Kenneth II

10th century King of Alba (Scotland)

Cináeda mac Maíl Coluim (Modern Gaelic: Coinneach mac Mhaoil Chaluim; 26 February 932 — 25 April 995) often known as Kenneth II was the King of Scotland from 971 until his death in 995. He was the son of Malcolm I of Scotland (Maíl Coluim mac Domnail) and Bethoc. He was the younger brother of King Dub (Dub mac Maíl Coluim) ruled the kingdom from 962 until his death in 967.

Kenneth II
Posthumous painting by Jacob de Wet II, c. 1685
King of Scots
Reign2 June 971 — 25 April 995
Coronation23 June 971
PredecessorCulen (or Amlaíb, disputed)
SuccessorConstantine III
Born(932-02-26)26 February 932
Dunfermline, Scotland
Died25 April 995(995-04-25) (aged 63)
Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Burial
Iona Abbey, Iona, Scotland
Issue
HouseAlpin
FatherMalcolm I of Scotland
MotherBethoc
ReligionRoman Catholicism

For the first six years of his reign, Kenneth had a dispute with Amlaíb mac Illuilb, the younger brother and heir of of Kenneth's predecessor, Culen. Eventually in 977, Amlaíb died and the dispute between him and the king was over. It was said that Kenneth ordered the murder of Amlaíb. Kenneth would then rule the kingdom effectively until his death in 995 at the age of 63. He was succeded by Constantine III, the son of Kenneth's predecessor.