Page "Robert II of Scotland" Paragraph 2

Edward Balliol, son of King John Balliol, assisted by the English and Scottish nobles disinherited by Robert I, invaded Scotland inflicting heavy defeats on the Bruce party on 11 August 1332 at Dupplin Moor and then again at Halidon Hill on 10 July 1333.

Robert fought at Halidon, where his uncle and former guardian, Sir James Stewart, was killed.

Following this battle, Robert's lands in the west were given by Balliol to his supporter David Strathbogie, the titular Earl of Atholl.

Robert took refuge in the fortress of Dumbarton Castle in the Clyde estuary to join his uncle, King David.

In May 1334 David escaped to France leaving Robert and John Randolph, Earl of Moray as joint Guardians of the kingdom.

Robert succeeded in regaining his lands but following Randolph's capture by the English in July 1335, his possessions were once again targeted by the forces of Balliol and King Edward of England.

This may have persuaded Robert to submit to Balliol and the English king and may explain his removal as Guardian by September 1335.

The Guardianship transferred to Sir Andrew Murray of Bothwell but following his death in 1338 Robert was re-appointed and retained the office until King David returned from France in June 1341.

Robert accompanied David into battle at Neville's Cross on 17 October 1346 but he and Patrick Dunbar, Earl of March escaped or fled the field and David was taken prisoner.

In October 1357, the king was ransomed for 100, 000 merks to be paid in installments over ten years.