Bruce's return
Bruce returned to the mainland in early 1307 and was more successful:
- In February 1307, he gathered support in his homeland of Carrick and defeated a small English force at Glen Trool.
- In May 1307, he defeated the main English force in Scotland, at Loudoun Hill.
- In July 1307, Edward I, travelling to Scotland to deal with Bruce, died near the Scottish border. His successor, King Edward II decided to return to England.
Scottish civil war
Bruce was now able to concentrate on strengthening his control over the Scottish nobles, many of whom still supported the Comyn claim to the throne. Bruce took actions which caused civil war:
- During the winter of 1307-1308, Bruce was fighting and capturing castles in the Great Glen.
- Spring 1308 – Bruce defeated the Earl of Buchan at the Battle of Inverurie.
- Summer 1308 – the HerschipHarrying: to ravage, as in war; devastate. of Buchan. Bruce punished his enemies by completely destroying their lands in the north-east.
- Autumn 1308 – defeat of the MacDougalls of Argyll at the Pass of Brander.
Neil Oliver describes Bruce's victories and illness in the video below.
In March 1309, Bruce held his first Parliament at St Andrews and the Scottish bishops officially announced their support for him as King in a document known as the Declaration of the Clergy.
By 1310, Bruce could concentrate on defeating the English, who were still in control of the south.