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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> MacKinnon

MacKinnon Clan Tattoos - The Mackinnons, a branch of the great Siol Alpin, descendents of Kenneth Macalpin, are of royal descent from Fingon, grandson of Gregor. 'Fingon' in Gaelic means 'fair-born'. The clan slogan is 'Cumhnich Bas Alpin' ' Remember the death of Alpin'.

Alpin was slain by Bruch, King of the Picts, in 837. Findus, the fourth chief, brought Dunakin into the clan around 900 by marrying a Norse princess.

The Mackinnons on Arran gave shelter to Robert the Bruce during his time as a fugitive, helping him make his escape to Carrick. After the king's victory at Bannockburn they were rewarded with land on Skye.

The chiefs were then styled 'of Strathardale' and lived at Dunringall Castle. Dunakin passed to another branch of the family. A branch of the chiefly family became hereditary abbot of Iona. Fingon. son of Gilbride, was master of the household to the Lord of the Isles before becoming Abbott of Iona, the crucible of the Celtic church. Known as the Green Abbott, he was a powerful churchman, and lent encouragement to a rebellion against the Lord of the Isles for which his brother, Neil Gilbride's eldest son, was put to death. The last hereditary abbot was John Mackinnon, the ninth chief, who was also Bishop of the Isles. He died around 1500.

Clan MacKinnon Motto: Audentes Fortuna Juvat
From Latin: Fortune assists the daring

See also: Claddagh, Thistle Tattoos, Scottish Lion Tattoo Designs, Welsh Dragon Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Designs, Celtic Tattoo Designs, Family Crests