Famous Scottish Emperors & Kings

David I of Scotland was a 12th-century ruler and saint, initially Prince of the Cumbrians and later King of Scotland. He spent his childhood in Scotland but was influenced by King Henry I of England. Upon his brother's death, he seized the Scottish throne with Henry's support. David engaged in warfare to solidify his rule, expanding his kingdom's control. He supported Empress Matilda's claim to the English throne, leading to conflict with King Stephen. His reign saw significant changes, including the establishment of burghs, monasteries, and the introduction of feudalism.

Robert II of Scotland became King of Scots in 1371 after the death of his uncle David II. He faced challenges from Edward Balliol and the English, leading to periods of conflict and submission. Robert married twice, legitimizing his children. He rebelled against King David in 1363 but later submitted. During his reign, he focused on reclaiming English-held territories and ensuring Scotland's inclusion in the Anglo-French truce of 1384. His rule saw internal struggles for power within his family, ultimately leading to his loss of control over the country.

David II of Scotland ascended to the throne at a young age and faced challenges during his reign, including invasions by England and a defeat in battle which led to his capture and imprisonment. Despite spending periods in exile and captivity, he managed to maintain his kingdom, reform the government, and leave a strong monarchy. David's efforts to secure the succession of his throne were met with opposition, and he ultimately died childless after a lengthy reign, succeeded by his nephew Robert II.

James II of Scotland became King at the age of six after the assassination of his father, James I. His coronation marked the first time a Scottish monarch wasn't crowned at Scone. Throughout his reign, he faced challenges in maintaining control of his kingdom. His professional life was marked by a constant struggle to assert his authority and deal with internal conflicts. Unfortunately, his reign was cut short when he was killed by an exploding cannon at Roxburgh Castle in 1460.

Robert III of Scotland held various titles before ascending the throne at the age of 53. He played a key role in governance, being appointed the king's lieutenant in 1384. His administration saw a renewal of conflict with England, resulting in the Scots' victory at the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. Despite facing challenges, he became King of Scots in 1390 but lacked direct ruling authority. His reign was marked by power struggles within the royal family, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from affairs of state before his death in 1406.

James III of Scotland inherited the throne as a child and faced a tumultuous reign marked by struggles for power, ineffective governance, and unpopular policies. He was criticized for unrealistic ambitions of territorial expansion, debasing the coinage, and favoring low-born favorites. His reign saw Scotland's territorial extent increase, but he faced rebellions, including an attempted usurpation by his brother. James III's artistic legacy was modest, with patronage of painters and musicians, realistic portrait coins, the Trinity Altarpiece, and the King's Chapel at Restalrig before his death in battle.

Alexander III of Scotland reigned as King of Alba from 1249 until his passing. Notable for his role in finalizing the Treaty of Perth, he secured Scotland's control over the Western Isles and the Isle of Man. His legacy was marked by his efforts to strengthen Scotland's sovereignty and territorial holdings, establishing a foundation for future rulers to build upon. Despite facing challenges such as the death of his designated heir before her coronation, Alexander III's professional life was characterized by his dedication to advancing Scotland's interests and power.

James IV of Scotland, a successful Stewart monarch, focused on expanding the Scottish navy, establishing royal dockyards, and building the largest warship of its time. He patronized the arts, promoted education, and advanced the fields of law, literature, and science. Under his rule, royal income doubled, church control was strengthened, and the last independent Lord of the Isles was subdued. James improved relations with other European powers, received the title of Protector of the Faith, and aspired to lead a naval crusade against the Ottoman Empire. His reign ended tragically in battle against English forces.

Malcolm III of Scotland, also known as Malcolm Canmore, was a strategic and long-reigning king of Alba (Scotland). He pursued stability through strategic marriages, forming alliances with regional dynasties. His reign saw him as the High King of Scotland, contending with rival kings and mormaers of Moray. Malcolm's foresight in securing his lineage through his daughters contributed to the succession of his grandson, Duncan I of Scotland, and possibly Macbeth, King of Scotland, whose story inspired Shakespeare's renowned play.

