Siol Alpin

Siol Alpin (from Gaelic, Sìol Ailpein: Seed of Alpin) is a family of seven Scottish clans able to trace their descent from Alpin, father of Cináed mac Ailpín, King of the Picts, of whom the Scots tradition considered the first King of Scots. The seven clans that make up Siol Alpin are: Clan Grant, Clan Gregor, Clan MacAulay, Clan Macfie, Clan Mackinnon, Clan Macnab, and Clan MacQuarrie.

There are several historical examples that show the strength of the Siol Alpin tradition.

The Siol Alpin tradition was so strong in the clans Gregor and Grant that in the early part of the eighteenth century the two clans met at Blair Atholl to discuss re-uniting them. In the discussions, which lasted fourteen days, it was agreed that if the proscription against the surname MacGregor could be reversed then the new clan would take that name, otherwise MacAlpin of Grant would then be used. On the issue of the chiefship of the combined clan there was disagreement, and discussions eventually broke down. Though several Grants, including the Laird of Ballindalloch, "showed their loyalty to the ancient kinship by adding the MacGregor patronymic to their name".

On 27 May 1591 Aulay MacAulay of Ardincaple and Alasdair MacGregor of Glenstrae entered into a bond of manrent. In the bond the two chiefs promised to aid each other against anyone but the King. Also, Ardincaple acknowledged being a cadet of the House of MacGregor, and promised to pay the MacGregor chief his calp. (A calp was a tribute of cattle or the best eighth of a part of goods. The payment of the calp was a significant custom in Gaelic society; giving one's best animal to the person acknowledged as his Chief). A passage from the bond runs: "Alexander M'Gregor of Glenstray on the ane part and Awly M'Cawley of Ardingapill on the other part understanding ourselfs and our name to be M'Calppins of auld and to be our just and trew surname". From this statement Skene concluded that there was no doubt that the MacAulays claimed descent from Siol Alpin.

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