List of Known Abbots
Dunkeld abbey was an offshoot of Iona, perhaps founded in the early 9th century, in the reign of Caustantín mac Fergusa, King of the Picts. It is not clear when its abbots got independence from the Abbots of Iona, but a notable event is the alleged transfer of the relics Columba to Dunkeld during the reign of the Scoto-Pictish king Cináed mac Ailpín. Its abbots, like many Gaelic abbots of the period, took a strong role in secular affairs, hence the term "lay abbot". The following is a list of known abbots of Dunkeld; the list is not exhaustive.
| Tenure | Incumbent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Túathal of Dunkeld | ||
| Flaithbertach of Dunkeld | ||
| Dúnchad of Dunkeld | ||
| Crínán of Dunkeld | ||
| Ethelred of Scotland |
While it is true that medieval churchmen took an active part in secular affairs (some fought in battles), that didn't make them in any sense "lay." They were still consecrated bishops or abbotts. A "lay abbott" was the secular lord of the abbey's lands. Since an abbey's property was often extensive, it was lucrative plum. Medieval monarchs enjoyed considerable authority over the church, and doubtless these positions were awarded to royal favorites.
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