Interregnum

After the House of Dunkeld, the Scottish throne encountered a period of instability and conflict, generally referred to as the Scottish Interregnum (1286–1292), due to the lack of a clear heir.

The Scottish Interregnum ended with the ascension of John Balliol to the Scottish throne. His ascension was the result of the decision made by the Guardians of Scotland and the arbiters appointed by Edward I of England, after a process known as the “Great Cause,” where multiple claimants to the Scottish throne presented their cases. John Balliol was crowned King of Scotland on November 30, 1292. However, his reign was short-lived and tumultuous, primarily due to the overlordship Edward I attempted to enforce over Scotland and John, which eventually led to the Wars of Scottish Independence.