Alexander III

Alexander III, known as Alasdair mac Alasdair, reigned as King of Scotland from 1249 to 1286. Succeeding his father, Alexander II, at a young age, his reign is often considered a period of relative peace and prosperity for Scotland. He successfully asserted Scotland's independence from England, especially after his decisive victory at the Battle of Largs in 1263 against the Norse, leading to the Treaty of Perth which secured the Western Isles for Scotland. Under his rule, Scotland enjoyed internal stability, and the kingdom's defined borders with England were largely respected. However, Alexander III's reign ended tragically with his accidental death, leaving no direct male heir. His passing set the stage for the subsequent succession crisis and the eventual Wars of Scottish Independence.