Scottish Kings: 13 Famous Monarchs of Scotland and why we remember them to this day
From Shakespearean villains to national heroes, peacemakers to warmongers, there have been many Scottish monarchs with unique legacies; some more infamous than others.
Scotland only emerged as the land we know it as today over the course of many centuries with all sorts of fascinating ancestry like the Picts, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, Gaels and Britons, influencing the fabric of our culture.
For this reason, when discussing Scottish kings, it is important to acknowledge the historical nuances in terms of what constituted ‘Scotland’ or even a ‘King’ as some famous Scottish monarchs were more like tribal chiefs.
Traditionally, our kings were crowned in a ceremony involving the legendary Stone of Destiny at Scone Palace. However, it was taken to England by King Edward I and used for the coronation of English monarchs for 700 years before being returned to Scotland in 1996 (inspiring the 2008 film.)
Here are 13 Scottish kings and why we remember them even to this day.
Traditionally, our kings were crowned in a ceremony involving the legendary Stone of Destiny at Scone Palace. However, it was taken to England by King Edward I and used for the coronation of English monarchs for 700 years before being returned to Scotland in 1996 (inspiring the 2008 film.)
9. William I: Known as ‘Garbh’ i.e., the Rough King (1165 - 1214)
Also known as William the Lion for his flag of a red lion rampant (the Royal Banner of Scotland’s symbol) he reigned for an impressive 48 years. William, unlike his pious siblings, was known as a ferocious and headstrong warrior hence his nickname ‘Garbh’ meaning ‘rough’ in Gaelic. He had a poor relationship with King Henry II of England which led him to create the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France. However, when captured by English forces in 1174, he later signed the Treaty of Falaise which acknowledged England’s dominion over Scotland. However, after arguing with Pope Alexander III, he secured a deal that meant Scottish churches only answered to Rome - undermining England’s authority. Photo: via WikiCommons
10. Alexander III: Liberator of the Scottish Isles (1249 - 86)
After the death of his father, Alexander III emerged to Scotland’s throne at only 7 years old. He was married to Margaret of England (King Henry III’s daughter) when he was just 10, but despite being small in stature initially he emerged into a powerful king. By 1262, he carried on his father’s legacy in claiming the Western Isles and attempted to negotiate with King Haakon IV of Norway who denied his appeal and died when he later attempted an invasion. His successor, King Magnus VI, signed the Treaty of Perth with Alexander III which restored sovereignty over the Western Isles and the Isle of Man to Scotland. However, both his wife and three children died before they could be crowned which tragically plunged Scotland into a succession crisis upon his death. Photo: via WikiCommons
11. Robert the Bruce: Hero of Scotland (1306 - 29)
Famously known as Robert the Bruce or even the ‘Outlaw King’ (the Netflix original film), he is one of Scotland’s most legendary warriors. During a time of kinglessness - Robert (and William Wallace) stepped up as a Guardian of Scotland. As the fourth great-grandson of King David I, he was crowned as King Robert I in 1306. That year, the English defeated his forces at Methven which forced Robert to enter hiding. A year later at Loudoun Hill, Robert battled the new English king and won. Then, he and his forces were victorious at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314) despite being hugely outnumbered. This established Robert as the king of an independent Scotland which led to the creation of the Declaration of Arbroath. Photo: via Creazilla
Known as “Fiery Face” for a large birthmark on his face, James II took the throne at age 6 following the assassination of King James I. As he emerged into adulthood he struggled to control Scotland as rival clans like the Livingstons and Douglases (who were previously ruling the country) were wrapped up in a lethal conflict. Despite this, James was known to travel the country on diplomatic missions to contact areas that had not been addressed by the monarch for years. He gained a reputation for conversing with common folk, even ‘lowly’ peasants. In 1460, when attempting to besiege Roxburgh Castle, he stood too close to a cannon and when it exploded he was killed instantly, ending the legacy of Fiery Face by fire. Photo: National Library of Scotland via Picryl