THE REAL MACBETH

In Scottish clans, tanistry was the system of succession that elected the worthiest member of eligible families as ruler. Unlike the feudal system of primogeniture, where the heir was the eldest son of the previous leader, it meant that no child could inherit. The chosen successor was therefore likely to be sufficiently mature, wise and ruthless to govern effectively.

Though it had its advantages, there was one major disadvantage. Those who thought they should have been selected had their noses put out of joint and often rebelled and tried to oust the new leader. So, the new overlord tended to