Constantine I of Scotland

Holy Martyr Constantine I of Scotland (in Gaelic Causantín mac Cináeda), born around 836, was king of the Picts and then of the Scots, from 862 until his death in 877. He was a son of Cináed mac Ailpín (Kenneth MacAlpin) and succeeded his uncle Domnall mac Ailpín, who died on 13 April 862. During his reign Viking raids from Ireland, Northumbria and northern Britain greatly increased; he died fighting one such invasion in 877 (other sources give 874), slain by the heathen. Because he fell in battle against the heathen, he was honoured as a martyr. He was buried on the island of Iona. He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 2 April (new style; 15 April in the old style).