Gille Críst, Earl of Menteith

Who was Gille Críst, Earl of Menteith?

Gille Críst is the first known Mormaer of Menteith, but almost certainly not actually the first. He is named in a charter of King Máel Coluim IV, dated to 1164, regarding the restoration of Scone Priory, which had recently been destroyed by fire. He appears again in a charter of King William the Lion, dated 1175x1178, as one of the witnesses to a grant of privileges to the newly established burgh of Glasgow.

Gille Críst had two known sons, Muireadhach Mór and Muireadhach Óg. He also had a daughter, Éua, who married Ailín II, Earl of Lennox.

Gille Críst had died by 1189x1198, when Muireadhach Mór appears as Mormaer for the first time.