[2] Donald usurped the throne from his cousin, Giric in 889 who killed his uncle Àed Mac Cináeda(r. 877–879).

He continuously fought the Vikings in The North, winning victories but would be killed in 900 at War, possibly against King Harald Fairhair.

[3]It has been suggested that the attack on Dunnottar, rather than being a small raid by a handful of pirates, may be associated with the ravaging of Scotland attributed to Harald Fairhair in the Heimskringla.

[4] The Prophecy of Berchán places Donald's death at Dunnottar, but appears to attribute it to Gaels rather than Norsemen; other sources report he died at Forres.

Possible confirmation of this exists in the Chronicon Scotorum, where the death of "Ead, king of the Picts" in a battle against the Uí Ímair is reported in 904.