Robert III, 1390-1406

Robert had the misfortune to be born ten years before his father and mother married. In a curious twist, perhaps through a sign of affection for his father but more readily through superstition, he was baptised John but ruled as Robert.

Robert III came to the throne at the age of 53 and faced the menace of the Highlanders who were not beyond ravaging the lowland areas of Scotland. He handed the effective regency over to his brother in the capacity of guardian against these clans. He entitled his brother 'Duke of Albany. At the same time he created his own son the Duke of Rothesay.

The Duke of Rothesay was killed in suspicious circumstances after a quarrel with the Duke of Albany following an invasion of Scotland by Henry IV of England. This left Robert's one remaining son, James, as the heir to the throne. It is said that the shock of the news that James had been captured by the English whilst on route to France contributed to the death of Robert in 1406.

He had been married just once, for 34 years to Annabella, daughter of Sir John Drummond. The couple had six children; David, Robert, James, Margaret, Mary, Elizabeth and Egidia.