James V of Scotland greatly increased his income by tightening control over royal estates, justice profits, customs, and feudal rights. He founded the College of Justice in 1532, ended lawlessness in the Borders and the Hebrides, and secured advantageous French marriages. He witnessed the beginnings of Protestantism in Scotland, exploiting Henry VIII’s break with Rome. He maintained diplomatic correspondence with Irish nobles and chiefs. A patron of the arts, he spent lavishly on royal residences, but was described as vindictive and paranoid towards nobility.

Robert the Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. He led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England, successfully restoring Scotland as an independent kingdom. Bruce supported his family's claim to the Scottish throne and participated in William Wallace's revolt. After seizing the throne in 1306, he defeated English forces in battles such as Bannockburn, solidifying Scotland's independence. Bruce's military victories and alliances with France strengthened Scotland's position against English dominance.

Charles II was King of Scotland from 1649-1651 and King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from the 1660 Restoration until his death in 1685. He spent years in exile following Cromwell's defeat of him in 1651. The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 saw him return to Britain. His reign saw the enactment of the Clarendon Code to support the Church of England, involvement in the Second Anglo-Dutch War, and alliances with France. He faced religious conflicts, including the Exclusion Crisis, and dissolved Parliament in 1681.

Macbeth of Scotland ruled as King of Alba from 1040 to 1057. He became Mormaer (Earl) of Moray in 1032, likely after the death of the previous mormaer. Macbeth married the widow of the former mormaer and later became King of Alba after defeating Duncan I in battle. His 17-year reign was relatively peaceful, with the exception of an English invasion in 1054. Macbeth was killed in battle in 1057 by forces loyal to Malcolm III.

Kenneth MacAlpin was a significant figure in medieval Gaelic history, serving as King of Dál Riada and later King of the Picts. Known for his military conquests and campaigns to unite Scotland, he earned the nickname "The Conqueror" for his efforts in assimilating the Picts and fighting against the Britons and Vikings. Establishing Forteviot as his capital, he played a crucial role in the foundation of Scotland, also being attributed as the first Scottish lawgiver, although specific laws enacted during his reign remain undocumented.

James I of Scotland was King of Scots from 1406 until his assassination in 1437. He was educated in England during his imprisonment and developed respect for English governance. James participated in military campaigns in France alongside Henry V of England. Upon his return to Scotland, he faced resistance due to his service to England. He aimed to impose law and order on his subjects and launched pre-emptive attacks on nobles to secure his position. His reign saw conflicts with noble families and betrayals that ultimately led to his assassination.

Kenneth II, also known as An Fionnghalach, was the King of Alba (Scotland) from 971 to 995. He succeeded King Cuilén after Cuilén's death in 971. Kenneth II's reign was marked by political turmoil and conflicts, earning him the nickname "The Fratricidal." He faced challenges from various factions within his kingdom, including Rhydderch ap Dyfnwal. Despite these challenges, Kenneth II maintained his rule over Alba for nearly 24 years until his own death in 995.

Edward Bruce was a key figure in the Scottish struggle for the crown, supporting his brother Robert the Bruce. He later turned his attention to Ireland, where he asserted his own claims. Proclaimed High King of Ireland in 1315, he was crowned in 1316. However, his ambitions were thwarted when he was defeated and killed by Anglo-Irish forces at the Battle of Faughart in County Louth in 1318. Edward Bruce's professional life was marked by his endeavors to secure power and authority in both Scotland and Ireland.

Duncan I of Scotland ruled as king from 1034 to 1040. He faced challenges in maintaining power and faced rebellions from various nobles. Duncan's reign was marked by conflicts with Macbeth, his cousin and rival, which ultimately led to his downfall. His reign is known for its political instability and internal strife. Duncan's story has been immortalized in literature, particularly as the character "King Duncan" in Shakespeare's play Macbeth.

William III was the sovereign Prince of Orange and Stadtholder of several provinces in the Dutch Republic in the 1670s. He also served as King of England, Ireland, and Scotland from 1689 until his death in 1702, ruling alongside his wife, Queen Mary II. A Protestant, William engaged in wars against the Catholic French ruler Louis XIV and was revered by many Protestants as a champion of their faith. His invasion of England during the Glorious Revolution led to his ascension to power.

Duncan II of Scotland ruled as King of Alba, succeeding his father Malcolm III. During his reign, he faced internal challenges from rival claimants to the throne, leading to a period of instability and conflict. Duncan II also had to contend with external threats, particularly from the Norse-controlled regions in the north. Despite efforts to maintain his position as king, Duncan II's reign was marked by political turmoil and ultimately ended in his death, leaving a legacy of a troubled and tumultuous rule.

