On 22nd of January 1371 Robert II was crowned King of Scots.

The son of Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland, and Marjorie, daughter of King Robert the Bruce, he was the first monarch of the House of Stewart. Upon the death of his uncle David II, Robert succeeded to the throne and reigned until his own death in 1390.

Robert II was also known as Robert The Steward and was born on March 2nd 1316. The previous monarch, David II was imprisoned for some of his reign in England. During this period Robert was jointly ruling Scotland with John Randolph the Earl of Moray, and also as sole regent.

He married Elizabeth Muir in 1348 with whom he had 4 sons and 5 daughters. He also married Euphemia Ross in 1355 and they had 2 sons and 2 daughters. In addition to these children he had many who were illegitimate.

Robert II died at Dundonald Castle at the age of 74. In his latter years Scotland had been ruled by one of his sons who was to be later crowned Robert III.

To say this time in Scotland’s history was ‘lively’ is an understatement, with rivalries with competing families and having to pay a ransom for the return of David II from the English King. It is a period which could do with much more research.