Portrait of Kenneth MacAlpin, by Jacob de Wet II circa 1684-1686
848 - 858

Kenneth I

Kenneth I, also known as Cináed mac Ailpín, reigned from approximately 848 to 858 CE and is a pivotal figure in Scottish history, often credited with uniting the kingdoms of the Picts and the Scots to form the nascent Kingdom of Alba. While the specifics of his rule are derived from later medieval chronicles, which occasionally present conflicting accounts, Kenneth's legacy is undeniably foundational in Scotland's history, symbolizing the early steps toward the formation of the Scottish nation and the merging of Pictish and Gaelic cultures.