Alexander I of Scotland was the King of Alba from 1107 until his death. He succeeded his brother, King Edgar, and was succeeded by his brother David. During his reign, he worked to consolidate his kingdom's borders and maintain its independence. He faced challenges from neighboring rulers but managed to maintain stability within his realm. Alexander I also established diplomatic relations with England and the Norman rulers, seeking to secure alliances and promote trade.

Malcolm IV, known as the Maiden, ruled Scotland from 1153 until his death. He succeeded his grandfather David I and shared David's Anglo-Norman preferences. Despite being called the Maiden, he was recognized for his religious devotion, passion for knighthood, and military pursuits. Throughout his reign, Malcolm faced health challenges, impacting his ability to govern effectively. He passed away at a young age of twenty-four, leaving a legacy of dedication to his beliefs and interests in warfare and chivalry.

Lulach was crowned as King of Alba following the death of Macbeth, ruling for a brief period before being assassinated and overthrown by Malcolm III. His reign was marked by weakness and his nicknames, "the Unfortunate" and "the Simple-minded," reflect this perception. Lulach's professional life is further explored in various works of literature and drama, where he is portrayed as a seer, a hunted threat to peace, and a Scottish warrior. These adaptations provide different perspectives on his role and legacy in Scottish history.

Malcolm I of Scotland ascended to the throne after his cousin Constantine II decided to become a monk. Prior to becoming king, Malcolm likely gained experience and knowledge in ruling through his interactions within the royal court. As king, he would have been responsible for overseeing the governance of Alba, including matters of law, diplomacy, and military affairs. His reign would have involved engaging with other rulers, managing internal conflicts, and making decisions that would impact the kingdom's stability and prosperity.

Áedán mac Gabráin was a king of Dál Riata from c. 574 until c. 609 AD. He engaged in campaigns against his neighbors in Ireland and northern Britain, including expeditions to the Orkney Islands, Isle of Man, and east coast of Scotland. Notably, he suffered a decisive defeat by Æthelfrith of Bernicia at the Battle of Degsastan, possibly leading to his deposition or abdication. A contemporary of Saint Columba, Áedán's professional life is documented in hagiography and Irish annals, highlighting his military engagements and political challenges.

Kenneth III of Scotland, also known as An Donn, was King of Alba from 997 to 1005. During his reign, he faced internal challenges due to competing claims and power struggles within the Scottish monarchy. His rule was marked by attempts to consolidate power and maintain stability within the kingdom. Kenneth III's leadership was characterized by his efforts to assert his authority and navigate complex political dynamics to ensure the security and prosperity of Scotland during a tumultuous period in its history.

Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll, was a Scottish peer who played a significant role in Scottish and English politics during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He sought to regain his family's estates and supported William and Mary in their quest for the throne, earning favor and appointments from the monarchs. Campbell was a Privy Councillor, William's chief Scottish advisor, and a lord of the treasury. He was also the colonel-in-chief of a regiment involved in the Glen Coe massacre and was later created a duke.

John Stewart, 2nd Duke of Albany, was a prominent figure in the political landscape of Scotland and France. As regent of the Kingdom of Scotland, he wielded significant power and influence, overseeing the governance of the realm during a crucial period. In addition to his role in Scotland, he also held titles in France, serving as the count of Auvergne and Lauraguais. His professional life was marked by strategic alliances, diplomatic maneuvers, and efforts to maintain stability and control in both countries.

Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, was a Scottish prince who had a tumultuous professional life. He fell out with his brother, King James III, and sought help in France. He attempted to gain control of Scotland with the support of the English army, but faced opposition from Scottish lords. His second invasion, without English backing, was unsuccessful. Ultimately, he died in a duel with Louis XII of France, Duke of Orléans, ending his ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to seize power.

Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, was a powerful figure in Scottish politics, serving as regent to three monarchs. Known for his ruthless tactics, he was believed to have been involved in the murder of his nephew. During his time as regent, he effectively ruled Scotland while his nephew was held captive in England. His reign was marked by controversy and political intrigue, ultimately leading to the downfall of his family when his son was executed for treason upon the return of the rightful king.