Page "Picts" Paragraph 30

The later Mormaers are thought to have originated in Pictish times, and to have been copied from, or inspired by, Northumbrian usages.

It is unclear whether the Mormaers were originally former kings, royal officials, or local nobles, or some combination of these.

Likewise, the Pictish shires and thanages, traces of which are found in later times, are thought to have been adopted from their southern neighbours.