David II of Scotland

The Wars of Independence were filled with conflicts such as land disputes and divided loyalties. During the second war there was lots of internal conflict regarding the division of lands. Some of the 'Disinherited' left Balliol in hopes of recovering their territories independently. This led to Bruce loyalists to hold successful campaigns against many of the 'Disinherited', including Strathbogie. Strathbogie may have either joined them through minor persuasion, or the threat of death. His defection led to the transfer of lands from Bruce loyalists, as well as the restoration of his lordship in the central Highlands. Strathbogie was appointed as King David II's lieutenant of that region by John Randolph.  

XS5 MS A001 MS-2

Grant by Alexander Menzies to his son Robert Menzies. Scotland, c. 1332-1338. In Latin. Ink on parchment. University of Guelph, Archival and Special Collections (XS5 MS A001 MS-2).

This charter was issued by Alexander Menzies, son of Robert Menzies, during the Second War of Scottish Independence. The document states that Alexander bestowed on his own son, Robert, the lands of Weem and Aberfeldy in the earldom of Atholl.

The charter makes mention of the earl of Atholl and the king but does not name them; such ambiguity suggests that the charter was written during the contested reign of Edward Balliol in the 1330s. The Menzies had fought for Robert the Bruce during the First War of Scottish Independence, while their overlords—the Strathbogies, earls of Atholl—had sided with John Balliol and later his son Edward. The Strathbogies were dispossessed of their lands after the war but returned with Edward’s army of disinherited Scottish nobles in 1331. The Bruce king, David II, fled to France, leaving his nobles leaderless. Thus, Alexander Menzies was caught in an awkward position when David de Strathbogie returned to Atholl. Menzies expressed his neutrality by referring to the earl and King Edward by their titles instead of their names.