Unification of the North : the ethno-cultural groups in the unification of Scotland 800A.D to 1000A.D

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to synthesise Scotland's unification, with a specific focus on the ethnic/cultural dimension of this process. Five main groups will be discussed during this work, roughly split into two main groups. Firstly, those cultures considered ‘native’ to the island, the Picts and the Britons. Secondly, those considered to be later migratory groups who came to the North from foreign lands, these being the Gaels from Ireland, the Angles from Germany/Denmark and the Norse from Scandinavia. The analysis will comprise the various factors that led to unification, such as the rise of Gaelic culture and eventual supremacy during early medieval Scottish history, and Celtic Christianity and its significant role in unifying the different ethnic groups into the formation of one identity. As well as two key figures. The first was King Kenneth MacAlpin, a man who according to some was one of the forefathers of the kingdom of Scotland. The second is King Constantine II, a king who is often overshadowed by other kings in the country’s history. Yet the importance of this man’s reign cannot be understated. He reigned as king of Alba for 40 years, a remarkably long span of time considering the violence of his era, especially considering the popularity of Regicide at the time.