The Notable Figures of Clan Stewart in Scotland's History

The Stewarts, who later became the rulers of Scotland, descended from a family that served as stewards in Dol, Brittany, France. After the Norman invasion of England, this family acquired land and titles in England under the name FitzAlan, which included the Earldom of Arundel. Walter Flaad, also known as Walter Fitz Alan, was a prominent figure who relocated to Scotland when David I aimed to solidify his reign. Their stewardship led to the adoption of the surname Stewart. Walter was granted the title of High Steward of Scotland and vast estates in Renfrewshire and East Lothian. He played a crucial role as a military leader in the royal forces during the Battle of Renfrew in 1164, where they triumphed over Somerled of the Isles, an ancestor of Clan Donald.

James IV (reign 1473-1513) is noted for advancements such as introducing the first printing press in 1507, founding Aberdeen University, and establishing a permanent Court of Sessions. In 1502, James IV united Scotland and England through his marriage to Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII. James IV and his son Alexander died in the Battle of Flodden, causing heavy losses among the Scottish nobility. The male line ended after James V's death but continued through Mary, Queen of Scots, and her marriage to Henry Darnley, a Stewart descendant. James VI, born in 1566, became King of Scotland as a one-year-old after Queen Mary's abdication in 1567.

Many of the fourteen Stewart monarchs from 1371 to 1714 faced violence, exile, or childhood reigns. The early Stewarts were seen as a noble family who rose to power through marriage and engaged closely with their people. In 1807, Prince Henry, the last male of the Royal Stewarts, died, leaving King George III with royal heirlooms, including the Scottish Coronation Ring. George III claimed the Stewarts' right to the throne. When Queen Victoria became queen, she asserted her claim as a representative of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Though no direct male Stewart descendants exist, James VI's daughter, Elizabeth, connects the current British royal family to the Stewarts. Today, Prince Charles holds the ancient titles "Prince and Steward of Scotland" and "Lord of the Isles," continuing the Stewart legacy.

Walter FitzAlan served as a reliable and trusted counselor to King David I and his successor, King Malcolm IV, in Scotland. As the individual initiating the Stewart dynasty, he secured and enhanced the family's regional reputation and authority. He held the title of High Steward of Scotland, which was a hereditary position that established a legacy for the future monarchs of the Stewart line. Walter's contributions to military leadership and administrative affairs played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and strength of the Scottish kingdom during his era.

Robert II (born March 2, 1316—died April 19, 1390) reigned as King of Scots from 1371 until his death in 1390. He was the son of Walter Stewart, the 6th High Steward of Scotland, and Marjorie, King Robert the Bruce's daughter, making him the House of Stewart's inaugural king. Robert ascended to the throne following the death of his uncle, David II. Beginning his reign in 1371, Robert founded the Royal House of Stewart and worked to ensure Scotland's independence through strategic alliances. In 1373, he secured the future stability of the Stewart lineage by having Parliament establish rules regarding succession.

Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany (1362 – May 24, 1425), was a prominent Scottish noble, the offspring of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, and the grandson of King Robert II of Scotland, who initiated the Stewart dynasty. In 1389, he became the Justiciar for north of the Forth River. He was captured during the Battle of Homildon Hill in 1402 and imprisoned in England for 12 years. Following his father's death in 1420 and while King James I of Scotland remained captive in England, Stewart took on the role of Governor of Scotland until 1424, when James was finally ransomed and returned home. 

Alexander Stewart, who lived approximately from 1375 to 1435, was a prominent nobleman in Scotland and held the title of Earl of Mar starting in 1404. He obtained this earldom by marrying the hereditary countess, which allowed him to gain control over the region. Stewart effectively governed the northern areas of Scotland during his time. Notably, he was an accomplished military commander who demonstrated his strength and leadership in the north of the Highlands, particularly highlighted by his victory at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. In this significant battle, he led troops loyal to the Scottish crown in opposition to Donald, Lord of the Isles, successfully thwarting a significant invasion into central Scotland.

John Stewart, the Earl of Buchan (circa 1381 – August 17, 1424), was a Scottish noble and soldier who allied with France during the Hundred Years War. In 1419, his father, the Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland, sent him with an army of 6,000 Scots to France. Stewart commanded the Franco-Scottish forces at the Battle of Baugé on March 21, 1421, where he decisively defeated an English army led by Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence. However, in 1423, Stewart was defeated and captured by an English contingent commanded by Thomas Montacute, the 4th Earl of Salisbury, at the Battle of Cravant.