http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crínán_of_DunkeldCrínán of Dunkeld was the
lay abbot of the diocese of
Dunkeld, and perhaps the
Mormaer of Atholl. Crínán was progenitor of the
House of Dunkeld, the dynasty who would rule Scotland until the later 13th century.
Crinán was married to
Bethoc, daughter of King
Malcolm II of Scotland . As Malcolm II had no son, the strongest hereditary claim to the Scottish throne descended through Bethóc, and Crinán's eldest son
Donnchad I , became King of Scots. Some sources indicate that Malcolm II designated Duncan as his successor under the rules of
tanistry because there were other possible claimants to the throne.
Crinán's second son, Maldred of Allerdale, held the title of Lord of Cumbria. It is said that from him, the
Earls of Dunbar, for example
Patrick Dunbar, 9th Earl of Dunbar, descend in unbroken male line.
Crinán was killed in battle in 1045 at Dunkeld.