King Alexander III, King of Scots

On the death of his father Alexander II in 1249, he ascended the throne as King Alexander III at the age of seven. Alexander’s III minority was marked by an intense struggle between two parties, one favourable to England and the other against. In 1255 the pro-English party led by Alan Durward; Justiciar of Scotia won out briefly. In 1257 this was reversed when the party led by Walter Comyn, Earl of Menteith restored their control of Scotland. A situation which prevailed until Alexander himself assumed control in 1262 at the age of 21.

 

                          Alexander III and the Western Isles    

Determined to pursue his father’s claim on the Western Isles Alexander III claimed the islands from the King of Norway, Haakon IV. The Norwegian king promptly rejected the claim outright and by way of reply in 1263 prepared a large naval expedition to confront Alexander III. Anchoring off the island of Arran King Haakon began the negotiations with the Scottish king only to see them dragged out until the autumn. Eventually the powerful Norwegian fleet was severely damaged by storms and an indecisive engagement known as the Battle of Largs in October 1263 forced Haakon IV to return home. He died on the Orkney Islands in December of the same year. In 1266 Haakon’s successor King Magnus VI in the Treaty of Perth ceded the Western Isles (Hebrides) and the Isle of Man to Alexander III in return for an annual cash payment. Norway continued to control the Northern Isles whilst the chief of the Macdonald clan was given the title ‘Lord of the Isles’ and control of the Western Isles.

 

                                             Government

Alexander III’s reign was later seen as a golden age when compared to the turmoil which followed his death in 1286. The period was marked by prosperity and increased trade with Europe particularly in high quality wool. The economic developments with burghs and the general economy continued as did the developments in law and governance.