at 17 years, but his achievements and deeds have been tarnished by the pen of the greatest of all English playwrights, William Shakespeare, in his ‘Scottish Play’.

Admirers of Richard III (1483-85) of England know only too well what impact the pen of Shakespeare had on transforming historical fact. Yet it is with Macbeth, and all the theatrical superstitions that now accompany the play, that the Scottish king’s reputation has been rewritten, despite the efforts of historians to convince people otherwise.

But who was Macbeth? When did he reign, and was he the tyrant that theatrical history has created?

His full name was Mac Bethad mac Findlaich and he was born in what is now Dingwall in 1005. His father was Finlay, the Mormaer – High Steward and Earl – of Moray. His mother is believed to have been Donada, who was the second daughter of Malcolm II, who was King of Scots between 1005 and 1034.

Dingwall lies north of the Highland capital, Inverness, and owes its name to Norwegian Vikings who ruled northern Scotland from about the end of the ninth century. It has a long history, much of it told via the Dingwall Heritage Trail that can be walked within 90 minutes taking in Dingwall Townhouse, memorials, churches and the Castle Doocot.

Finlay died in 1020, but it was not until.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Scotland Magazine to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By Mark Nicholls

Section : Scottish Legends

Page number : 64