alan was born sometime before 1199. he was the eldest son of roland fitz uhtred, lord of galloway, and his wife, helen de morville. his parents were likely married before 1185, possibly at some point in the 1170s, since roland was compelled to hand over three sons as hostages to henry ii, king of england in 1186. roland and helen had three sons, and two daughters. the name of one of alan's brothers is unknown, suggesting that he died young. the other, thomas, became earl of atholl by right of his wife. one of alan's sisters, ada, married walter bisset, lord of aboyne. the other, dervorguilla, married nicholas de stuteville, lord of liddel.