Malcolm III King of Scotland

Malcolm III, known as Máel Coluim mac Donnchada in Middle Irish and Maol Chaluim mac Dhonnchaidh in Scottish Gaelic, was King of Alba from 1058 to 1093. He was nicknamed 'Canmore', meaning 'big head' or 'great chief'. His reign lasted 35 years and preceded the Scoto-Norman age. Malcolm's kingdom did not cover all of modern Scotland, with Scandinavian territories in the north and various independent realms in the south.

Malcolm III was the son of Duncan I, who became king in 1034, and his mother was named Suthen. After Duncan's death in battle in 1040, Malcolm and his brother Donald were likely children. Malcolm's early life involved exile, possibly in England or at the court of Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Earl of Orkney. In 1057, Malcolm killed Macbeth, who had killed his father, and later defeated Macbeth's stepson Lulach to become king.

Malcolm III married twice, first to Ingibiorg Finnsdottir and later to Margaret of Wessex, who was later canonised as a saint. His marriage to Margaret produced several children, including future kings Edgar, Alexander I, and David I. Malcolm's marriage alliances connected him to English nobility, as his daughters married into prominent English families.

Throughout his reign, Malcolm III led multiple invasions into English territory. His relationship with England involved both conflict and diplomacy. In 1072, he acknowledged the overlordship of William of Normandy, but continued to raid Northumbria. His reign involved warfare and political maneuvering with both English and Scandinavian powers.

Malcolm III sought to secure his dynasty's future. He provided refuge to English exiles, including Edgar Ætheling, and married Margaret, strengthening ties with the English royal family. His children with Margaret were given names reflecting their English heritage, signaling political intentions.

Malcolm III's later years involved further conflicts with England, particularly with William Rufus. In 1091, he besieged Newcastle, and in 1093, he traveled to Gloucester to negotiate with William Rufus, which ended unsuccessfully. This led to another invasion of Northumbria, which was harshly executed.

Malcolm III died on 13 November 1093 near Alnwick, Northumberland, during an ambush by Robert de Mowbray. He was initially buried at Tynemouth Priory and later reburied at Dunfermline Abbey. He was succeeded by his brother, Donald III.