Scottish Independence Day
Description:
During the reign of King Alexander III, Scotland flourished economically and enjoyed relatively peaceful relations with its southern neighbour, England. The tragic death of the Scottish king and the absence of heirs revived all old problems and gave rise to new ones, which eventually led to the events known as the First War of Scottish Independence.
After the death of Alexander III in 1286 and his young daughter Margaret in 1289, many claimants to the Scottish crown included John Balliol and Robert Bruce the Elder. Both were descendants of Norman Knights William the Conqueror.
A letter was sent to Edward, the King of England, asking him to be the arbiter of the situation. Edward readily agreed. Reaffirming his feudal and military supremacy, the regents of Scotland allowed Edward to decide who would rule Scotland.
King Edward I of England conferred the crown on Balliol, although Bruce was one degree closer to the discontinued dynasty than Baliol. Edward wanted to dominate Scotland. If he could not become its king, then he could choose the most acceptable candidate. Tired of the offensive position, Balliol reneged on his oath of allegiance to Edward and opposed him.
In 1296, King Edward I of England deposed, imprisoned King John Balliol of Scotland and declared himself the direct ruler of Scotland. The resistance movement began in Scotland.
Robert Bruce, the grandson of the first claimant to the crown, a man of intelligence and courage, claimed the throne and defended Scottish independence. At a meeting of representatives of the Scottish noble families, held at Dumfries in February 1306, Robert the Bruce was unanimously proclaimed king.
Having expelled English officials from the country, he was crowned in Skåne on March 25, 1306. Edward I sent Eimer of Valenz to Scotland, who defeated Bruce's troops at Methwain. Many Scottish nobles died in this battle or were executed; Bruce’s daughter and wife fell into the hands of the British, and he himself was forced to seek refuge in one of the Hebrides.
A few years later, Bruce ventured with a small number of supporters to resume the fight, caused much harm to the British, but had to flee with his friends to the Carrick Mountains. Edward entered Scotland with a strong army, but only reached Carlyle, where he was caught dead in 1307.
Edward's son, Edward II, was weak and not warlike, and could not successfully fight against the brave Bruce and suffered a decisive defeat at Bannockburn on June 24, 1314.